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Job Description: Lab Trainee
Position: Lab Trainee
Location: F4E Lab-Ruiru
Duration: 6-month structured training program (with possibility of transition to permanent role)
Reporting to: Lab Associate

About Food4Education
Hungry kids can’t learn or grow.

Food4Education is an award-winning, locally rooted, and African-led solution to end classroom hunger.
Building on more than a decade of learning by doing, we’re powering a new school feeding industry and
sharing our blueprint to scale sustainable, nutritious, and affordable school feeding programs across Africa.

Today, we serve 600,000 kids DAILY in Kenya. But every day, we deliver more than a meal – improving
nutrition and education outcomes for children while also creating jobs and opportunities for whole communities.

We are an experienced and trusted non-profit partner that operates with the excellence of a global business, reinvesting the value we create into local economies.

To learn more, please visit www.food4education.org

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.

Role Overview
The Lab Trainee will undergo a structured six-month training program focused primarily on
microbiological testing with exposure to selected physico-chemical analyses (aflatoxin,
moisture, water quality, and visual assessments). The role is designed to build foundational lab
competencies, provide hands-on experience in food safety testing, and prepare the trainee to
take on an independent lab role.
This is a work-based learning opportunity where the trainee will contribute to day-to-day lab
operations while developing technical and professional skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Support in sample preparation, inoculation, plating, incubation, and colony counting under supervision.
• Assist with hygiene and environmental swabbing in line with zone 1/2/3 protocols.
• Participate in physico-chemical tests: moisture content, aflatoxin screening, water quality checks, and visual quality assessments.
• Accurately record test results in lab logbooks, and reporting templates.
• Draft preliminary Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) for review.
• Observe and support during audits, supplier inspections, and corrective action
• processes.
• Maintain lab hygiene, safety protocols, and proper use of equipment.
• Participate in an improvement project during the final month of training.

Learning & Competency Areas
Over six months, the trainee will develop:

• Microbiology Competencies:Aseptic technique, media preparation, microbial counts, pathogen detection, hygiene monitoring.
• Physico-chemical Competencies:Moisture determination, aflatoxin screening, water quality testing, visual food quality assessments.
• Operational Competencies:Documentation, CoA drafting, QA/QC principles, linking lab results to corrective actions.
• Soft Skills:Lab discipline, attention to detail, teamwork, professional communication, data integrity, initiative.

Supervision & Support
Bi-weekly check-ins with the Lab Associate.
Escalation to Senior Associate;Food Safety & Quality when additional support is required.
Monthly written and practical assessments to track progress.

Eligibility (Internal Applicants Only)

• Must hold a Bachelor’s degree in Food Safety, Microbiology, Food Science, or a closely related field.
• Current employment with Food for Education for at least 1 year.
• Demonstrated discipline, attention to detail, and ability to follow SOPs.
• Strong interest in food safety and quality assurance.
• Basic computer literacy (Excel, Word, email communication).
• Previous exposure to kitchen audits, hygiene monitoring, or QA and processes will be an advantage, but is not mandatory.

Application Process
Interested staff should submit:

• CV accompanied by a short expression of interest (max 1 page) explaining why they are interested in the role.
• Endorsement from their current line manager confirming release to participate in the 6- month training program.

We are an equal-opportunity employer
We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and people are supported to do their best work. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences and make employment decisions based on merit, potential, and alignment with our values.

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.

We aim to contact all our applicants, but due to the high volume of applications only short-listed 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.