Vacancies at Food For Education

Position Overview:

The Field Program Officer will be responsible for supporting day-to-day operations across 11  kitchens within their region. Reporting to the Program Associate, the Field Program Officer will ensure that kitchens adhere to operational standards, collect and report key data, and support kitchen staff in achieving daily meal targets. This role requires regular field visits, close interaction with kitchen teams, and timely resolution of operational issues.

Our Values

At Food for Education, our values are guiding principles that provide us with purpose and direction and set the tone for our interactions with all stakeholders:

• Build with excellence and curiosity - We’re not afraid to try new things and iterate as much as we can to find the best and most efficient way to get results;
• Be the change you seek - We acknowledge that continuous improvement is a shared responsibility;
• We do what we say; and say what we do - We embrace an ownership mentality;
• Ask why; and commit- Share openly and question respectfully and commit fully. When we understand the why, we are able to work with a purpose.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring production centres are opened at the specified time across the different regions.
• Monitor and enforce staff member adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Reviewing the daily projections and guiding the cooks to ensure minimal wastage.
• Ensure cooks record quantities of the raw ingredients used daily , track energy and water consumption per center.
• Ensuring meals ( uji and food) are prepared daily according to the procedures set.
• Ensure all the reports are shared daily with the program analyst latest by noon each day
• Record and monitor consumption of raw ingredients and consumables to ensure that centers do not run out of ingredients
• Coordinate the distribution of supplies and equipment to schools, ensuring accurate documentation and asset maintenance.
• Monitor the utilization of AppSheet for stock management, monitor daily projections and consumption by the cooks, and ensure data is accurate and promptly updated.
• Carry out monthly stock takes in their respective centres of designation for operations and finance reconciliations
• Conduct regular spot checks at designated kitchens and schools to uphold operational standards, identify areas for improvement, and resolve deviations promptly.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure program synergy and optimization.
• Conduct training, refresher courses, and mentorship activities for kitchen staff on data accuracy and operational excellence.
• Organise community engagement sessions in collaboration with the community team to foster support for the School Feeding Programme.
• Escalate any issues arising in a timely manner and follow up on resolutions in assigned production centres and schools.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Desired Candidate Profile:

• Diploma or Certificate in Data, Project Management, Business, Food and Nutrition, or a related field.
• At least one year of work experience in any sector.
• Proficiency in data management and familiarity with tools like MS Excel.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multi-site operations, ensure SOP compliance, conduct stocktakes, and collaborate with stakeholders.
•  Familiarity with food safety standards
• Quick learner with strong adaptability.

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Position Overview:

The Program Associate will be responsible for supporting the operations of up to 25 kitchens and managing a team of up to 5 Field Officers within their region. This role ensures the smooth execution of kitchen activities by coordinating with Field Program Officers, providing operational support, and reporting to the Program Analyst. The Program Associate will monitor day-to-day kitchen operations, assist in maintaining quality standards, and help ensure the overall success of the school feeding program.

Our Values

At Food for Education, our values are guiding principles that provide us with purpose and direction and set the tone for our interactions with all stakeholders:

• Build with excellence and curiosity - We’re not afraid to try new things and iterate as much as we can to find the best and most efficient way to get results;
• Be the change you seek - We acknowledge that continuous improvement is a shared responsibility;
• We do what we say; and say what we do - We embrace an ownership mentality;
• Ask why; and commit- Share openly and question respectfully and commit fully. When we understand the why, we are able to work with a purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations across a designated number of kitchens, ensuring adherence to set guidelines for meal preparation, hygiene, and food safety.
• Provide support to kitchen teams to resolve operational challenges and ensure consistent execution of daily meal plans.
• Monitor meal production and consumption data, ensuring kitchens meet daily targets and quality standards.
• Supervise and provide guidance to a team of 5 Field Associates, ensuring they effectively support kitchen teams within their assigned areas.
• Coordinate and distribute tasks to Field Associates to ensure all kitchens are visited and monitored regularly.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Field Associates, providing operational guidance and addressing any issues they escalate.
• Assist in collecting operational data from kitchens and Field Associates, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness.
• Prepare and submit reports to the Program Analyst on kitchen performance, meal production, and any operational challenges encountered.
• Monitor the implementation of corrective actions suggested by the Program Analyst or during kitchen inspections.
• Support the enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for food safety, hygiene, and meal production in all kitchens.
• Conduct regular spot checks on kitchens to ensure compliance with program guidelines.
• Assist in identifying areas of non-compliance and work with kitchen teams to implement corrective measures.
• Support the training of kitchen staff and Field Associates to enhance their skills in operational excellence, food safety, and data management.
• Help organize and facilitate capacity-building workshops for kitchen teams, ensuring they are up to date with the latest procedures and guidelines.
• Liaise with kitchen teams, Field Associates, and community stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and local support for the feeding program.
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with local authorities and community leaders to foster collaboration and program support.
• Act as the first point of contact for any operational issues that arise at kitchen sites, escalating them to the Program Analyst if necessary.
• Monitor the resolution of any problems, ensuring that corrective actions are implemented and sustained.

