Candle-Making and Gypsum Craft Upskilling Trainer – Bourj Hammoud

Under the supervision of JRS livelihoods staff in Burj Hammoud, the trainer will assess participants’ existing skills, adapt to the curriculum, and deliver interactive, practice-oriented upskilling training in candle-making and gypsum crafts.

The training will focus on improving production techniques, introducing new designs, minimizing material waste, and developing marketable products. Delivery will be adapted to participants’ learning needs and local market opportunities.

The training will cover the following topics:

• Candle-Making Techniques: Wax preparation, melting and pouring, wick selection and placement, fragrance and color application, molding, and finishing.
• Gypsum Craft Techniques: Material preparation, mixing and pouring, mold use, demolding, sanding, finishing, coloring, and decorative techniques.
• Design and Product Development: Creative designs, product combinations, customization, quality improvement, and developing products suited to customer preferences.
• Safety and Quality Control: Safe handling of materials and tools, workspace organization, appropriate storage, defect prevention, and consistent product quality.
• Costing and Material Management: Calculating material costs, reducing waste, managing supplies, and estimating production costs and selling prices.
• Packaging and Market Readiness: Product presentation, packaging, labelling, and preparing finished products for local markets and online sales.

Expected Deliverables:

1- Before the start of the training:

• Assess participants’ existing experience, technical skills, and learning needs.
• Prepare an adapted training plan, detailed calendar, and practical learning materials.
• Identify the required materials, tools, and safety equipment in coordination with JRS.

2- During the training:

• Deliver hands-on sessions focused on practical skill development and product creation.
• Monitor participants’ progress and provide individual guidance and constructive feedback.
• Ensure safe material handling and appropriate use of tools and equipment.
• Communicate implementation challenges and required adjustments to JRS staff.

3- At the end of the training:

• Conduct a practical assessment to evaluate participants’ skills development.
• Submit a final report summarizing training delivery, completed products, learning outcomes, challenges, and recommendations.
• Provide JRS with the final training plan, materials, assessment tools, and relevant participant progress records, respecting confidentiality and data-protection requirements.

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes:

• Education: Training or qualification in handicrafts, candle-making, gypsum crafts, product design, or related field is preferred. Substantial practical experience may be considered.
• Experience: At least three years of practical experience in candle-making, gypsum crafts, or related handicraft production, with experience in facilitating workshops, delivering training sessions, or guiding participants through hands-on craft activities.
• Demonstrated ability to improve production techniques, introduce new designs, ensure product quality, and manage materials efficiently.
•  Experience delivering practical, interactive training and adapting sessions to adults with varied educational backgrounds and skill levels.
• Familiarity with local craft markets, customer preferences, and income-generating opportunities in Lebanon.
• Creativity, patience, organization, communication, problem-solving, and a respectful, inclusive approach to working with women.

Core Values and Ethics:

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to communicate and promote JRS’s commitment to accompanying and serving vulnerable communities and advocating for their right to protection and a life in dignity.
• Demonstrates integrity, honesty, and professionalism in all aspects of work.
• Handles sensitive information with discretion and maintains confidentiality at all times.
• Treats others with respect, values diversity and inclusion, and works effectively with people from different background.

Applications are to be sent by email to [email protected], marked "Candle-Making and Gypsum Craft Upskilling Trainer – Bourj Hammoud" in the subject line. The CV should be in English and  to be sent as word or pdf attachment. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest in joining JRS.

Recruitment shall be subject to open competition without regard to race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, and beliefs, and to political affiliation, social status, mother tongue and ethnic. Talents acquisition shall be made taking into account the importance of recruiting and maintaining a geographically diverse and gender-balanced workforce.

At the heart of our efforts is our engagement with marginalised and displaced communities, especially with vulnerable adults and children. These groups are particularly at risk of sexual exploitation and abuse, and other forms of gender-based violence. JRS is committed to the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) of all JRS beneficiaries by JRS personnel. JRS has zero tolerance towards all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment and takes seriously all concerns and complaints about SEAH by JRS personnel.