Processing, Post-Harvest, and Food Technology Expert

Background of the Organizations GOPA AFC GmbH is a private German consulting firm based in Bonn, founded in 1973, that works on agricultural, agribusiness, and financial development projects in developing and transition countries. It has implemented projects in more than 120 countries for clients including the EU, AFD, GIZ, KfW, the World Bank, and several development banks. The firm has worked extensively on the cassava value chain in Nigeria and Ghana, including the GIZ-funded SEDIN and AgriBiz programs. Part of the GOPA Group and certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, it serves as the lead partner for this consortium. IRAM (Institut de Recherches et d’Applications des Méthodes de Développement) is a Paris-based associative consultancy firm that has worked in international development since 1957, operating in about 40 countries with a multidisciplinary team of agronomists, economists, sociologists, and development specialists. It has a record of Expertise France contracts, including the AFIDEC project in Comoros, the PGE Gabes in Tunisia, and the PAGOF project in West Africa, as well as extensive technical assistance for AFD and the EU. Its cassava work includes value chain analysis and extension strategy development in the D.R. Congo. IRAM is the consortium partner. BASA Development Initiatives (BDI) is a legally registered Liberian non-profit and non-governmental organization with a mission to empower women, youth, and communities through sustainable, locally led development that improves livelihoods, strengthens resilience, and advances inclusive social and economic growth. Its main intervention areas are agribusiness, environmental sustainability, education, youth and women empowerment, and health and nutrition. BDI has implemented work funded by the Global Environment Facility, the European Union, and GIZ. The EU-funded Cassava Transformation Project in southeast Liberia provided business support services and training in climate-smart agriculture and good agricultural practices across Maryland, Sinoe, and River Gee counties. BDI is built on the principle of local ownership, with Liberians championing their own development. Project Background The GOPA AFC–IRAM consortium, with its Liberian sub-contractor BASA Development Initiatives (BDI), is being awarded “Strengthening the cassava value chain in Liberia – boosting sustainable production, processing, and market access” (Lot 1), a technical assistance assignment tendered by Expertise France under the Liberia Private Sector Development Project and funded by the European Union. Cassava contributes about 23% of Liberia’s agricultural GDP, but yields are low. The assignment addresses these gaps through five results across the value chain. Results 1 to 3 target the core segments: production, processing, and marketing. Results 4 and 5 operate at the meso level, focusing on service provision and stakeholder organization. Cross-cutting attention goes to food security, poverty reduction, gender, youth, and people with disabilities. A team of seven subject-matter specialists will deliver the work, covering value chain development, production, processing, marketing, finance, social inclusion, and monitoring and evaluation, and will be complemented by local experts and facilitators. The GOPA AFC–IRAM–BDI team is now recruiting a Team Leader / Senior Value Chain Expert (Cassava) to lead a team of international and Liberian experts. Job Title: Processing, Post-Harvest, and Food Technology Expert Location: Monrovia, frequent travel to Gbarpolu, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Rural Montserrado. Project: Cassava Value Chain Component under the EU-funded Private Sector Development Project Reporting to: Team Leader / Senior Value Chain Expert (Cassava) Status: National / International Duration: 6 months with renewal based on performance Job Overview The Processing, Post-Harvest, and Food Technology Expert provides technical leadership on cassava processing, post-harvest handling, and value addition across the value chain. The role designs and implements strategies to reduce post-harvest losses and improve product quality, supports the introduction and optimization of small- and medium-scale processing technologies, and helps MSMEs, cooperatives, and processors diversify into products such as gari, high-quality cassava flour, starch, and feed. The Expert strengthens food safety and quality management systems, guides enterprises through certification and regulatory compliance, and improves packaging, storage, and shelf-life. Working closely with the Team Lead and technical experts, the Expert connects improved processing and product quality to market opportunities, with particular attention to women- and youth-led enterprises. Key Responsibilities Provide technical expertise on cassava processing, post-harvest handling, and value addition. Design and implement strategies to reduce post-harvest losses and improve product quality across the value chain. Support the introduction and optimisation of small- and medium-scale processing technologies. Assist MSMEs, cooperatives, and processors in product diversification, including cassava-based products such as gari, high-quality cassava flour, starch, and feed. Strengthen food safety systems, quality control procedures, and compliance with national and international standards. Provide technical guidance on packaging, storage, and shelf-life improvement. Develop and deliver training programmes, manuals, and capacity-building activities for processors and value chain actors. Support enterprises in achieving certification and product registration (e.g. food safety standards and quality assurance schemes). Facilitate improved market access through enhanced product quality, branding, and compliance. Ensure integration of inclusive approaches, particularly targeting women- and youth-led enterprises. Contribute to project reporting, documentation, and coordination with relevant stakeholders. Required Qualifications and Experience University degree in food technology, food science, agro-processing, or a related field. Minimum 7 years of professional experience in cassava processing, post-harvest management, or food technology in Sub-Saharan Africa. Demonstrated experience in post-harvest loss reduction and quality improvement. Strong knowledge of: Small-scale and semi-industrial processing technologies Food safety systems and quality standards Packaging, storage, and shelf-life management Proven experience in supporting MSMEs, cooperatives, and small-scale processors. Experience in product development and diversification for cassava-based products. Familiarity with donor-funded project environments and reporting requirements. Preferred Profile Extensive experience in strengthening food safety and quality management systems, including standards such as HACCP, ISO 22000, GlobalG.A.P., Organic, or Fairtrade. Proven track record in supporting enterprises through certification processes and compliance with regulatory requirements. Strong experience in designing and delivering capacity development programmes, including training manuals and on-site technical assistance. Demonstrated ability to support installation, upgrading, and optimisation of processing equipment and technologies. Experience in improving market readiness of products, including branding, packaging, and alignment with buyer requirements. Background in working with women-led MSMEs and inclusive business models. Experience collaborating with regulatory agencies, quality assurance bodies, and private sector actors. Strong project management, coordination, and technical backstopping skills within donor-funded programmes. Familiarity with the West African food systems context is highly desirable. Fluency in English; knowledge of additional regional languages is an advantage.

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