Technical Engineer

As part of the School Kitchen Expansion Framework for the 2025–2026 academic year, DCL is looking to hire a Technical Engineer to support the assessment, development, and improvement of school kitchen facilities and solar power systems, in coordination with the World Food Programme (WFP).

About DCL

DCL is a leading Lebanese NGO committed to fostering development, culture, and leadership across various sectors, while empowering youth through education.

We are currently a partner of the United Nations World Food Program, supporting critical initiatives aimed at addressing food security and sustainable development.

 We believe in the power of diversity and strive to maintain an inclusive work environment that fosters equal opportunities for all.

Job Overview

The Technical Engineer will play a vital role in assessing, developing, and supporting the maintenance of up to 3 new school kitchens. The engineer will also conduct evaluations of solar power systems to ensure energy efficiency and sustainability within these kitchens. This role will be implemented in close coordination with WFP engineers, the school feeding programme team, school administrations, and implementing contractors.

Key Responsibilities

1. School Kitchen Assessment, Development, and Maintenance

• Conduct site assessments of current kitchen facilities and rooms proposed for kitchen conversion.
• Evaluate the structural, plumbing, electrical, drainage, and ventilation feasibility of rooms for conversion into functional kitchens.
• Develop detailed layout drawings including accurate measurements, and the positioning of equipment, doors, and windows.
• Prepare detailed Bills of Quantities (BOQs) for rehabilitation, conversion, or upgrade works, ensuring all cost estimates are aligned with current market rates through proper market analysis and price benchmarking.
• Support procurement processes related to kitchen rehabilitation.
• Ensure all designs and recommendations comply with WFP programme requirements, national food safety regulations, and best practices in kitchen infrastructure.
• Monitor and inspect implementation works on-site to ensure adherence to approved plans, specifications, BOQs, and common engineering/construction practices.
• Coordinate regularly with the WFP engineer and prepare periodic reports on progress and quality assurance.

2. Solar Power System Assessment and Maintenance

• Perform technical assessments of existing solar power systems in schools, evaluating their current capacity, energy generation efficiency, operational performance, battery conditions and charging capacity, and overall performance.
• Identify technical issues, proposing effective solutions for system optimization and repair.
• Contribute in setting up a monitoring tool for the solar system energy generation and performance that could be reviewed by the school and WFP partners to identify any shortfall timely.
• Assess the potential for new solar energy installations for kitchens, including site suitability (roof space, shading) and estimated energy demand, and support the design of solar systems for both existing and newly established kitchen facilities.
• Develop recommendations for appropriate solar system sizing, technology, battery storage solutions and if needed integration with any existing school solar panel systems.
• Propose comprehensive preventive and routine maintenance schedules for solar installations to ensure long-term efficiency and reliability.
• Conduct monitoring site visits during the implementation phases of recommended improvements or new installations to ensure quality and adherence to plans.

3. Coordination

• Work closely with WFP engineers, the school meals programme team, school management, and contractors to ensure the practicality and feasibility of interventions.
• Ensure all engineering inputs are aligned with available budgets and the specific needs of each school.

Requirements:

• University degree in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in infrastructure assessment, construction oversight, and solar system evaluation, with solid expertise in electromechanical systems.
• Previous experience with school facilities or similar institutional infrastructure is a strong asset.
• Experience working with international NGOs, UN agencies, or development projects is desirable.
• Strong skills in technical site assessment, drafting layout designs, and preparing BOQs.
• Good knowledge of solar energy systems including diagnostics, sizing, installation, and maintenance.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and engineering design software (e.g., AutoCAD).
• Ability to ensure compliance with food safety, construction, and energy efficiency standards.
• Strong coordination and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong reporting and documentation abilities.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

DCL is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or background, feel valued and respected. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse communities and underrepresented groups to apply. We believe diversity strengthens our ability to deliver innovative solutions and serve our mission more effectively.