Catering Coach

LOST is seeking for a dedicated and hands-on Catering Coach to train and mentor program beneficiaries—often from marginalized or vulnerable communities—in essential skills for employment or self-employment in the catering and food service industry. The role involves delivering practical culinary training, developing soft skills, and supporting the transition of trainees into real-world opportunities, whether in commercial kitchens, community kitchens, or small-scale catering businesses.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide practical training in food preparation, portion control, hygiene, food presentation, and basic cooking techniques
• Instruct trainees on the setup and service of events, including buffet lines, banquet service, and food transport logistics
• Coach beneficiaries on food safety, personal hygiene, and workplace sanitation in line with national standards (e.g., FSSAI, HACCP)
• Mentor beneficiaries in key soft skills such as teamwork, time management, customer service, and professional behavior
• Adapt training approaches for learners with varying levels of literacy and education
• Deliver live demos, role-plays, and small group exercises to enhance engagement and learning outcomes
• Conduct assessments to evaluate skill development and provide constructive feedback
• Support the beneficiaries in preparing for job interviews or launching micro-catering enterprises
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure alignment with employment or entrepreneurship goals
• Maintain clear records of training sessions, attendance, performance evaluations, and outcomes

Requirements:

• 3+years of experience in catering, food service, or culinary operations
• Experience as a trainer, mentor, or team leader in vocational or community-based programs is highly preferred
• Strong knowledge of food handling, hygiene, kitchen operations, and safety protocols
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work with individuals from diverse and underserved backgrounds
• Fluency in the local language(s); working knowledge of English is a plus
• High school diploma required; vocational or technical certification in catering, food production, or culinary arts is desirable
• Familiarity with livelihood programs, skills development frameworks, or NGO training models (e.g., PMKVY, TESDA, TVET, etc.) is an asset

Preferred Competencies:

• Empathetic and inclusive coaching style
• Practical teaching skills for hands-on learners
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Knowledge of small-scale food business operations or community kitchen models
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of local food traditions

Working Conditions:

• On-site at training kitchens, community centers, or NGO partner locations
• May involve travel to outreach areas, event venues, or job sites
• Flexible working hours based on batch schedules or event-based training needs
• Physically active role requiring time on feet, kitchen work, and hands-on demonstrations

NB: LOST has zero tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse of beneficiaries. 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 the principles of PSEA, always (Both during work hours and outside work hours). Familiarization with, and adherence to, the code of conduct is an essential requirement of all staff, in addition to related mandatory training. All staff must ensure that they understand and act in accordance with this clause.