Bangladesh: Training Specialist, Food Science and Nutrition, Bangladesh

For over 50 years and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 34 projects in 26 countries and revenues of approximately $174 million.

Training Specialist, Food Science and Nutrition, Bangladesh

We are currently seeking a Training Specialist for Food Science and Nutrition for a $6 million, five-year program entitled “Feed the Future Bangladesh Livestock Production for Improved Nutrition Project” funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Through the project, USAID/Bangladesh seeks to impact rural household nutrition by improving the utilization of livestock products, and Food Security. The Feed the Future Bangladesh Livestock Production for Improved Nutrition Project aims to enhance preservation and use of dairy products at the household level to increase fresh milk consumption and dairy products development for improved nutrition and increased income through dairy value chain linkages and improve access of rural households to hygienic, diverse, and quality food in order to enhance nutrition and health status, especially of women and children.

Position Summary:

The Training Specialist, Food Science and Nutrition will be the lead trainer for Private Sector Entrepreneurs (Milk Collector) on during and post-harvest milk handling, processing and nutrition. S/he will develop curriculum, appropriate training module and extension materials which will be useful for the Milk Collector PSEs to provide learning on good practices during milking, post-harvest milk handling, processing and its nutritional benefits for human health. S/he will conduct the training according to the curriculum and module in the different regions of Feed the Future ZOI. All these training will be at or close to farm level and during the suitable hours of PSEs. S/he will visit field/farms frequently and incorporate field experiences with the training participants (PSEs) which will, eventually enhance the knowledge of farmers, processors, small traders on careful handling, preservation, processing and nutrition of milk to have year round nutrition of family members specially children and women from milk and milk products.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop curriculum and appropriate training module and extension materials which are useful for the milk handling, preservation, processing, quality control and nutrition for Milk Collector PSEs;
• Develop list of materials that are required for hands-on training/demonstration for Milk Collector;
• Conduct Training as the lead trainer on milk handling, preservation, processing and nutrition;
• Develop communication materials/small booklet/illustration useful for disseminating hygiene, nutrition and milk products preparation;
• Develop diversified milk products recipes or new recipe development based on local consumer’s preferences;
• Develop a hygienic and safe milk handling and supply model; kitchen model for household level processing, preservation with ensured quality control;
• Provide appropriate suggestions to the Team Leader Food Science to promote programming focused on diversified milk products development and its consumption round the year for nutrition;
• Oversee capacity development of the Milk Collector PSEs after receiving training;
• Keep coordination with other training specialists, Team Leader Food Science and Team Leader Livestock to execute overall livestock program under the project;
• Guide the local training expert so that they can conduct the follow up/refreshers’ trainings for the Milk Collector PSEs.
• Contribute to the cross-cutting goals of the program (i.e. gender and climate change)
• Travel to field and Dhaka as required;
• All other duties as assigned by the Supervisor and or Chief of Party.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

· Hands-on experience in post-harvest processing, preservation, packaging specially on dairy products;

· Ability to develop appropriate curriculum for the PSE training on milk handling, preservation, processing, quality control and nutrition;

· Have experience to conduct training for the Milk Collector /small scale dairy or others food processors in remote and sometimes staying at disadvantage areas;

· Have appropriate knowledge on milk and milk products quality management i.e. HACCP, ISO and GMP to safe milk handling and production at households and small processors level;

· Experiences in designing to facilitate rural food fare for increased consumption of milk based products and nutrition;

· Strong analytical skills, including ability to gather and analyze a variety of information pertaining to issues and to develop appropriate recommendations for the PSE training;

· Awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of cross-cultural issues particularly in representing a US-based organization;

· Ability to work effectively in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressure;

· Proven ability to successfully manage a team of diverse individuals. Strong mentoring and teambuilding skills;

· Ability to travel within the Feed the Future ZOI including remote rural areas;

· Fluency in spoken and written English is required.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate in Food Technology or Master degree on related field is preferable;
• At least 10 years of hands-on experience in post-harvest processing and preservation especially in dairy products development. A minimum 5 years of work experience in the developing countries, especially in the South Asia subcontinent, is appreciable;
• Proven experience in training of farmers/PSEs in a context of similar scope;
• Demonstrated supervisory experience with teams and professional groups in a cross-cultural environment;
• Demonstrated experience with computer-based Microsoft packages (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint);
• Excellent interpersonal and English communication skills, both verbal and written.

Desired Qualifications:

Prior experience with USAID projects, procedures, policies and reporting requirements

Please apply online at http://acdivoca.bosmaxhire.net/cp/?E5556E361D43515B7E59192F77501C6B0C627B4D. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.