School Kitchen Monitor

Job Description:

The Kitchen Area Monitor oversees the meals’ preparation of heathy snacks in school kitchens in Akkar or North Lebanon and the subsequent distribution to the children of the school(s). This role involves constant presence in the school kitchen, monitoring on every school day the volunteers (mothers) who prepare the meals, ensuring food quality and hygiene standards, and overseeing meal distribution to students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Kitchen Presence: Be present in the school kitchen during food preparation to oversee and monitor the process, ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety standards.
• Kitchen Volunteers: Supervise and provide guidance daily to the volunteers responsible for the meals’ preparation, ensuring adherence to recipes and quality standards.
• Food Quality: Conduct regular inspections to guarantee the quality of the meals served to students, making recommendations for improvements when necessary.
• Hygiene Compliance: Ensure the kitchen and food preparation areas maintain high levels of cleanliness and adhere to hygiene standards set by relevant authorities.
• Meal Distribution: Oversee the distribution of prepared meals to students in a timely and organized manner, verifying the accurate number of meals distributed.
• Data Collection: Maintain accurate records and data related to food preparation, quality, distribution, and compliance with school guidelines for reporting purposes.
• Reporting: Provide regular reports on kitchen activities, food quality, and meal distribution to the Project Manager.
• Compliance with Schools: Ensure that the kitchen operations align with the guidelines and schedules of the participating schools, maintaining positive relationships with school staff.
• Communication with Schools: Establish and maintain effective communication with school authorities to address concerns, coordinate meal schedules, and foster a collaborative environment.
• Training: Provide training and capacity building for the volunteer mothers on: recipes, hygiene and cleanliness standards, kitchen preparation, etc. and monthly refreshers.

Behavioral competencies:

• Communication: Excellent communication skills to interact effectively with volunteers, school staff, children and the DCL team, providing clear instructions and updates.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in monitoring food quality, hygiene, data collection, and compliance with school requirements and the program requirements.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to handle unforeseen challenges in a dynamic kitchen environment while aligning with the school’s and the program’s guidelines.
• Teamwork: Collaborate with the volunteers and the school staff to ensure the smooth meal preparation and distribution.
• Problem-Solving: Address and resolve issues related to food quality, distribution, and hygiene in a timely and effective manner, in alignment with school requirements.

Qualification:

• Bachelor Degree (preferably in Nutrition, Food Safety) or another related field.
• Previous experience in a similar role, preferably in a kitchen or food service setting.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and respect for local customs in the Akkar or North Lebanon area.
• MS proficiency (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory.
• Must have a car and valid driving license.

Duration of Contract:

• 8 months (November 2023 till June 2024).