Stagiaire Chargé de Programme en Technologie Alimentaire, Conservation et Transformation

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP is committed to diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization has received numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020, recognizing its efforts to combat hunger and promote security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Job Overview:
The position of Stagiaire Chargé de Programme en Technologie Alimentaire, Conservation et Transformation is designed for students or recent graduates in the field of food technology or related disciplines. The intern will contribute to the Integrated Resilience Program (PIR) by supporting vegetable cooperatives and small producers in the Guidimakha region to improve agricultural production, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance market access. The intern will work under the supervision of the Programme Officer, focusing on improving the conservation, transformation, and valorization of vegetable products. This role is crucial for ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food and that local agricultural practices are sustainable and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Diagnostic and Analysis: Participating in the assessment of post-harvest losses at vegetable sites, identifying constraints related to storage, packaging, and marketing, conducting surveys with cooperatives and women's groups, and contributing to the identification of high-potential value chains.
• Technical Support for Transformation: Assisting cooperatives in producing processed products such as dried vegetables, vegetable powders, purees, local juices, and syrups, supporting the introduction of simple drying, conservation, and packaging techniques, promoting good hygiene and food safety practices, and raising awareness among beneficiaries about reducing food losses.
• Capacity Building: Organizing practical demonstrations of transformation, training cooperative members on conservation techniques, food hygiene standards, packaging, simplified labeling, and quality management, and developing technical sheets adapted to the local context.
• Monitoring and Documentation: Collecting data on transformation activities, supporting the monitoring of adopted techniques, contributing to mission and follow-up reports, and documenting success stories and best practices. Expected results include better documentation of post-harvest losses, regular technical support for cooperatives, testing and valorization of at least one range of processed products, mastery of conservation and transformation techniques by producers, and production of technical supports and capitalization reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be students or recent graduates in food technology, agro-food sciences, food engineering, food processing and conservation, agronomy with a specialization in post-harvest, or related fields. Eligibility criteria include being enrolled in a bachelor's program with at least two years of study completed or being enrolled in a master's program, or having recently graduated (within the last six months). Candidates must have completed coursework within the last 12 months, be able to travel and work at the internship location, and not have direct family ties to WFP employees.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a focus on food technology, agro-food sciences, food engineering, or related disciplines. Candidates should have completed at least two years of a bachelor's degree or be enrolled in a master's program. Recent graduates are also eligible if they have completed their studies within the last six months. Relevant coursework and training in food processing and conservation are essential.

Experience:
A first academic or practical experience in food processing is preferred. Experience working with rural cooperatives is an asset, and knowledge of the vegetable systems in the Guidimakha region is advantageous. The position is suitable for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in a humanitarian context and contribute to food security initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, while proficiency in English is considered an asset. Candidates should possess strong communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and facilitate training sessions.

Additional Notes:
The internship duration is three months, with the possibility of renewal based on needs and performance. The expected start date is December 202

• This position is part of a full-time commitment within the WFP, which offers a highly inclusive and multicultural working environment. WFP provides an attractive compensation package and invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training and mentorship programs.