Quality Controller Consultant

Background to LUPD

LUPD is a national non-governmental organization. LUPD is committed to advocating for a society built on principles of social justice, human rights, equality, and solidarity. LUPD work is based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Respect for difference, dignity and autonomy, and respect for person’s capacities / Accessibility / Non-discrimination / Participation and inclusion / Equal opportunities for women, men and everybody. LUPD was keen on gender in its training programs, outreach, rehabilitation, employment and follow-up projects that we have carried out for the past three decades. The percentage of females exceeds males by a slight difference in total (54% females, 46% males), even though Females with disabilities are more likely to be marginalized by the family, the local environment and society, which required greater efforts by the implementing program teams, in addition to mitigating violence against WGwDs. The multiple crises in Lebanon have aggravated pre-existing vulnerabilities and a challenging humanitarian situation for the most vulnerable Lebanese, as well as for different refugees in Lebanon, and for migrant workers. Consequently, they disproportionately affect people with disabilities. LUPD’s programs have responded, providing emergency relief and rehabilitation for refugees, promoting inclusive, accessible schools and access to employment, engaging people with disabilities in local decision making and monitoring progress on disability rights across the country.

Access Kitchen is a pioneering initiative in Lebanon, established and managed by the Lebanese Union for People with Physical Disabilities (LUPD). It is the first community kitchen in the country led and run entirely by persons with disabilities.

Located in the Mar Mikhael area of Beirut, Access Kitchen was launched in response to the urgent need for inclusive economic opportunities in the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion. The initiative serves as both a livelihood project and a model of social inclusion, addressing the intersecting challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Lebanon.

The kitchen currently offers income-generating activities to individuals, many of whom are persons with disabilities or caregivers of family members with disabilities. Beyond providing dignified work, Access Kitchen plays a crucial role in supporting the local community by preparing and distributing hot meals daily to vulnerable individuals in surrounding neighborhoods.

More than just a food production space, Access Kitchen is a safe, empowering, and inclusive environment where people come together to share their skills, experiences, and solidarity. It promotes economic empowerment, community engagement, and advocacy for disability rights, aligning with LUPD’s broader mission to build a more inclusive and accessible society.

Access Kitchen stands as a practical and scalable model of inclusive community development, demonstrating how disability-inclusive approaches can foster resilience, dignity, and social cohesion, particularly in times of crisis.

Job Overview:

The Quality Controller at Access Kitchen is responsible for overseeing the quality, hygiene, and safety of food prepared and distributed across the organization’s three kitchens located in Beirut, Saida, and Zahle. This role ensures that all kitchen operations comply with national food safety regulations and internal quality standards. The Quality Controller will conduct regular inspections, train kitchen staff on food safety protocols, and implement corrective measures where needed. The position plays a vital part in supporting Access Kitchen

’s mission to provide safe, nutritious meals to persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups across Lebanon.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Food Safety & Quality Assurance

• Ensure that all food prepared in LUPD’s kitchens in Beirut, Saida, and Zahle complies with Lebanese food safety regulations and LUPD’s internal quality standards.
• Oversee the entire food production process from receiving ingredients to preparation, storage, and distribution to maintain consistent hygiene and safety practices.
• Implement and regularly update quality control checklists based on HACCP and other relevant standards for institutional kitchens.
• Conduct routine inspections across the three kitchens to verify compliance and identify areas for improvement.

2. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and organized records of inspections, incidents, and corrective actions taken.
• Document training activities and quality control measures across the three kitchen sites.
• Prepare regular quality reports and share them with the Project Manager and relevant team members to support internal monitoring and donor reporting.

3. Monitoring of Inputs and Processes

• Inspect incoming food supplies and raw materials to ensure they meet quality standards and are within expiration dates.
• Monitor food storage conditions (e.g., temperature, cleanliness, proper labeling) in each kitchen to ensure safe handling.
• Support the implementation of inventory control systems (such as FIFO) to prevent spoilage and food waste.

4. Waste and Risk Management

• Identify and monitor sources of food waste, and collaborate with kitchen teams to implement waste-reduction strategies.
• Ensure the safe and compliant disposal of expired or unsafe food products.
• Assess risks within kitchen environments, especially those affecting staff with disabilities, and propose practical mitigation measures.

5. Inter-Kitchen Coordination

• Work closely with the Kitchen Coordinators in Beirut, Saida, and Zahle to ensure consistent application of food quality and hygiene protocols.
• Promote collaboration between kitchens by sharing best practices and lessons learned.
• Provide technical support during special distributions, events, or periods of increased workload.

6. Safeguarding, Inclusion, and Accountability

• Champion LUPD’s commitment to safeguarding by ensuring that all kitchen operations are inclusive, respectful, and safe for staff and beneficiaries, particularly persons with disabilities.
• Ensure meals are prepared and distributed in a manner that upholds the dignity and rights of all beneficiaries.
• Immediately report any safeguarding concerns, food safety violations, or breaches of conduct to the Project Manager or designated safeguarding focal point.

Qualifications and Skills

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, Public Health, Quality Assurance, or a related field. A technical diploma in food safety or culinary management may also be considered with relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in food quality control, food safety, or kitchen inspection — ideally within community kitchens, NGO projects, or institutional catering settings.
• Previous experience working with or supporting persons with disabilities is a strong asset.
• Certification in HACCP, ISO 22000, or similar recognized food safety systems is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Solid understanding of Lebanese food safety regulations and international hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP, GMP).
• Ability to conduct on-site quality inspections, identify risks, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Experience in delivering inclusive and accessible staff training on hygiene and food safety.
• Familiarity with inventory control systems (e.g., FIFO), storage protocols, and kitchen workflow processes.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with sensitivity to the needs of diverse staff, including persons with disabilities.
• Patient, empathetic, and supportive, particularly in coaching and mentoring contexts.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and well-organized, with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Able to work independently and as part of a collaborative team alongside Kitchen Coordinators and the Project Manager.

Other Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly between LUPD kitchens in Beirut, Saida, and Zahle.
• Commitment to LUPD’s core values of inclusion, dignity, quality, and safeguarding.