Food Technology Associate Scientist and Project Manager (G-22-117)
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Published on
18.10.22
Category: Research and Development
Location: Toliara Toliara Madagascar
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a dynamic Food Technology Associate Scientist and Project Manager to oversee the operations of the new project funded by World Bank and ensures it goals and objectives are met
About CIP
CIP, a member of the One CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. One CGIAR science is dedicated to transforming food, land and water systems in a climate crisis, and it is carried out by 13 CGIAR Centers/Alliances in close collaboration with hundreds of partners, including national and regional research institutes, civil society organizations, academia, development organizations and the private sector.
CIP works with partners in over 20 countries to improve diets and incomes of poor people in Africa, Asia and Latin America through scientific research, innovation, and capacity strengthening. Focusing on potato and sweetpotato as food systems entry point, CIP’s programs seek to strengthen broader agri-food systems to generate economic, social and nutritional benefits for farmers, enterprises and consumers emphasizing the priorities of women and youth in particular. CIP emphasizes the synergies between social and bio-physical sciences as a core strategy for making breakthroughs in our understanding of complex development challenges in food and agriculture and for our ability to overcome these. Within this pluralistic strategy, qualitative social science has a central, and increasing place for explaining human and institutional behavior and assessing benefits and risks for human development.
About the project
The MIONJO project in Southern Madagascar seeks to build resilience in this drought-prone region through investment in infrastructure and value chain development. The goal is to improve livelihood opportunities and resilience of community-based organizations with women and youth members through the establishment of sustainable seed systems and profitable value chains of orange-fleshed sweetpotato with a strengthened enabling environment.
The position: The position will report to the Principal Scientist and Senior Project Manager and Country Liaison Scientist and will be based at Toliara, Madagascar.
Food Technology
- Identify and collaborate with private sector companies in developing viable sweetpotato product value chains.
- Lead the procuring and testing of innovative sweetpotato processing and storage equipment as it becomes available.
- Develop economically viable sweetpotato processed products, in collaboration with private sector partners
- Conduct consumer preference surveys to gain insights into consumer preferences linked to selected sweetpotato products.
- Oversee the design of training programs for small and medium enterprises using sweetpotato as a key ingredient for processed products and animal feed (including silage).
- Ensure collaborating partners are trained in food safety protocols.
- Collaborate with the regional Food Analysis and Nutrition Evaluation laboratory in assessing nutrient composition of products developed.
- Coordinate the development of an innovation platform for linking actors along the sweetpotato processed product value chain
Project Management
- Supervise and lead the technical team and the administrative arm of the project
- Lead the refinement of the content and timelines for the work plan through interactions and dialogue with partners and other stakeholders and define responsibilities and commitments for its implementation.
- Ensure that project implementation is responsive to communities and partners and aligned with CIP’s principles, values, and strategic plan.
- Facilitate the establishment of a cohesive, proactive project team and a strong, mutually respectful partnership of implementing organizations with clear accountability, transparency in its operations and efficiency targeting towards food insecure and poor households.
- Develop collaborative relationships with direct project partners and the larger sweetpotato stakeholder community.
- Ensure longer term viability of the partnership implementing the project through frequent interactions with senior managers of the participating organizations.
- Ensure the timely preparation and high quality of all reports
- Provide management in all aspects of project implementation.
- Ensure that project implementation is responsive to communities and partners and aligned with CIP’s principles, values and strategic plan.
- Work with administrative and finance units at CIP and other CGIAR partners to oversee the development of sub-agreements and works plans.
- Monitor adherence to grant agreement, CIP policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations.
- Represent and advocate for the project within the region and at the national level
Staff Management, Professional Development and Team Building
- Create a work atmosphere conducive to professional growth and development of excellent personnel at all levels.
- Promote accountability by conducting staff annual performance reviews with direct supervisees and ensuring that all staff members are effectively using the performance planning and management system.
- Contribute to project team-building efforts and ensure the integration of all team members into relevant decision-making processes.
- Put into effect CIP’s policies among supervised staff
- Assure compliance in performing duties are aligned with the delegation of authority assigned to the position.
- Comply with national and international health and safety laws, regulations and standards.
Requirements
Who are we looking for?
- 2 to 5 years of international experience
- Strong experience in project management, preferably within a challenging international development context.
- Strong expertise in relevant research methodologies concerning harvest and post-harvest management and processing of crops
- Experience developing and strengthening partner relations.
- Experience implementing and adhering to workplans, and monitoring interventions.
- Excellent statistical skills and knowledge of database management
- Strong knowledge in root and tuber production and processing value chains preferred
- Demonstrated success in fundraising preferred
- Experience working in private sector agro-processing firm preferred
- Experience managing World Bank funds preferred
- Advanced written and oral skills in English and French.
- Knowledge of Malagasy will be an advantage
Skills:
- Ability to prioritize responsibilities, lead a team in difficult conditions, and manage multiple activities.
- Ability to work in difficult conditions.
- Demonstrated leadership and versatility.
- Value honesty, integrity and diversity.
- Building and maintaining partnership and relationships.
- Creating and environment for learning and knowledge sharing.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Education level
- PhD in Food Technology or related field plus 4 years of relevant professional experience; or MS in food Technology or related field plus 8 years of relevant professional experience
Benefits
What are we offering?
- Exciting career growth opportunity in an international organization.
- Internationally competitive salary, paid in US dollars, and commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive international insurance coverage.
- Attractive retirement plan.
- Three-year term contract with the possibility of renewal.
- Work in an equal and diverse workplace.
Condition: Any offer made with regards to this vacancy is conditional to the formal award of the afore-mentioned grant
How to apply?
Please Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V. with your references (preferable recent supervisors). Screening of applications will begin on October 30 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
This position will work or have contact with children and/or vulnerable adults
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.