Food Processing Specialist, Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity

Job Description

RTI’s International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. RTI leverages its experience in designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to build resilience and prosperity and promote economic growth and security around the world.

Position Description

The Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity is seeking a Food Processing Specialist. The Food Processing Specialist will support the preparation, processing, and packaging of food items, ensuring that quality and safety standards are met according to both national and international regulations. They may also be involved in training in food processing techniques and work with farmers to improve the supply of raw materials based on market specifications. The specialist will advocate for and support quality-based payment systems in collaboration with private partners in the food processing sector, aiming to create sustainable linkages with their principal suppliers through a market systems approach.

Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• Work closely with the Food Processing Manager and other technical team members to develop and execute project work plans and maintain technical oversight of all food processing related, income generation and utilization activities.

• Deliver technical experience on food fortification, food processing, safety and quality with a focus on improving the supply of inputs based on market specifications.

• Support activities that improve direct supply chain linkages with producers through mechanisms such as out grower contracts, quality-based payments, commodity-based production, cold chain logistics, traceability, aggregation, product development.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of catalytic project grants, subcontracts, and consultancies designed to spur private sector investment, act as an engagement manager as assigned, incentivize the broad participation and linkage of food processing actors, and facilitate entry of new actors and new investment into the food processing sector.

• Engage market actors with a focus on micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs) to develop, adapt, and/or promote the adoption of GHP, GMP, GAP, food safety and quality practices and standards.

• Developing and delivering training programs to educate staff or farmers on food processing techniques.?

• Liaison between public offices, implementing partners, donors, and other stakeholders.?

• Contribute to market system, food fortification and food processing learnings.

• Any duties and responsibilities assigned by his/her immediate supervisor.

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5 years of experience, Master’s degree and 3 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Food Processing, Food Science, Food Safety and Quality, Public Health, Economics).

• Prior experience working on the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture activity preferred

Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of food safety regulations and practices.

• Experience with different food processing methods and equipment.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to follow instructions and maintain detailed records.?

• Ability to travel extensively in rural Ethiopia.

• Professional fluency in English (both spoken and written) and strong command of Amharic is required, additional local language is a plus.?

• Ability to communicate effectively.

• Strong interpersonal and written and oral presentation skills.

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