Food Production Expert/Trainer

Position Title: Food Production Expert/Trainer
Location: Mardin, Türkiye
Duration: 12 months
Employment Type: Full-time

About us:

RET is committed to working in emergencies, in protracted crises, and in fragile contexts to alleviate the deepest sufferings, build people’s resilience and enhance their self-reliance.

We believe we are amongst the leading NGOs to provide tailor-made solutions and relevant programs to bridge the gaps and respond to the real needs and challenges of the communities.

We assume a decisive catalytic role in sustainable development. We aim to provoke significant positive change, enabling particularly vulnerable youth and young women to take control of their lives and fulfil their social and economic rights.

We stand with people, with refugees, returnees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s), alongside the host communities adopting the fundamental principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Food Production Expert/Trainer to join our women’s socio-economic empowerment project in Mardin. The role focuses on enhancing the technical skills and knowledge of women from refugee and host communities in food production, ensuring high-quality outputs aligned with market standards. The Expert/Trainer will design and deliver vocational training sessions, provide hands-on guidance, and ensure the adoption of climate-friendly and sustainable food production practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Vocational Training Design and Delivery:
  • Develop and implement training curricula for women in the production of dried fruits, vegetables, and other food products.
  • Conduct hands-on training sessions on food production processes, including preparation, preservation, packaging, and quality control.
  • Train participants in the use of food production equipment and ensure adherence to hygiene and safety standards.
  • Assist in the preparation and standardization of product recipes to ensure consistency in quality and taste.
• Food Production Oversight:
  • Provide on-site supervision and technical support during food production activities.
  • Ensure the production process meets quality, hygiene, and safety standards in line with local and international guidelines.
  • Assist participants in improving the efficiency and sustainability of their production techniques.
• Market-Oriented Training:
  • Guide women in understanding market demands and producing food items that align with consumer preferences.
  • Support participants in packaging, branding, and marketing strategies to increase the marketability of their products.
• Climate-Friendly Practices:
  • Promote environmentally sustainable practices in food production, including the use of solar drying methods and minimizing plastic usage.
  • Raise awareness among participants about the importance of adopting eco-friendly approaches.
• Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Monitor participants’ progress and provide regular feedback to enhance their skills and knowledge.
  • Document training sessions, participant progress, and production outcomes for reporting purposes.
• Collaboration:
  • Work closely with project staff, including Project coordinator and GBV worker, to align activities with project goals.
  • Collaborate with private sectors, local cooperatives, and community leaders to ensure the sustainability of training outcomes.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Engineering, Food Technology, or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus).
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in food production, processing, or vocational training, preferably in similar community-based projects.
• Proven expertise in food safety, quality control, and production optimization.
• Experience working with vulnerable communities or women’s empowerment initiatives is an advantage.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of food production techniques, including preservation and packaging.
• Excellent teaching and communication skills, with the ability to engage and motivate participants.
• Knowledge of market dynamics and entrepreneurial strategies in the food production sector.
• Ability to promote and implement climate-friendly practices.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Languages:

• Fluency in Turkish is required.
• Proficiency in Arabic and/or Kurdish is an asset.
• Basic English skills are preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about empowering women and fostering social cohesion.
• Patient, empathetic, and culturally sensitive.
• Proactive, with a solution-oriented approach.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Notes:

While applying, we kindly request candidates to include “FPE MARDİN [Name and Surname]” in the subject line of their email.

Additionally, please ensure that your CV and cover letter file names include your own name, formatted as follows: Name Surname_CV.

Due to the high volume of applications, RET may not be able to respond to all candidates individually. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.