Food Technologist SSA
Organizational Context
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and building pathways to peace and prosperity through food assistance. WFP operates in diverse, multicultural environments, emphasizing inclusivity, personal development, and collaboration to reach millions globally. It is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate committed to humanitarian impact.
Job Purpose
The Food Technologist will provide specialized operational expertise in nutrition and food technology to support WFP's initiatives in West and Central Africa. This role is crucial for implementing new projects focused on nutritious foods and large-scale food fortification, particularly with rice. The incumbent will support the Nutrition Value Chain portfolio, contributing to day-to-day activities and analytical work. Key responsibilities include providing technical assistance for food processing initiatives, supporting the "RICE UP" project by analyzing trade routes and integration points for fortified rice, and assisting the "Systemic innovation in Small Scale Fortification" project in Burkina Faso. This involves strengthening miller cooperatives, facilitating equipment procurement and training, establishing quality assurance systems, and promoting market development for fortified products, ultimately aiming to combat malnutrition and enhance food security in the region.
Responsibilities
The World Food Programme (WFP) is seeking a Food Technologist with operational expertise in nutrition and food technology to support new projects focused on nutritious foods and food fortification in West and Central Africa. This role involves supporting the Nutrition Value Chain portfolio, reporting to the FQS Team Leader and Regional Nutrition Advisor. The incumbent will work independently, providing technical support for food processing initiatives and contributing to daily activities and analysis. Key responsibilities include supporting the "RICE UP" project, which aims to combat malnutrition by fortifying rice with essential micronutrients, and the "Systemic Innovation in Small Scale Fortification in Burkina Faso" project, which focuses on mobilizing small-scale rice millers for scalable and sustainable rice fortification. Specific duties involve analyzing national requirements, strengthening miller cooperatives, facilitating equipment procurement and training, managing supply chains, establishing quality assurance systems, promoting market development, and supporting policy advocacy. The role requires a strong understanding of fortification, food technology, trade routes, and policy advocacy, with a client-oriented approach and strong interpersonal skills. An advanced university degree in a relevant field and at least five years of professional experience are required, along with fluency in English and French.
Work Experience
Requires at least 5 years of progressive professional experience in a similar field, either domestically or internationally. Prior or current work experience within the WACARO region and familiarity with its procedures are also necessary.
Skills
Food technology, Nutrition, Food fortification, Value chain analysis, Supply chain management, Quality assurance, Policy advocacy, Project support, Trade route analysis, Market development