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Position Title: Senior Technical Advisor for Food Processing & Systems
Location: Remote
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve those in need, CRS operates in over 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization engages in various programs, including Emergency response, health and nutrition, Agriculture and Food Systems, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding, reflecting its commitment to humanitarian work and social justice.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Advisor for Food Processing & Systems will play a crucial role in the NOURISHED project, which is pending approval from USAID under the Feed The Future initiative. This position involves providing technical guidance to enhance the capabilities of local food processors, ensuring the delivery of high-quality program activities that promote the availability of safe and nutritious foods. The advisor will work closely with country-based staff to implement strategies that address food waste, improve post-harvest management, and enhance food quality assurance systems. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including MSMEs, government bodies, and sector associations, to foster private sector engagement and advocate for evidence-based policies that support food safety and quality. The advisor will also mentor staff, conduct assessments, and ensure the inclusion of marginalized groups in project activities, thereby contributing to the overall success of the NOURISHED initiative.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Advisor will be responsible for designing and implementing strategies to enhance the capabilities of MSME food processors. This includes overseeing activities related to post-harvest management, reducing food waste, and ensuring quality assurance in food production. The advisor will collaborate with local partners to drive private sector engagement and facilitate public-private dialogues. Conducting sector-specific assessments to identify constraints in accessing nutritious foods will be a key responsibility. The advisor will strengthen relationships across the food system by organizing exhibitions and business roundtables. Additionally, the advisor will coordinate with various stakeholders to collect and analyze learning from project activities, ensuring that marginalized groups are included in all aspects of the project. Mentoring staff and assisting in project workplan development and execution will also be part of the role, along with monitoring and evaluation responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in agribusiness, food science/technology, Business Management, international development, economics, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of experience in food processing and building technical capacities of MSMEs is required. Proven experience in Development Projects and familiarity with the agri-food business environment across multiple countries is essential. Candidates should have at least five years of staff management experience and demonstrate abilities conducive to a learning environment. Experience in coaching and mentoring senior program staff, as well as working on USAID-funded projects, is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as agribusiness, food science/technology, business management, international development, or economics. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of food processing and the development of effective strategies to enhance the capabilities of local food processors.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a substantial level of experience, specifically ten years in food processing and building technical capacities of MSMEs. This experience should include working on development projects and familiarity with the agri-food business environment in various countries. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of experience in staff management, demonstrating the ability to foster a learning environment and mentor senior program staff effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while fluency in French is considered a plus. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the NOURISHED project across multiple countries.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 40%. The role is designed for a full-time commitment, and candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector organizations. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where they operate, reflecting its commitment to local engagement and Capacity Building. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.