Team Leader / Agricultural Engineer – (Food Science)

About Amal Organization for Relief and Development:
Amal is a non-profit Syrian non-governmental organization established to provide life-saving aid and services to the most vulnerable people, strengthening their resilience, advocating for their basic rights, and also contributing to providing recovery and revitalization programs for societies that war-torned.
Amal Organization is a relief and development organization, was established in early 2013 and the organization was licensed and registered in Turkey – Gaziantep on 6/6/2014

Purpose of the Position:

To lead the implementation of the Food Processing Component within the Fruit Trees Value Chain Project in Douma – Rural Damascus. The Team Leader is responsible for planning, coordinating, and technically supervising all activities related to the women-led food processing workshop, post-harvest value addition, and market linkages, acting as an Agricultural Engineer specialized in Food Science.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee all activities of the Food Processing Component, including setting up and operating the women-led food processing workshop.
• Supervise the selection and capacity-building of 24 women staff, ensuring inclusiveness, quality, and compliance with hygiene and food safety standards.
• Coordinate installation and maintenance of food processing equipment and ensure adherence to operational standards.
• Develop and oversee training plans covering food processing techniques, hygiene, packaging, and business/marketing skills.
• Support the Farmers Association Board (FAB) in integrating post-harvest handling, value addition, and marketing strategies into the broader fruit value chain.
• Monitor production processes, quality control, and product data collection for the workshop and associated exhibitions.
• Prepare and submit monthly progress reports to the Project Manager in coordination with the MEAL department.
• Ensure compliance with national food safety regulations and donor requirements.
• Facilitate linkages between the food processing unit and local traders, exhibitions, and markets to enhance visibility and income generation.

Required Qualifications:

• University degree in Agricultural Engineering / Food Science or Food Technology or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in food processing, agro-industry, or post-harvest management.
• Proven knowledge of food hygiene, quality control, and processing standards (jams, juices, molasses, or similar products).
• Experience in managing and mentoring teams, preferably women-led groups or cooperatives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including reporting and data tracking.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders (farmers’ associations, local authorities, suppliers).
• Good computer skills (MS Office – Excel – Word – PowerPoint).
• Previous experience with NGOs or development projects is an asset.

Core Skills:

• Leadership and team management.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills with community members and women’s groups.
• Knowledge of value chain development, market linkage, and business planning.
• High accuracy in food quality monitoring and documentation.
• Commitment to gender equity and empowerment principles.

Language of Work:

Arabic (mandatory) – English (preferred).

• EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND NON-DISCRIMINATION:

Amal dedicated to promoting equal opportunities in our recruitment practices so the maintaining equal opportunities and nondiscrimination is a foundational principle:

Discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, social status, origin, pregnancy, genetic characteristics, or any other grounds is strictly prohibited across all aspects of employment, organizational practices, work arrangements, salary, dismissal, and service provision.

Preference among employees or candidates for employment may be granted based on objective criteria and qualifications essential for the job, and such preferences do not constitute discrimination.

In instances where specific provisions apply to contracting concerning gender, qualifications, working conditions, or contract type (daily, weekly, seasonal), rights and responsibilities remain equitable.

• PROTECTION FROM HARASSMENT AND SEXUAL EXPLOITATION:

Amal Organization is dedicated to fostering a secure and respectful environment for employees and those they interact with in the course of their work. The recruitment, retention, and promotion of staff are inherently tied to maintaining high ethical standards and a commendable reputation. Amal Organization unequivocally prohibits and will not tolerate (zero tolerate) any form of discrimination, abuse, harassment (whether sexual or otherwise), based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship status, disability, or military status. Employees and associated personnel must strictly refrain from engaging in any discriminatory, harassing, or abusive behavior, whether physical, sexual, verbal, or otherwise, both within and outside the Amal organization

• CHILD SAFEGUARDING:

Amal Organization recognizes that ensuring a secure environment for children begins with the recruitment of qualified employees equipped with the necessary competencies and skills to perform their duties effectively, safely, and reliably. This commitment is geared towards safeguarding children from all forms of exploitation, labor, or potential harm.

In our dedication to children's safety, our selection process incorporates comprehensive background checks, underscoring our unwavering commitment to preventing abuse and ensuring the well-being of children.

• SAFEGUARDING EMPLOYEE RELATIONS:

In line with our commitment to fostering a secure and respectful work environment, the post holder is required to adhere to Amal's anti-harassment policy. This policy underscores our dedication to safeguarding the well-being of our staff by promoting a workplace culture characterized by mutual respect and professionalism. The role holder plays a vital part in this commitment, ensuring a supportive atmosphere and actively contributing to the safeguarding of their colleagues through the promotion of positive employee relations