RFQ-BMZ-AN-16 | Food Safety and Food Processing Consultant-Dairy Production in Meshmesh, Akkar

Background and Context
The project “Strengthening the Resilience of Vulnerable Women, Young Adults, and Men in Lebanon by Improving Their Livelihoods and Increasing Food Security” is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It aims to:
1.    Enhance food security and resilience through sustainable agricultural practices.
2.    Empower women and youth by providing education, training, and economic opportunities.
3.    Improve water resource management to support sustainable agriculture.
Within the project, arche nova supports food security and livelihood resilience among vulnerable populations in Lebanon through sustainable agricultural interventions. A key component of this support focuses on empowering women cooperatives/groups engaged in food processing activities.
Many of these cooperatives/groups face challenges related, among others, to hygiene standards, product shelf-life identification and/or extension, packaging, and innovation. Strengthening their capacities in food safety management and dairy product development will contribute to improved income opportunities, market access, and compliance with national and international quality standards.
To ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of the intervention, arche nova is looking for a Dairy Food Processing and Food Safety Consultant to deliver a tailored training to a targeted women cooperative/group in Meshmesh, Akkar. The training should combine both theoretical and practical components. The trainer is expected to include demonstrations or practical examples whenever needed to enhance participants’ understanding. Also, to identify essential equipment or tools that could enhance the cooperative’s overall productivity.

Objectives of the Assignment
The consultant will provide technical assistance for the members of women’s cooperatives on: 
•    Food safety and hygiene practices in processing and packaging.
•    Dairy Product development and innovation, focusing on improving product quality, consistency, and market competitiveness.
•    Specialized technical guidance on dairy product processing including milk, cheese and yogurt production, texture control, storage, and shelf-life improvement.
The overall goal is to strengthen cooperatives/groups’ technical knowledge and practical skills to enhance the quality and safety of their dairy products and to encourage the creation of new or improved food items that respond to market demands.

Scope of Work and Deliverables
The consultant will deliver 4 training sessions to the Women cooperative/group (arche nova reserve the right to adjust the number of sessions in coordination with the consultant) as follows:
•    3 Practical sessions on dairy product development and enhancement focusing on milk, cheese and yogurt (product development).
•    1 session on food safety and good hygiene practices

Consultant Profile – Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should acquire the following:
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience in dairy processing (traditional and/or industrial).
• Proven experience in conducting similar training (food safety and good hygiene practices, product development, or related agro-food processing training).
• Prior experience working with women cooperatives/groups or small-scale producers.
• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Agricultural engineering or related field or certifications in the field of dairy production.
• Strong facilitation and communication skills in Arabic (training language).
• Excellent report writing skills in English.
• Previous experience with humanitarian or development NGOs in Lebanon or the region is preferred.