Title: Field Program Officer
Location: Kiambu and Molo
Reports to: Program Associate
About Food 4 Education
Food for Education (F4E) is an African-led, women-led social enterprise that uses technology, smart operations and logistics to provide low-cost, high-quality meals that improve nutrition and education outcomes for primary school children in Kenya.
We are growing quickly. Our mission is to scale models that prioritise efficient supply chain management and sustainable sourcing, so we can continue lowering the cost of school lunches. We have delivered over 40,000,000 meals since 2012 and are expanding to reach our goal of serving at least 1,000,000 public primary school students in Kenya every day by 2027.
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.
We are an equal-opportunity employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
Career Growth and Development
We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You will have weekly check-ins with your manager, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You will have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding, long-term career.
Deadline: 15th December 2024
We aim to contact all our applicants, but due to the high volume of applications only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If you do not hear from us within two weeks your application might not be successful on this occasion. This does not mean you will not be considered for future roles so please keep an eye on our job board and apply for positions that match your skills and experience.