Food Technologist (Malawi)

Food Technologist (Malawi)
TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. We are a non-profit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets. Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities. With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.
Solutions for African Food Enterprises (SAFE) is a TechnoServe (TNS) program in partnership with USAID and Partners in Food Solutions, with the aims of increasing the competitiveness of the African food processing sector and expanding availability of affordable and nutritious foods. Partners in Food Solutions (PFS) is a non-profit organization formed by General Mills to link the technical and business expertise of volunteer employees from General Mills, Cargill, Royal Dutch DSM, Bühler and the Hershey Company.
TechnoServe is seeking a Food Technologist for Malawi.  This role is critical to the knowledge and technology transfer model and the individual will be responsible for identifying appropriate processors to work with; determining their capacity building needs; defining those needs as projects for PFS volunteer experts; and facilitating the implementation of the feedback and capacity building advice. The Food Technologist will also be responsible for identify industry sector knowledge gaps and working with local institutions to conduct sector wide training to close these industry knowledge gaps.
Specifically, the Food Technologist (FT) will be responsible for the following activities:
1.       Identification of Local Processors

The FT will be responsible for implementing an equitable and transparent process for processor selection. S/he will consider the program selection criteria and make special
effort to reach out to women processors for the broadest representation. Once local processors have submitted concept papers outlining their interest in participating in the “receiver network”, the Food Technology Specialist in collaboration with the Program Manager, will be responsible for evaluating the concept notes against the selection criteria, conducting interviews and site visits, and verifying information presented in the application (including assessments with third parties, an analysis of financial health and business performance, interviews with senior management, suppliers etc.) S/he will consult with the Malawi Program Manager, Regional M&E Manager, Deputy Program Director and PFS counterpart/s to make a final selection.
2.       Technology Transfer Support

Knowledge and technology will be transferred by:
a)      Customized Interventions with selected food companies:

• Assessing the needs of the Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs), which includes conducting diagnostic assessments, translating the needs into specific project charters and prioritizing them, and identifying relevant SGB technologies
• Managing progress of the local processors, including identifying their resource needs, working with the SGBs to develop a suitable program strategy and assisting the processors in developing new products/markets
• Facilitating Technology Transfer, including helping the local processor bridge any cultural differences between itself and PFS, identifying resources required for implementation of the program, and ensuring practical knowledge transfer
• Developing the SGB through coaching

b)       Sector wide training-delivering workshop training to a broader audience on select knowledge gaps:

• Identify relevant food sector knowledge gaps
• Identify local institutions and service providers to support the training in identified knowledge gaps
• Develop with PFS and the local institution the required training manuals and modules
• Facilitate with the local institution the training to the food sector

3.       Monitoring and Evaluation
Required to support project Monitoring and Evaluation (with the support of the project M&E Manager), specifically by:

• Supporting the Program Manager to ensure they are able to collect the required impact data accurately and in a timely manner
• Contributing towards explanations of metric results and provide input to reports      
• Providing anecdotal evidence of impact, including success stories, case studies and lessons learned

Qualifications:

• B.Sc. in Food Technology, Master’s degree a plus
• At least three years of experience in food processing, preferably at least one in the private sector
• Strong private sector experience and entrepreneurial skills
• Proven track record in providing technical solutions to food processors
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal and management skills
• Ability to generate innovative solutions in work situations
• Good computer skills in business software (Excel, MS Project and PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English
• Willingness to travel to remote rural locations and internationally
• A valid driving license

Instructions

Qualified and interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter in one single Microsoft Word document to technoserve-malawi@tns.org. Please identify the position for which you are applying in the subject line. Due to a high volume of applicants, please understand that we are able to contact only those who meet the minimum qualifications. No phone calls, please