Project Assistant 08 / Food Technologist - Tanzania

The International Economic Growth Division manages projects that are pioneering new approaches to agriculture, food security, climate change, and competitiveness—as well as monitoring and evaluating projects within these sectors. We work throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East for chiefly governmental clients, including the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the Inter-American Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Background 

The purpose of the USAID Tuboreshe Chakula Project is to transform a critical segment of Tanzania’s agro-processing industry – maize, rice, edible oil and horticulture processing – and dramatically increase the supply of and demand for nutritious and fortified foods, especially among vulnerable populations in the food insecure regions of Morogoro, Dodoma and Manyara.

The Project will achieve this goal by building the capacity of agro-processors to improve the quality, safety, presentation, sale and distribution of new and existing food products; to maximize its impact and reach vulnerable groups, particularly the target audience of pregnant or lactating women, children between 6 months and 59 months of age, and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in the project’s districts of operation.  

The USAID Tuboreshe Chakula Project is a key activity of the Feed the Future (FtF) initiative, a major U.S. Government effort which aims to address the root causes of global hunger by sustainably increasing agricultural productivity to meet the demand for improved, nutritious foods.

General responsibilities

The Food Technologist will be responsible for providing training and technical advisory services to small and medium scale millers in maize, sunflower and rice in Dodoma. The technical advisory will include with identifying appropriate technology and practices, sourcing equipment and spare parts, and providing training on repair and maintenance and calibration of processing equipment, new product development, product formulation, establishing quality control systems (HACCP) and designing packaging and labeling.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Client Identification and Development
  • Participate on identification, sensitization and recruitment of millers in maize, rice and sunflower oil situated in Dodoma Region
• Provide  support, coaching, and recommendations to small and medium scale millers  on issues related to:
  • Safety and quality of food products
  • Food Standards and Regulations
  • Technologies specific to process improvement, quality improvement and new product development
  • Preparation of product costing based on raw materials and manufacturing costs to ensure profitable products
  • Efficient machine operations and reliable maintenance to equipment
• Training
  • Conduct training sessions on key technical and management aspects of food technology and related analysis.
  • Monitor training outcomes; ensure uptake of new processes and procedures
  • In areas where clients require additional support, develop and deliver formal technical trainings
• Reporting
  • Prepare weekly, monthly and quarterly reports.
  • Collect monthly and/or quarterly technical data from clients on a timely basis
  • Meet regularly with clients, and provide regular updates to management on client activities

Competences

• Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions and provides clear answers.
• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; presents numerical data effectively.  Reads and comprehends technical documents, procedures, and specifications.
• Ethics – Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; supports organization's goals and values; respects diversity.
• Motivation – Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence.
• Planning/Organizing – Uses time efficiently; stays focused even when there are multiple projects or problems that require attention; flexible to adapt to different and/or changing situations as they arise.
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Dependability: Always on time and a history of good work attendance.

Qualifications

• B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology or equivalent qualification in food technology, food engineering, food science and /or food nutrition. Master’s degree and ability to read engineering documents will be an added advantage
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in the private sector food processing industry. Experience with oil processing experience has an added advantage.
• Demonstrated experience implementing quality management systems like GMP and HACCP
• Must have demonstrated experience with SME-scale processing equipment, particularly for SME maize and sunflower oil processing
• Entrepreneurial and self-motivated
• Computer literate (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Valid Tanzanian driver’s license 

Minimum Qualifications

2+ years of experience OR the equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position is located in Tanzania. 

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