Requirements

The “Agri-youth project”, currently implemented by ALPHA, consists of the creation of an environmental awareness and education center in Wadi el Karm village in the Matn area of Mount Lebanon. The project that started in November 2022 and extends over a period of three years, revolves around several main activities geared toward environmental sustainability: the rehabilitation of a building into a youth hostel according to ecological norms; the creation of an ecological garden, a biodiversity trail, leisure and camping areas, and the capacity development of a group of youth through trainings and internships that will enable them to manage the center at a later time. Once ready, the center will host individuals and groups from socially vulnerable backgrounds, who will have the opportunity to improve their psychological well-being through nature connectedness, whilst learning about the environment and the importance of eco citizenship

 

GLOBAL OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION

Under the responsibility of ALPHA Association management, the Project Director will be responsible for the management of the AGRI-YOUTH project and centre located in Wadi El Karm village.

WORK RELATIONSHIPS

Line manager: Program Coordinator In direct cooperation with: all ALPHA managers (Head of Departments) Supervising: Agri-youth Team

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS DESCRIPTION

The role requires a combination of managerial especially “NGO project cycle management”, environmental, agricultural and tourism-related skills, as well as a deep commitment to development and sustainability practices.

1. Overall Management: • Manage the project’s daily activities ensuring alignment with donor requirements.

• Coordinate project construction and rehabilitation works with the engineering office and construction company.

• Coordinate all planned project capacity building activities • Develop and oversee the project’s implementation schedules.

• Ensure adherence to project established objectives.

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the center, ensuring smooth functioning and adherence to organizational goals and values.

• Report issues and escalate to higher management when necessary.

• Manage with the team the donor requirements, including financial and narrative reports, and MEAL.

• Establish operational procedures for the center.

2. Staff Management:

• Support, supervise, and evaluate referents and staff members’ performance.

• Provide follow-up and coaching to the referents and involve them in the planning, management, and implementation procedures.

3. Visits and educational program management:

 • Plan and coordinate ecotours, nature walks, wildlife viewing activities, camping, and other experiential programs for guests. Ensure that these activities align with conservation objectives and adhere to safety standards.

• Develop and facilitate educational programs to raise awareness about agriculture, environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable ecotourism practices among guests and staff.

• Ensure high-quality customer service by addressing guest inquiries, concerns, and complaints promptly and effectively.

• Implement strategies to enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty.

4. Community Engagement:

• Foster positive relationships with local communities.

• Collaborate with community stakeholders to promote cultural exchange, support local economies, and address social concerns.

5. Business development, Marketing and Promotion:

• Develop marketing strategies to attract visitors to the center. This may involve creating promotional materials, maintaining an online presence through websites and social media, and collaborating with NGOs, schools, agencies and other potential beneficiaries.

• Identify opportunities to generate revenue through ecotourism activities, accommodations, retail sales, and other services and activities.

• Monitor industry trends, guest feedback, and environmental research to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.

• Implement strategies to enhance the ecotourism experience and achieve long-term sustainability goals.

6. Financial Management: • Participate in Preparing and managing the budget monitor expenses, and analyzing financial performance. • Adhere to budgetary requirements, achieve budgetary objectives and adjust project constraints based on financial analysis in coordination with the finance department.

7. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance: • Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations governing ecotourism, environmental protection, and tourism operations and all other center activities. • Develop and implement sustainable practices to minimize the facility's environmental impact. This includes as example waste management, energy conservation, water usage, and preservation of natural habitats, etc.. • Obtain permits and licenses as required.

8. Safety and Risk Management: • Create and Implement safety protocols and emergency procedures to protect guests, staff, and wildlife. •

Conduct risk assessments and take measures to minimize potential hazards associated with center activities.

Qualifications required:

• Masters’ degree in a field such as business management, environmental science, agriculture, ecology, tourism management, hospitality management, or a related field with minimum requirement 5 years of experience or bachelor’s degree plus 7 years of experience working in similar projects.

 . Familiarity and/or Professional experience with principles and practices of ecotourism, agriculture, biodiversity, youth empowerment, and community engagement are essential.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Leadership and Management Abilities: strong leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.

• Adaptability and Resilience: The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, work effectively in remote or challenging environments, and remain resilient in the face of unforeseen challenges.

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Collaboration with colleagues, local communities, conservation organizations, and government agencies, etc.

• Good command of French, English and Arabic.

• Good writing and reporting skills.