Consultant Technical Engineer

With funding from the World Food Programme (WFP), IOCC is seeking to recruit a Consultant Technical Engineer to support the assessment, development, and maintenance of school kitchen facilities and solar power systems under the School Meals Programme for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Job Overview 

The Consultant Technical Engineer will play a key role in supporting the implementation of school kitchen infrastructure and solar power system activities under the WFP-funded School Meals Programme. The consultant will be responsible for conducting technical assessments, preparing detailed designs and Bills of Quantities (BOQs), supporting procurement processes, and monitoring the quality and progress of infrastructure and energy-related works in selected public schools. The role requires close coordination with WFP engineers, IOCC staff, school administrators, and contractors to ensure all interventions are feasible, cost-effective, and compliant with food safety standards and energy efficiency requirements. The position requires regular travel to field locations such as Baalbeck-Hermel, Bekaa, and other areas as needed.

Duties and responsibilities

1. School Kitchen Assessment, Development, and Maintenance:

1. Conduct site assessments of existing school kitchen facilities to evaluate their current condition and identify maintenance needs for the infrastructure and equipment.
2. Assess identified rooms for their feasibility of conversion into kitchens, considering structural integrity, plumbing, electrical, ventilation, required equipment and drainage requirements.
3. Develop precise layout sketches for the kitchens, detailing exact measurements and the accurate placement of doors, windows, and equipment.
4. Prepare detailed BOQs for all recommended work across selected kitchens or rooms designated for conversion and assist with the procurement procedure.
5. Ensure all proposed solutions align with programme requirements, food safety regulations and best practices in school kitchen design.
6. Conduct field site visits and inspections during the implementation phases of recommended improvements or new installations assigned by WFP to a specialized company to ensure quality and adherence to plans and the contract BOQ.
7. Coordinate with WFP engineer the progress of the implementation of maintenance and rehabilitation work and provide needed reports accordingly.
8. Prepare reports as required.

2. Solar Power System Assessment and Maintenance:

1. 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.
2. Identify technical issues, proposing effective solutions for system optimization and repair.
3. Contribute to 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.
4. Assess the potential for new solar energy installations specifically for the kitchens, including site suitability (roof space, shading) and estimated energy demand.
5. Develop recommendations for appropriate solar system sizing, technology, battery storage solutions and if needed integration with any existing school solar panel systems.
6. Propose comprehensive preventive and routine maintenance schedules for solar installations to ensure long-term efficiency and reliability.
7. Conduct monitoring site visits during the implementation phases of recommended improvements or new installations to ensure quality and adherence to plans.
8. Prepare reports as required.

3. Coordination and Technical Alignment

Collaborate closely with the WFP engineer, school meals programme team, school administration, and contractors to ensure that all recommendations are practical, aligned with available budgets, and tailored to each school's specific needs.

Requirements and Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in infrastructure assessment, construction oversight, and electromechanical systems.
• Proven experience in designing, evaluating, and managing solar energy systems, including diagnostics, sizing, installation, and maintenance.
• Experience in preparing layout designs, detailed BOQs, and supporting procurement and tendering processes.
• Previous work on school or institutional infrastructure projects is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with projects implemented by international NGOs, UN agencies, or development organizations is desirable.

Technical Competencies

• Strong ability to assess and plan kitchen infrastructure needs, including plumbing, electrical, drainage, and ventilation systems.
• Ability to develop precise layout designs and ensure adherence to technical specifications during implementation.
• Knowledge of construction site supervision, quality assurance, and compliance with food safety, building, and energy efficiency standards.
• Proficiency in engineering software such as AutoCAD, and in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Familiarity with procurement processes, including preparation of technical inputs for tenders.
• Awareness of occupational health and safety requirements in construction and installation sites.

Soft Skills

• Excellent coordination and communication skills to engage effectively with engineers, school administrators, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, particularly related to infrastructure and solar energy systems.
• High attention to detail, with strong documentation and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet tight deadlines.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Arabic (spoken and written) is required.
• Good proficiency in English (spoken and written) is essential for reporting, communication with WFP, and technical documentation.

Mobility Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to field locations, including Baalbeck-Hermel, Bekaa, and other areas as needed.
• A valid driver’s license and ability to drive in Lebanon is required.