DescriptionWhy RTI RTI International (RTI) is both a global research institute and a leading international development organization based out of North Carolina. At RTI, you will find work you believe in, tackling some of the most complex global challenges of our time. Our mission is to impact the wellbeing of 1 billion people by 2030 through science-based solutions in climate, education, health, and equity. Our staff promote meaningful change around the world helping people live healthier, more productive, and more independent lives. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you. Join us in our commitment to teamwork, belonging, and the passion to change the world. About the Hiring Group RTI's International Development Group brings together RTI experts and capabilities across food security, agriculture, energy, environment, water, governance, and economic opportunity. RTI leverages its experience in designing and delivering multisectoral programming and technical solutions to build resilience and prosperity and promote economic growth and security around the world. Position Description RTI is seeking a Food Processing Manager for the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture Activity. The Food Processing Manager will assess needs and build capacity of the public and private sector for adoption and effective execution of food safety and quality protocols, along with business development support needs relevant to the agriculture and food processing sector. The Food Processing Manager will also be responsible for contributing to the planning and implementation of activities focused on improving the productivity and competitiveness of food system actors (both crop and livestock-based actors). The scope of the position will include working with large scale cooperate businesses and MSMEs who are engaged processing of a wide range of nutritious food commodities, such as dairy, poultry, eggs, meat, fruit, vegetables, nuts, beans, wheat, maize, coffee and pulses. What You'll Do Your primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to: Work closely with DCOP-Technical and Technical Leads to develop and execute project work plans and maintain technical oversight of all the food processing activities under both crop and livestock value chains. Coordinate activities with food processors, maximize processing capacity, build capacity, promote awareness, and develop reform actions to optimize implementation of improved food safety and quality practices (e.g, HAACP, ISO, GAP, GMP, traceability systems), that can be extended through various implementation platforms. Support activities that improve direct supply chain linkages with producers through mechanisms such as out grower contracts, quality-based payments, commodity-based production, cold chain logistics, traceability, aggregation, product development Support food system enterprises and staff to document, record, and implement quality control and quality assurance systems and achieve appropriate certifications. Manage relationships with assigned clients (e.g., food processors, associations, cooperative unions, grantees, and other stakeholders) through regular communication and technical assistance. Contribute to the design, and implementation, and closeout of catalytic grants, subcontracts, and consultants designed to spur private sector investment. Act as a portfolio and/or engagement manager, incentivize the broad participation of market systems actors, and facilitate entry of new actors or connection among existing actors, and facilitate new investment into the processing sector. Work with the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), Ethiopian Conformity Assessment (ECA), and Ethiopian Standards Authority (ESA) in achieving goals for national compliance with food fortification and food safety assurance programs for animal- and plant-based food processors. Work with industry leaders and key officials within the Government of Ethiopia to increase efficacy in rollout of labelling requirements, identification efforts and other traceability initiatives contributing to food fortification, food safety and quality assurance. Work with the Government of Ethiopia and food processing sector operators and industry associations to increase farmer, agribusiness, wholesalers, retailers and consumers awareness on food safety and quality standard. Supervise food processing specialists and mentor regional food processing officers using market systems lens and implementation. Monitor and report on activities related to food processing, safety and quality. Support the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team on food safety activities, real-time data collection and other duties as needed. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required (assigned by supervisor) What You'll Need Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience, Master's degree and 6 years of experience, PhD and 1 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree should be in food processing, food science and post-harvest technology, food engineering, food processing or any related field. At least five (5) years of experience working with private agro-processing entities on food processing, food safety and quality. Prior experience working on the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture activity in a similar capacity preferred. Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with government personnel, stakeholders, NGO partners, and international donor agencies. Solid understanding of Ethiopian and international food processing standards, regulations, and requirements. Experience developing partnerships with private sectors, governments, local and international private actors. Experience working on a foreign donor-funded development program. Experience working on food safety and quality spaces. Ability to travel extensively in rural Ethiopia. Professional fluency in English (both spoken and written) and strong command of Amharic is required, additional local language is a plus. Ability to communicate effectively. Strong interpersonal and written and oral presentation skills
ResponsibilitiesYour primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to: Work closely with DCOP-Technical and Technical Leads to develop and execute project work plans and maintain technical oversight of all the food processing activities under both crop and livestock value chains. Coordinate activities with food processors, maximize processing capacity, build capacity, promote awareness, and develop reform actions to optimize implementation of improved food safety and quality practices (e.g, HAACP, ISO, GAP, GMP, traceability systems), that can be extended through various implementation platforms. Support activities that improve direct supply chain linkages with producers through mechanisms such as out grower contracts, quality-based payments, commodity-based production, cold chain logistics, traceability, aggregation, product development Support food system enterprises and staff to document, record, and implement quality control and quality assurance systems and achieve appropriate certifications. Manage relationships with assigned clients (e.g., food processors, associations, cooperative unions, grantees, and other stakeholders) through regular communication and technical assistance. Contribute to the design, and implementation, and closeout of catalytic grants, subcontracts, and consultants designed to spur private sector investment. Act as a portfolio and/or engagement manager, incentivize the broad participation of market systems actors, and facilitate entry of new actors or connection among existing actors, and facilitate new investment into the processing sector. Work with the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority (EFDA), Ethiopian Conformity Assessment (ECA), and Ethiopian Standards Authority (ESA) in achieving goals for national compliance with food fortification and food safety assurance programs for animal- and plant-based food processors. Work with industry leaders and key officials within the Government of Ethiopia to increase efficacy in rollout of labelling requirements, identification efforts and other traceability initiatives contributing to food fortification, food safety and quality assurance. Work with the Government of Ethiopia and food processing sector operators and industry associations to increase farmer, agribusiness, wholesalers, retailers and consumers awareness on food safety and quality standard. Supervise food processing specialists and mentor regional food processing officers using market systems lens and implementation. Monitor and report on activities related to food processing, safety and quality. Support the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team on food safety activities, real-time data collection and other duties as needed. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as required (assigned by supervisor)
QualificationBachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience, Master's degree and 6 years of experience, PhD and 1 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree should be in food processing, food science and post-harvest technology, food engineering, food processing or any related field. At least five (5) years of experience working with private agro-processing entities on food processing, food safety and quality. Prior experience working on the Feed the Future Ethiopia Transforming Agriculture activity in a similar capacity preferred. Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Demonstrated ability to create and maintain effective working relations with government personnel, stakeholders, NGO partners, and international donor agencies. Solid understanding of Ethiopian and international food processing standards, regulations, and requirements. Experience developing partnerships with private sectors, governments, local and international private actors. Experience working on a foreign donor-funded development program. Experience working on food safety and quality spaces. Ability to travel extensively in rural Ethiopia. Professional fluency in English (both spoken and written) and strong command of Amharic is required, additional local language is a plus. Ability to communicate effectively. Strong interpersonal and written and oral presentation skills