Sewing Specialist

Founded in 2016, EMPOWER is a Lebanese NGO whose mission is to promote social, economic and cultural development, with a focus on empowering youth and providing tools for employment through capacity building, training and mentorship. Throughout its projects, EMPOWER aims to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) defined in Agenda 2030 - adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015 – specifically in SDG1 for Poverty Eradication, SGD4 for Quality Education, SDG5 for Gender Equality, SDG8 for Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG11 for Reduced Inequality. Empower is dedicated to creating solutions for poverty using sustainable development projects, working with rural communities, and targeting mainly youth in local communities by providing training, assistance, and necessary materials to improve their income generation practices in different sectors, aiming towards food security and livelihoods.

Upon donor’s approval, EMPOWER is recruiting a Sewing Specialist between October and November 2025 to provide 30 days (5 hours each) of theoretical and practical sessions in Ardeh-Zgharta, for a total of 20 beneficiaries, aged between 18 and 24 years.

Role and Responsibilities: 

1. S/he will be in charge of providing a total of 30 sessions (5 hours/session).
2. Having or designing a curriculum covering, but not limited to the following topics: Sewing Machine Basics (Parts, threading, maintenance), Essential Sewing Tools, Basic Hand Stitches, Understanding Fabric Types and Their Uses, Common Sewing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them, Sewing Safety Tips, How to Sew a Straight Line, Zippers, Buttons & Closures: How to Sew Them, Working with Stretch Fabrics and Knits, Creating Custom Clothing from Scratch, Upcycling Old Clothes with Sewing, Sewing with Specialty Fabrics, Sewing for Kids and Babies (Bibs, booties, soft toys), Home Decor Projects (Curtains, cushion covers, table runners…), Sustainable Sewing Practices...
3. Providing the trainees with the necessary skills for employment.
4. Reporting weekly and monthly to the Field officer/Project coordinator on all conducted activities.
5. Attending EMPOWER staff meetings when required.

Skills:

• A degree in Sewing and any related field.
• At least 2 years of proven experience in Sewing.
• Provision of similar trainings is a plus.
• Ability and willingness to be flexible and adaptable in terms of work practices.
• Commitment to and understanding of EMPOWER’s aims, values and principles including rights-based approaches and sustainability.
• Advanced level of reporting and presentation skills, with excellent interpersonal communication skills.

EMPOWER has a zero tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of beneficiaries and staff. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is everyone’s responsibility, and all staff are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct, that enshrines principles of PSEA, always (both during working hours and outside work hours). Familiarization with, and adherence to the Code of Conduct is an essential requirement of all staff. All staff must ensure that they understand and act in accordance with this clause.