Post Harvest Storage Specialist – Dili, East Timor

Position Title: Post Harvest Storage Specialist – short-term (4.5 months) BACKGROUND  The Government of Timor-Leste (GoTL) has established a Project Management Unit (PMU) within the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Dili. The objective of the PMU is to implement the Timor-Leste Maize Storage Project (TLMSP) referred to as “the Project”, with due diligence within the framework of the laws, rules and regulations established under the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, and the rules and regulations stipulated in the Financing Agreement signed between the GoTL and the International Fund for Agricultural Development  (IFAD).  The TLMSP will aim to distribute 42,000 (airtight) 200 litre drums to 23,000 households in 5 districts in Timor Leste will the aim of reducing losses of maize stored on farm.    BRIEF EXPLANATION OF ROLE  Responsible to: the PM  Works together with: the Project’s short-term Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (M&ES) and the long-term Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (M&EO), and field staff who collect and collate information and data on post-harvest maize storage issues.  Location: Periodic visits to target districts, sucos and aldeias; with time spent in the field assisting district and suco staff with surveys and data collection exercises  Duration: 4.5 months, with inputs in the third year used for industry consultation, data processing and report writing. GENERAL DESCRIPTION The Post-Harvest Storage Specialist (PHSS) will provide support to ensure that the technical elements of the Project’s M&E and research and development into future storage options are designed, planned, and reported to a high standard. The Specialist will also provide support to ensure that all technical materials developed by the Project are appropriate and address technical problems related to post-harvest issues. It is anticipated that these responsibilities will require field work in Timor-Leste during the first and second year of the Project. KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1.     Develop a methodology for the assessment of maize post-harvest losses in traditional maize storage systems in Timor-Leste. This will involve: (i) the creation of a visual scale for rapid loss assessment; (ii) a plan for the implementation of a loss survey; and (iii) a plan for the collection of ancillary data such as farmers’ maize consumption patterns, use of maize shellers, etc. Project staff (including the PFs and the M&EO) will be trained in the implementation of the plan and in storing the resulting data. 2.     In association with the PMU agree on a protocol for the collection of data on drum usage indicated by: (i) the quantity of grain stored; and (ii) conformity by households to the storage advice provided by the Project. 3.     Assist with the planning and testing of locally produced, hermetic storage structures, for durability and consumer acceptability. In association with local manufacturers, this will involve inputs into the selection of prototype designs to be field-tested, the planning of test protocols, and data collection and analysis. 4.     Provide quality control for technical materials (leaflets, posters, stickers, etc.) prepared by the Project, to ensure that they are technically sound and suitable for the intended purposes. 5.     Be available to the PMU and all field-level staff to offer technical advice on post-harvest issues, as and when these arise. 6.     Analyse data and prepare periodic reports (as required by the PM) on: (i) maize losses in traditional storage; (ii) the suitability of locally produced hermetic stores; and (iii) drum usage by target farmers. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE The successful candidate will have: A post-graduate degree from a recognized international university in a relevant field – agricultural engineering, etc. At least 10 year’s experience working in development as a grain storage specialist; including the design and implementation of baseline surveys to define current grain storage practices, and the conduct of periodic surveys/ case studies to monitor and evaluate progress and impact; and the design and conduct of special studies. Demonstrated ability to establish strong working relationships with counterparts and project field staff, and to guide these staff in data and information collection. Good skills in inter-personal communication, report writing; numeracy; analysis; and networking. Sound computer literacy. Fluency in English, some Tetun preferred.

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kong_moo(at)yahoo.com.au