About DCL:
DCL is a leading Lebanese NGO committed to fostering development, culture, and leadership across various sectors, while empowering youth through education.
We are currently a partner of the United Nations World Food Program, supporting critical initiatives aimed at addressing food security and sustainable development.
We believe in the power of diversity and strive to maintain an inclusive work environment that fosters equal opportunities for all.
Job Overview:
The Food Safety and Quality Control Officer will play a critical role in safeguarding public health by monitoring and enforcing food safety standards across all project operations. The Officer will ensure that all food items, including snacks and meals, meet the required quality specifications and hygiene standards. They will conduct regular inspections, provide technical guidance, and ensure that all food handling, storage, and preparation areas comply with established safety standards and regulatory requirements. The Officer will also monitor and evaluate compliance with quality assurance procedures across all operational components of the project.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develops, implements, and enforces quality control protocols and procedures.
- Evaluates and audits suppliers against DCL and WFP food safety requirements.
- Coordinates with suppliers, supervises the preparation of the snacks and meals in the warehouses, school kitchens, and community kitchens, confirms the quality of the commodities received and distributed, follows-up on pest control activities, and identifies areas of improvement in line with DCL’s and WFP’s standards of implementation.
- Ensures adherence to food safety standards and quality control measures, and maintains high standards of food safety within the food production or processing environment. Identifies potential health hazards and recommends corrective actions.
- Supervises the warehouse monitor(s) and collaborates with the school kitchen monitors and provides assistance where needed.
- Conducts routine inspections in the warehouse(s), commodity-preparation areas, sub-supplier facilities, food processing facilities, and retail outlets. Also, conducts inspections and quality checks at various stages of food production, processing, and packaging.
- Conducts unannounced “spot-check” visits to food preparation locations (Suppliers and Kitchens)
- Develops and conducts training programs for the DCL team and the supplier(s)’ workers on standards of hygiene, food safety, and food quality to ensure understanding and compliance with quality standards.
- Maintains detailed records of quality control assessments, findings, proposed corrective and preventive actions and follows up on their closure.
- Manages food safety incidents and complaints, including investigation, root cause analysis, sampling and laboratory testing, and product hold or recall when needed.
- Submits reports on quality control and non-conformities to ensure continuous improvement.
- Participates in any relevant WFP and DCL meetings on quality control improvement.
- Safeguarding & Accountability: Report and address any protection, or other cross-cutting themes’ concerns, fraud, or misuse of resources in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Promote a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and ensure all staff are aware of safeguarding protocols and child protection standards.
Requirement:
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related field; certifications in food safety or quality control (e.g. HACCP, ISO 22000…) are a plus.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in quality control, food safety, or a related field in the food industry.
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
- Strong understanding of food safety standards (GMP, GHP, HACCP, ISO 22000) and regulations including Lebanese food safety requirements, quality control procedures, and industry standards.
- Experience with international NGOs is a plus.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Proactive in problem-solving and implementing preventive measures.
- Flexibility to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with frequent changes.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
- Exceptional communication and training abilities.
- Valid driving License and access to a personal vehicle, with the ability to conduct regular field visits to project sites as required
- Available to start immediately
Equal Opportunity Statement:
DCL is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all employees, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or background, feel valued and respected. We strongly encourage individuals from diverse communities and underrepresented groups to apply. We believe diversity strengthens our ability to deliver innovative solutions and serve our mission more effectively.