Desired Candidate Profile 

• Diploma or certificate in Food Science, Operations Management, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Experience in food production, kitchen management, or community-based programs.
• Ability to manage and support field teams and ensure effective coordination across multiple sites.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with diverse teams.
• Familiarity with data collection and reporting processes.

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About the Role

The Senior Manager, Food Safety and Quality Assurance is responsible for overseeing all food safety protocols, quality assurance processes, and lab operations within both centralized and decentralized operations. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive safety systems, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal standards. The role requires a proactive leader who can work closely with cross-functional teams to safeguard food safety and quality across our expanding network.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy

• Develop and drive the Food Safety and Quality Assurance strategy for centralized and decentralized operations, aligned with organizational objectives.
• Build and lead a high-performing team, providing training and mentorship to ensure consistent food safety and quality across all levels.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to set and meet performance goals related to food safety, quality assurance, compliance, and lab efficiency.

Quality Assurance

• Establish and monitor quality control standards for raw materials, production processes, and final products, ensuring consistency and adherence to organizational standards.
• Lead regular audits and inspections across all facilities, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Develop metrics and reporting frameworks to monitor product quality, safety incidents, and resolution timelines.

Food Safety Protocols

• Design, implement, and maintain food safety programs such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP.
• Oversee and continuously improve sanitation practices and contamination prevention in all operational environments.
• Lead incident response for any food safety emergencies, including conducting root cause analyses and preventive action plans.

Certification Management

• Drive and oversee the certification process for relevant standards, including ISO, HACCP, and other regulatory or industry-specific certifications.
• Ensure compliance with all certification requirements through regular internal audits, documentation updates, and best practices.
• Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory bodies during certification inspections, providing all necessary documentation and follow-up actions.
• Train and guide the team on certification standards, embedding certification requirements into day-to-day operations to maintain continuous compliance.

Lab Operations Management

• Oversee lab testing and analysis processes for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished products to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Develop and implement lab protocols, equipment maintenance schedules, and quality control checks to ensure reliable, efficient lab operations.
• Maintain accurate records of lab results, and work with other departments to address any discrepancies or quality concerns highlighted through lab testing.
• Manage lab staff, ensuring they are trained on procedures, safety, and best practices in food testing and quality analysis.
• Collaborate with procurement and operations to ensure lab supplies and equipment are available and functional, minimizing downtime.

Compliance and Documentation

• Ensure compliance with all local, national, and international food safety regulations and standards relevant to both centralized and decentralized operations.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for all quality assurance protocols, lab operations, audit findings, and corrective actions taken.
• Stay current with food safety and lab operation regulations, incorporating best practices into Food For Education’s processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Product Development, and Lab teams to establish a unified approach to quality and safety across all departments.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for food safety, lab operations, and quality, advising on best practices and supporting other teams in decision-making.
• Partner with the Communications team to prepare food safety and quality reports for stakeholders and regulatory bodies as required.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities for innovation and improvement in food safety, lab operations, and quality standards.
• Implement a continuous improvement culture within the Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Lab teams, encouraging knowledge sharing and adopting industry-leading practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Public Health, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., HACCP ,FSSC, ISO) are highly desirable.
• 7+ years of experience in food safety, quality assurance, or lab operations, with at least 3 years in a managerial capacity.
• Demonstrated experience in both centralized and decentralized food production environments.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, lab testing protocols, and quality control methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communicator with strong organizational and documentation abilities.