WDIO Background:

Watan Development and Initiative Organization is a non-governmental, nonprofit, non-political, and independent organization dedicated to empowering and uplifting communities through sustainable development, social justice, and the enhancement of well-being for individuals and families. Since its establishment in 2014, we have tirelessly worked towards poverty alleviation, economic empowerment, education and skill development, health and well-being, gender equality, women's empowerment, agriculture and livestock, and environmental sustainability. Our goal is to improve living conditions, provide quality education and essential skills to individuals, enhance community health and well-being, achieve gender equality, improve agricultural productivity, and promote environmental sustainability.

With a passionate team of over Five Hundred Ninety individuals and a strong network of partners and supporters, we strive to bring about positive change by preserving and celebrating cultural diversity and heritage, fostering social cohesion, and promoting cross-cultural understanding and respect. We ensure program effectiveness and accountability through continuous monitoring, evaluation, and data-driven approaches. Our commitment to integrity, sustainability, accountability, innovation, empowerment, advocacy, and respect for diversity guides our efforts as we address pressing challenges such as poverty alleviation, education, healthcare, environmental conservation, women's empowerment, child welfare, and sustainable development.

Our Value:

WDIO is committed to applying a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards acts of sexual exploitation and abuse by its personnel. In 2003, the United Nations Secretary-General issued a Bulletin on “Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse” (ST/SGB/2003/13) (“the Bulletin”). To support the system-wide implementation of the zero-tolerance policy, the Director-General has decided to adopt the standards of conduct and provisions on PSEA set by the Bulletin, adjusted as necessary, to be applied by WDIO personnel, as follows.

Job Summary

The Food Technologist (Specialist) will work under the direct supervision of the WDIO Program Head/ Project Manager. The incumbent will be responsible for the safety and quality assurance of school feeding modalities. The role involves process optimization and technical support to ensure high-quality and safe designated food commodities are prepared and delivered to the school students.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Test and evaluate raw materials for quality and compliance with food safety standards.
• Conduct regular food storage warehouse inspections and quality checks of ingredients.  
• Collaborate with school meal production teams to improve efficiency and consistency in manufacturing.
• Develop standard operating procedures for ingredient mixing baking, cooling, and packaging.
• Monitor parameters during the storage, preparation, and handling, and provide technical guidance to improve school feeding food commodities quality and safety.
• Ensure compliance of food production areas with food safety regulations and GMP practices.
• Conduct quality-control tests and sensory evaluations.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks in the production process.
• Develop training materials on food safety, food quality, and technical processes.
• Train production and quality control staff on best practices in school meal processing.
• Make sure that the project meets its targets, based on the set objectives.
• Support appropriate coordination with national authorities at the provincial level, including liaising and working with relevant government counterparts to support or complement existing coordination mechanisms;
• Contribute to the production of WDIO SF documents (policies, strategies, work plans, advocacy briefs, monthly report);
• Conduct regular field missions to all regions and facilitate conducting meetings;
• Oversee and guide the implementation of the WDIO activities according to the policy, strategy, work plan, budget, and other guidelines.
• Develop a detailed work plan for the implementation of the project based on the set milestones.
• Understand and follow the WDIOs child protection and safeguarding policy and that awareness-raising on child protection, response, and incident reporting is occurring.
• Any other tasks assigned by the line supervisor

Qualifications and skills required:

• Advanced (Master’s) degree or a University (Bachelor’s) degree in food technology, Pharmacy, or any related field
• At least (3- 5) years of professional experience in food manufacturing and processing units or other related disciplines, with national and international NGOs.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and GMP.
• Familiarity with bakery production equipment and processes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work in a cross-functional team.
• Strong analytical, communication, and training skills.
• Travel – The position will be based in Samangan with frequent travels to other provinces and the districts.
• Excellent capacity development and teamwork skills; cross-cultural and gender sensitivity;
• Respect the confidentiality of the organization;
• Experience in project design, management, and implementation;
• Excellent interpersonal communications and coordination skills, and proven ability to work constructively with a variety of stakeholders to achieve common goals;
• Excellent report writing skills;

Good computer skills with extensive experience in word processing, spreadsheets, and other software applications;

Interested applicants could submit their CV and cover letter via the link below:

https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/single/LrBgeJwQ