Livelihood and Vocational Skills Trainer (Soap Making, Baking and Pastry Skills)

About Modern Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Organization (MAAO):

Modern Agriculture Animal Husbandry Organization (MAAO) is a national, non-political, non-racial, non-profitable and non-governmental organization, based on human values.

MAAO is a national organization with international standards registered with Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Economy, headquartered is in Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh province.

MAAO operation will be in all part of Afghanistan to boost sustainable economic opportunities through enhancing the agriculture & Livestock productivity, Education, rural development, capacity development and Civil Society, focusing on women role.

MAAO has the ability to provide trainings and conducts researches in agriculture components, in agriculture education for capacity building, value chain in all relevant sectors, vocational trainings, handicrafts, Health and Nutrition, other relevant fields

Position Description:
The Livelihood Skills Trainer is responsible for delivering high-quality nutrition-sensitive livelihood training and post-training coaching to project participants, with a focus on life skills, financial literacy, business development, soap making, and baking/pastry production. The position supports participants in developing practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills, strengthening self-employment opportunities, and improving household resilience. The Livelihood Skills Trainer also ensures quality implementation of training activities, accurate reporting, compliance with organizational policies, and the promotion of gender equality, safeguarding, and accountability throughout project implementation.

Key Responsibilities:

A.     Training Delivery and Capacity Building

·            Deliver nutrition-sensitive livelihood training modules (life skills, financial literacy, and business skills) in accordance with the approved curriculum and Trainer's Manual.

·            Conduct training sessions using participatory, learner-centered, and practical training methodologies that encourage active engagement and knowledge retention.

·            Facilitate training sessions based on the objectives and key themes outlined in the Trainer's Manual to strengthen participants' knowledge, practical skills, and confidence.

·            Prepare lesson plans, session materials, and practical exercises for each training module.

·            Facilitate small-group practical production sessions following classroom training to reinforce participants' technical and entrepreneurial skills.

·            Conduct structured post-training group coaching sessions in accordance with the approved coaching guide.

·            Facilitate discussions to identify participants' individual challenges, business needs, and aspirations, and provide appropriate guidance.

·            Promote peer-to-peer learning and experience sharing among participants to encourage collaborative problem-solving and continuous learning.

·            Identify operational and technical challenges faced by trainees and provide timely guidance or referrals to appropriate support services.

·            Promote participants' confidence, motivation, and self-reliance throughout the training and coaching process.

B.      Soap Making Skills

·            Deliver theoretical and practical training on the production of bar soap.

·            Train participants on the safe handling, storage, and use of caustic soda, oils, fragrances, colors, and other production materials.

·            Demonstrate standard production techniques, quality control measures, and safe workplace practices.

·            Document attendance, practical performance, learning outcomes, and challenges throughout each training sessions.

·            Coordinate with community representatives and project staff to promote women's participation, attendance, and retention throughout the training programme.

·            Support participants in preparing simple business plans, calculating production costs, setting competitive prices, and marketing soap products within local markets.

C.      Baking and Pastry Skills

·            Deliver practical training on bread, cakes, biscuits, and traditional pastry preparation.

·            Teach and enforce food safety, hygiene, sanitation, and quality assurance standards throughout all practical sessions.

·            Provide guidance on food packaging, labeling, storage, shelf life, and product pricing.

·            Support participants in developing innovative products that respond to local market demand and customer preferences.

·            Assist in organizing product exhibitions, demonstrations, or tasting events, where appropriate, to promote participants' products and strengthen market exposure.

D.     Monitoring, Reporting, and Learning

·            Monitor trainee participation, attendance, practical performance, and learning progress through regular observation, coaching, and feedback.

·            Conduct pre- and post-training assessments where applicable to measure learning outcomes.

·            Prepare and submit timely monthly progress reports, training completion reports, coaching reports, and other project documentation as required.

·            Maintain accurate records of training sessions, attendance, coaching activities, participant progress, and training outcomes.

·            Document best practices, lessons learned, success stories, and recommendations to support organizational learning, curriculum improvement, and donor reporting.

·            Ensure the quality, consistency, and timely implementation of livelihood training activities in accordance with project objectives, donor requirements, and organizational standards.

·            Coordinate closely with project, MEAL, and technical teams to support monitoring activities, beneficiary follow-up, and continuous programme improvement.

E.      Compliance and Conduct

·            Comply with all organizational policies, procedures, and codes of conduct, including safeguarding, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Child Protection, Prevention of Fraud and Corruption, and Data Protection policies.

