Marketing Specialist

Background to LUPD

LUPD is a national non-governmental organization. LUPD is committed to advocating for a society built on principles of social justice, human rights, equality, and solidarity. LUPD work is based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Respect for difference, dignity and autonomy, and respect for person’s capacities / Accessibility / Non-discrimination / Participation and inclusion / Equal opportunities for women, men and everybody. LUPD was keen on gender in its training programs, outreach, rehabilitation, employment and follow-up projects that we have carried out for the past three decades. The percentage of females exceeds males by a slight difference in total (54% females, 46% males), even though Females with disabilities are more likely to be marginalized by the family, the local environment and society, which required greater efforts by the implementing program teams, in addition to mitigating violence against WGwDs. The multiple crises in Lebanon have aggravated pre-existing vulnerabilities and a challenging humanitarian situation for the most vulnerable Lebanese, as well as for different refugees in Lebanon, and for migrant workers. Consequently, they disproportionately affect people with disabilities. LUPD’s programs have responded, providing emergency relief and rehabilitation for refugees, promoting inclusive, accessible schools and access to employment, engaging people with disabilities in local decision-making and monitoring progress on disability rights across the country.

Access Kitchen is a pioneering initiative in Lebanon, established and managed by the Lebanese Union for People with Physical Disabilities (LUPD). It is the first community kitchen in the country led and run entirely by persons with disabilities.

Located in the Mar Mikhael area of Beirut, Access Kitchen was launched in response to the urgent need for inclusive economic opportunities in the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion. The initiative serves as both a livelihood project and a model of social inclusion, addressing the intersecting challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Lebanon.

The kitchen currently offers income-generating activities to individuals, many of whom are persons with disabilities or caregivers of family members with disabilities. Beyond providing dignified work, Access Kitchen plays a crucial role in supporting the local community by preparing and distributing hot meals daily to vulnerable individuals in surrounding neighborhoods.

More than just a food production space, Access Kitchen is a safe, empowering, and inclusive environment where people come together to share their skills, experiences, and solidarity. It promotes economic empowerment, community engagement, and advocacy for disability rights, aligning with LUPD’s broader mission to build a more inclusive and accessible society.

Access Kitchen stands as a practical and scalable model of inclusive community development, demonstrating how disability-inclusive approaches can foster resilience, dignity, and social cohesion, particularly in times of crisis.

Job Overview:

The Marketing Specialist will play a key role in promoting the visibility and sustainability of Access Kitchen, a social enterprise initiative by our NGO that champions disability inclusion through culinary employment. Operating across Beirut, Zahle, and Saida, the kitchens provide dignified job opportunities for persons with disabilities while offering quality food services to the public. The Marketing Specialist will be responsible for developing and executing innovative marketing strategies, enhancing the brand identity of Access Kitchen, and positioning it as a recognized and inclusive culinary experience. The role combines social impact with a business-oriented mindset to increase public engagement, drive participation in exhibitions and campaigns, and support long-term growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Marketing & Business Growth

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing plan aligned with the organization’s new business goals and advocacy mission.
• Conduct market research to identify target audiences, market trends, competitive landscapes, and opportunities for new products or services (e.g., catering, retail items, cooking classes).
• Assist in defining the commercial brand identity, messaging, and unique selling propositions that resonate with both commercial customers and our community values.
• Contribute to business development strategies by identifying potential partnerships and sales channels.

Customer Acquisition & Retention

• Collaborate closely with the Program Manager and operations team to identify sales opportunities and support customer acquisition efforts.
• Develop promotional campaigns and loyalty programs to drive sales and customer retention.
• Support the creation of proposals and presentations for potential clients (e.g., catering contracts, corporate partnerships).
• Gather customer feedback and insights to inform product development and service improvements.

Impact Communication & Public Engagement

• Effectively communicate the social impact of the Access Kitchen, showcasing how business growth directly supports our mission.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with media outlets, influencers, and community partners to generate positive publicity.
• Organize or support participation in local events, markets, or culinary festivals to enhance brand visibility and engage with potential customers.
• Develop compelling impact reports and storytelling initiatives for stakeholders.

Content Creation & Branding

• Design and produce all marketing materials such as flyers, posters, banners, social media content, and other visuals, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.
• Write, proofread, and edit creative and technical content across various mediums including newsletters, reports, and online platforms.
• Capture and edit photos and videos highlighting daily kitchen operations, team efforts, and stories of inclusion and impact.

Visibility, Outreach & Engagement

• Organize and support Access Kitchen’s participation in exhibitions, fairs, awareness campaigns, and donor events.
• Develop clear messaging and storytelling that promotes disability inclusion, dignity, and the right to work.
• Engage with media, partners, employees, and influencers to expand reach and amplify the initiative’s message.
• Coordinate with external vendors and service providers as needed for campaign support.

Research, Monitoring & Reporting

• Conduct market research and trend analysis to identify new opportunities for outreach and visibility.
• Monitor and report on the performance and efficiency of all marketing activities, using data and analytics tools.
• Support internal documentation of success stories, impact data, and human-interest content for donor and stakeholder use.
• Ensure that all communication materials respect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and aid recipients.

Program Support

• Maintain and update internal tracking of available marketing and engagement opportunities.
• Identify and communicate any challenges to the Program Manager in a timely and constructive manner.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Program Manager to support the success and development of the Access Kitchen initiative.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Media, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of relevant experience in marketing, preferably within NGOs or the social impact sector.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English, with proven storytelling and content writing abilities.
• Proficiency in content creation using tools such as Canva, Adobe, Illustrator, or similar platforms.
• Experience in basic photography and video editing.
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with marketing analytics tools to measure performance and impact.
• Excellent organization and project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to work independently and creatively in low-resource, multi-site environments.
• Understanding of inclusive communication practices and ethical representation of persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.
• Commitment to LUPD’s mission of disability inclusion and social justice.
• Willingness to travel regularly to Beirut, Zahle, and Saida.
• Respect and adherence to safeguarding standards, including the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Policy.