Post-Harvest Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's mission includes improving agricultural productivity, strengthening value chains, and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources. In Rwanda, FAO is actively involved in various projects, including the SAIP II Project, which focuses on supporting farmer organizations and enhancing market access for smallholder farmers.

Job Overview:
The Post-Harvest Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting technical and operational activities aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving market systems for smallholder farmers in Rwanda. This position involves enhancing post-harvest management systems for both perishable and staple crops, with a strong emphasis on reducing losses, improving quality, and strengthening value chain efficiency. The specialist will provide practical technical support, develop capacity-building programs, and promote the adoption of improved post-harvest practices and technologies. The role requires close collaboration with government institutions, cooperatives, and field teams to ensure effective implementation of post-harvest strategies and policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Post-Harvest Specialist will be responsible for leading the implementation of farm-gate analysis to identify the root causes of post-harvest losses for selected crops, integrating gender analysis to address the vulnerabilities faced by male and female farmers. The specialist will develop comprehensive training modules in Kinyarwanda on post-harvest handling and management, conduct hands-on Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions for project staff and farmers, and prepare a final consultancy report consolidating assessment findings and training outcomes. Additional responsibilities include providing inputs to post-harvest policy discussions, promoting food quality and safety, and contributing to the monitoring and evaluation of post-harvest interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be nationals of Rwanda and possess at least a Master's degree in Post-Harvest Management, Crop Production, Horticulture, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in post-harvest management of perishable crops is required. Candidates should have working proficiency in English (Level C) and knowledge of Kinyarwanda is mandatory, while proficiency in French is considered an advantage. Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills are essential, along with experience in providing technical support on post-harvest handling and capacity development initiatives.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Post-Harvest Management or a closely related field such as Crop Production or Horticulture. Candidates must have obtained their qualifications from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of relevant professional experience in post-harvest management, specifically focusing on perishable crops. Candidates should have a proven track record of providing technical support in post-harvest handling, capacity development, and policy dialogue related to post-harvest management.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a working level of C. Knowledge of Kinyarwanda is required, and proficiency in French is considered an added advantage, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and the appointment will be subject to security clearances. For further employment opportunities, candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website.