Food technologist SSA

Background and purpose of the assignment WFP WACARO is seeking a specialist with operational expertise in nutrition and food technology to support the implementation of new projects focusing on nutritious foods, as well as large- and small-scale food fortification in West and Central Africa. The incumbent will play a vital role in supporting the Nutrition Value Chain portfolio in these specific areas. They will report directly to the FQS Team Leader, under the supervision of the Regional Nutrition Advisor. The consultant will operate with a high degree of independence, provide technical support to specific food processing initiatives, and contribute to day-to-day activities and analytical work. The main programmes to be supported will include two projects:

• “RICE UP” funded by Gate Foundation. Given its widespread consumption within West and Central Africa region, fortifying rice with essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and folic acid presents a powerful opportunity to combat malnutrition. By integrating rice fortification as one of key interventions into national nutrition strategies, Nigeria and West Africa can enhance food quality, reduce dietary inadequacies, prevalence of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies, and strengthen human capital development, ultimately driving economic growth and stability.
• “Systemic innovation in Small Scale Fortification in Burkina Faso” funded by INKA. Mobilize and support collective of small-scale rice millers around new rice varieties that offer opportunities for productivity, agroclimatic adaptation, and food sovereignty, engaging them in rice fortification to establish a scalable, replicable, and sustainable solution for improving the coverage and quality of small-scale rice fortification. This initiative pilots a systemic innovation model to improve the coverage, quality, and sustainability of small-scale rice fortification in Burkina Faso by fostering the adoption of the fortification model among small-scale rice millers already organized in cooperatives.

Responsabilités

Under the direct supervision of the team leader FQS the consultants will be responsible for the following duties during his/her assignment: Accountabilities and responsibilities: INKA project: provide support to Burkina Faso Country Office on the following deliverables:

Conduct a comprehensive analysis of national requirements and rice value chain dynamics, followed by the strengthening of miller cooperatives as shared service platforms for fortification

• Facilitate the procurement and installation of shared blending equipment (dosifiers) and support initial access to premix (FRK), complemented by hands-on training on fortification operations and business management
• Provide technical assistance to cooperatives to forecast premix needs, manage supply chains, and progressively transition toward bulk market-based procurement systems
• Establish group-based quality assurance systems, including spot-testing and compliance with national standards, while supporting regulatory institutions in strengthening fortification frameworks
• Promote market development and demand creation, including linkages with institutional procurement (e.g., school feeding) and private markets
• Ensure a phased transition toward full cooperative ownership, where millers progressively assume operational, financial, and commercial responsibility for fortified rice production RICE UP: provide support on the following deliverables:
• Mapping of Rice and FRK Trade Routes in West Africa;

Localisation

• Strategic Locations for Integration: Assessing major aggregation hubs and other strategic points within the rice value chain in West Africa to identify cost-effective and logistically feasible locations for integrating blending operations.
• Policy and Regulatory Analysis: Evaluating the policies and regulations in both exporting and importing countries that could either facilitate or hinder the integration of fortified rice into regional trade routes for West Africa;
• Local Production and Trade Facilitation review;
• Institutional Demand Mapping: Analyzing institutional demand programs such as Social Assistance Schemes,
• School Feeding Programs, Humanitarian Assistance, and Strategic Grain Reserves to understand the demand-side dynamics, transfer amounts and modalities (in-kind, voucher and cash), stock rotation and utilization, and align blending points with these initiatives;
• Support selected Country offices on the advocacy for regional policy pilar under the project.

Fortification, food technology and processed food

• WACA Trade route and policy advocacy
• Ability to demonstrate a client-oriented approach, high sense of responsibility, and courtesy.
• Mature judgment with good communication and interpersonal skills Standard minimum qualifications

Formation / Diplômes

• Education: Advanced university degree in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Agrobusiness, Health Sciences, Nutrition or equivalent related field.

Expérience

• Experience: At least 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a similar field in country or abroad. Previous &/or current working experience in WACARO region and procedures knowledge.
• Language: Fluency in English and French

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