·            Sign and comply with all required safeguarding and self-declaration forms.

·            Promote gender equality, disability inclusion, accountability to affected populations, and safeguarding principles throughout all interactions with participants and communities.

·            Maintain confidentiality of participant information and organizational data at all times.

·            Immediately report safeguarding concerns, misconduct, fraud, or protection risks through established organizational reporting mechanisms.

·            Perform any other duties assigned by the Project Manager or supervisor that are relevant to the position.

PSEA Declaration & Vetting Procedure:

·                  As an organization committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability, we are dedicated to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) in all our operations. We expect all employees to maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or harassment.

·                  By applying for this position, you agree to adhere to our PSEA principles and report any concerns or incidents related to misconduct promptly to the designated focal point within the organization. Failure to comply with these standards may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

·                  As part of our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, we conduct a thorough vetting process for all candidates. This includes a specific inquiry into any past allegations, investigations, or disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct.

·                  We will ask all references to confirm if the candidate has ever been subject to any such issues, left employment pending an investigation, or refused to cooperate with an investigation related to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).

Protection Tasks

·                  Consider the protection needs of beneficiaries and ensure to mitigate harm to beneficiaries.

·                  Support beneficiaries with specific needs to access referral services and additional support.

·                  Ensure, “Do No Harm” strategies are practiced and the field teams are briefed and guidance provided properly.

Soft Skills

·                  Ability to cope well under pressure, work irregular hours and meet tight deadlines

·                  Sound organizational skills and ability to prioritize and deliver assignments in a timely manner often under severe time pressures

·                  Report writing and communication skills

·                  Deadline-Oriented

·                  Attention to details

Additional Job Responsibilities

·        The duties and responsibilities set out above are not exhaustive, and the postholder may be required to carry out additional duties from time to time, subject to change with the evolution of the project progress and in accordance with project nature, MAAO, and donor requirements, which are reasonable in relation to their level of skills and experience. The post holder is required to carry out the tasks that are unforeseen issues and circumstances in relation to the project and should remain adaptable to perform responsibilities that may not be mentioned above as and when required.

Competence:

Passionate to work, teamwork oriented, problem-solving skills, excellent communication, interpretation and analytical skills, providing feedback, willingness to work in tough field conditions, meet tight deadlines, work under pressure, willingness to travel based on need and requirement, a self-oriented and good planner with professional communication and representation skills.

Core Competencies:

Highly motivated, effective communication skills, both verbally and written in group or individual.

Experience utilizing computers including word processing, spreadsheet and other software packages.

Be respectful, possess cultural and political awareness and sensitivity

Demonstrate flexibility, consistency and sound work ethics.

Integrity, loyalty and discretion on high standard.

Qualifications and Experience:

1.      Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, Agriculture, Veterinary Science, Education, Economics, Food Technology, Social Sciences, or another relevant field is preferred.
• Candidates with a 12th-grade certificate and substantial relevant vocational training and practical experience may also be considered.

2.      Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in livelihood programming, vocational skills development, entrepreneurship training, business development, or community-based resilience projects.
• Experience implementing nutrition-sensitive, women's economic empowerment, or humanitarian livelihood programmes is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated practical experience in soap production (bar and liquid soap) and/or baking and pastry production.
• Proven experience delivering practical vocational training and coaching to adults, particularly women and individuals with low literacy levels.
• Experience facilitating participatory learning approaches within rural or community-based settings is an asset.

3.      Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of adult learning methodologies, participatory facilitation techniques, and coaching approaches.
• Knowledge of entrepreneurship, financial literacy, small business development, and local market systems.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, quality assurance, and occupational health and safety practices relevant to vocational training.
• Strong communication, facilitation, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Ability to prepare reports, maintain accurate records, and meet reporting deadlines.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Demonstrated understanding of the local context, socio-economic conditions, cultural norms, and community dynamics.

Submission Guidelines:

Interested and qualified candidates can submit their CVs along with a cover letter to the HR Department of MAAO through the link address: https://maao.org.af/Jobs-Listing-Page-main/jobs.html

Please note, while sending your C.V & Cover letter, please mention the vacancy number and position in the subject line, application received after the closing date and without subject line will not be taken in consideration. Local applicants from the same province are encouraged to apply and will be given priority.

Due to huge number of applications, only those applicants who meet the minimum qualification and requirements for the mentioned position will be contacted for the written test and interview.