Trainer Food Safety, Preservation and Processing

Background

Mada Association in partnership with WeWorld and LWRO, is implementing SAFE Project – Sustainable Agri-Food Economy for Refugee and Local Communities in Lebanon, funded by the Danish MoFA under the European Regional Development and Protection Program (RDPP III).

A key component of the project is the delivery of Competency-Based Training (CBT) to vulnerable youth in North and Akkar Governorates to enhance their employability in the agri-food sector. Training topics were selected based on youth interest and market needs while the project will have different programs including greenhouse management, dairy production, and food safety/preservation/processing.

Objective

Mada seeks a qualified Food Safety, Preservation and Processing Technical Trainer to design, adapt, and deliver a CBT program for unemployed youth in North and Akkar. The training should combine theory, practical demonstrations, and field visits, ensuring participants acquire the technical and soft skills required for employment in the local agri-food sector.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Mada Project Manager, the Food Safety, Preservation and Processing Trainer will be in charge of:

1. Curriculum Development & Adaptation

• Review existing materials and adapt to local needs and market practices.
• Prepare a full CBT module on food safety and processing, including (but not limited to):
  • Food safety basics & hygiene: personal hygiene, cleaning & sanitation, safe handling, cross-contamination prevention, HACCP basics.
  • Food preservation techniques: drying, fermentation, refrigeration, freezing, pasteurization, pickling, use of salt/sugar/oil.
  • Manufacturing of products: jams, pickles, vinegars, sauces, pastes, mouneh items.
  • Shelf life & storage: packaging, labeling, cooling chain management.
  • Waste reduction: minimizing losses and safe use of by-products.
  • Small-scale equipment & tools relevant to youth-friendly business start-up.Milk hygiene & quality: sourcing, acceptance tests, basic microbiology, contaminants.
  • Integrate soft skills (workplace communication, teamwork, punctuality, problem-solving).

2. Training Delivery

• Deliver 15 sessions per cycle (theory + practical).
• Facilitate at least 1 field visit per cycle to farms, SMEs, or cooperatives.
• Ensure interactive, hands-on learning methods tailored to youth participants.

3. Assessment & Deliverables

• Design and implement pre/post-tests and practical assessments.
• Monitor attendance and progress; ensure at least 90% attendance.
• Submit progress reports (attendance, completion, challenges).
• Provide a final report including methodology, achievements, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Duration

Assignment duration: 6 months (October 2025 – February 2026).

Location: North and Akkar Governorate (Tripoli, Minnieh-Dannieh and Akkar)

Travel: Frequent travel to training sites required. Trainer covers all related costs.

Minimum Qualification and Experience

• Degree in Food Technology, Food Science, Agriculture Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ professional experience in f ood safety and processing training.
• Proven ability to design and deliver CBT combining theory and practice.
• Track record of adapting curricula to local market needs.
• Experience working with youth, refugees, and vulnerable groups.
• Excellent facilitation and youth-learning skills (interactive and participatory methods).
• Strong reporting and communication skills in Arabic and English.