TechnoServe Food Technology Specialist Job in Kenya

Food Technology Specialist
 

Solutions for African Food Enterprises (SAFE)
 

TechnoServe Background
 

TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries. 

We are a nonprofit 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.
 

Program Description
 

Solutions for African Food Enterprises (SAFE) is a four-year program implemented in Kenya, Malawi and Zambia, through a partnership of USAID, TechnoServe (TNS) and Partners in Food Solutions (PFS). 

SAFE seeks to increase competitiveness of the African food processing sector to expand availability of affordable and nutritious foods. 

Position Description
 

The position is responsible for the on-the-ground implementation of the technology transfer component of SAFE which will entail the following:

• Identification of local food processors for engagement including carrying out site visits to collect the necessary technical and business information
• Active support of the technology transfer component including working with the selected processors to prioritize projects and thereafter acting as the bridge between PFS and the processors in the life of the specific projects
• Monitoring and evaluation to assess impact of the overall intervention
• Planning of activities to ensure that the objectives of the program are met within the set times and resources and that impact is maximized
• Working with stakeholders operating in the same space including the government and regulatory authorities to ensure that the program contributes to the national food security agenda
• Organizing and coordinating training workshops that address any identified technology or knowledge gaps in the food processing sector in Kenya
• Close coordination with the business component of the program to ensure congruency and alignment
• Periodic reporting of the situation on the ground to provide both data and anecdotal evidence of impact

Minimum Requirements

• B.Sc. in Food Technology, Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years working experience in food processing, preferably with at least 2 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.
• Good computer skills in business software (Excel, MS Project and PowerPoint).
• Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English and Kiswahili.
• A valid driving license.

To Apply: 

Please submit your application (by email only) to ke-recruit@tns.org with the position title placed in the subject line. 

Please include 

(1) cover letter describing your interest, 

(2) curriculum vitae, 

(3) salary history, and 

(4) telephone contacts of three professional referees. 

Please include all requirements in one document (pdf).

Applications will be treated confidentially. 

Deadline for applications is 9th August 2013.

Note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

TechnoServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer