Food Technologist

Organizational Setting

FAO implements the project “Sustainable Production and Utilization of Agro-natural Resources (SPUAR) Initiative in Ma`an Govern”, funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. FAO Jordan is looking for a Food Technologist to support the implementation of project activities in Jordan.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative and direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, and in collaboration with relevant FAO staff and stakeholders, the Food Technologist will support the delivery of the food-processing component of the project. The result of this project output will contribute to enhancing the livelihood and income of the targeted group, 120 Jordanian households, through effective design and implementation of post-harvest and food processing activities.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will provide technical support to the project output under the food processing component through his/her daily field and office work. Expected Outputs/Deliverables:

• One Rapid needs assessment. • List of potential service provider for the provision of training. • One signed agreement with local service provider (for training). • Set of beneficiary selection criteria. • One Rapid market analysis and consumers perception of food products. • Updated work plan for the food processing component. • Safety and quality control procedures available for project beneficiaries and the local CSOs. • Received proposals evaluation (filled evaluation forms). • Field visit reports (activities, challenges, opportunities, threats with figures).

Tasks and responsibilities

The food technologist will:

- Conduct a rapid need assessment in the community to identify the priority areas of interventions (equipment and skills) for best post-harvest handling - including gaps in complying with best hygienic practices and food safety, primary and/or secondary processing, packaging, storage, logistics, marketing (including labelling) among others. - Identify potential service provider to conduct training and capacity building in the priority areas identified in need assessment and support in drafting and signing the contract/agreement. - Follow up and monitor the smooth and effective delivery of the trainings in close collaboration with the service provider and the project coordinator. Ensuring that cost-effective innovations for better market access and efficient use of water are prioritized. - Support the development of gender sensitive selection criteria for identifying and selection of Jordanian beneficiary households. - Follow up and monitor the grant activities and take part in the Technical Screening Committee evaluating proposals for food processing component of the project. - Conduct field visits to selected beneficiaries to evaluate and validate submitted proposals (accuracy, feasibility of project idea within the resources, budget, work plan and timeframe) & amend based on the requirement - Conduct a rapid market analysis and consumers perception of food products and develop recommendations on new product based on the capacity of the beneficiaries - Support the procurement of equipment/material/ services. - Check and improve safety and quality control procedures in coordination with the project coordinator and local authorities (i.e. JFDA). - Contribute to potential modification in existing products and processes of the projects and propose alternatives approaches. - Compile, check and approve food product specifications and labelling in collaboration with local authorities (i.e. JFDA). - Support local CSOs in preparing product costings based on raw materials and manufacturing costs to ensure profitable products - Monitor progress/delays & ensure timely and effective project implementation, and provide field visit report/s. - Participate in periodic coordination/staff meetings & workshops. - Undertake any other actions related to the project’s task plan as requested.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in agricultural, agribusiness or food science and a post-graduate qualification in food technology, agri-food marketing or agri-food enterprise development (or other related technical disciplines). • A minimum of five years practical expertise in food technology, food processing/packaging or post-harvest management, • Excellent communication skills and working knowledge (level C) in English and Arabic languages (oral and written). • National of Jordan.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Extent and relevance of experience at mid- or senior-level in project management including preparation of multi-annual work plans, budgets, progress monitoring and evaluation; • Extent and relevance of experience in establishing and maintaining partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs and donors. • Previous experience in agri-food micro-enterprise development in Jordan,

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you need help please contact: [email protected]
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.