Country: Liberia
Closing date: 02 May 2016
The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) is seeking a highly qualified Agro-processing specialist with emphasis on Rice Value Chain and Processing to be based at AfricaRice, Liberia within the framework of the Small-holder Agriculture Productivity Enhancement and Commercialization Project (SAPEC) funded by African Development Bank.
About AfricaRice
AfricaRice is one of the 15 international agricultural research Centers that are members of the CGIAR Consortium. It is also an autonomous intergovernmental association of African member countries.
Responsibilities
This position involves all aspects of leading a research program on agro processing in Liberia. The Agro Processing Specialist will report to the Project Coordinator and contribute to Agro Processing in the project counties.
S/he will:
- Provide guidance to the development and deployment of processing strategies to achieve quality rice grains and management of by-products;
- Promote the development of effective regional and national partnerships with rice value chain stakeholders (producer groups, processors, traders, financial institutions, extension workers and researchers) to sustain the improvement of Rice processing technology, handling, marketing and development of new products for rice including milled rice (white and parboiled);
- Establish procedure for quality control for rice processing in Liberia;
- Provide guidance on the installation, management and operational procedures of rice milling plants;
- Support and contribute to rice postharvest activities such as parboiling and use of by-products;
- Train local counterparts (rice milling processors- women and youth) in the management and operational procedures of rice milling plants;
- Collaborate with extension specialists in the production of information dissemination support on rice processing;
- Organize capacity building workshops and training programs in rice processing technology (milling and parboiling) for rice value chain stakeholders in Liberia;
- Work with the project mechanization specialist, extension agronomist and post-harvest/processing specialist on value addition to develop and introduce affordable rice milling equipment (paddy cleaner, rice separator, improved milling equipment, elevators, paddy dryers, and energy efficient stoves) for the benefit of smallholders and entrepreneurs;
- Provid e technical specifications and guidance for calibration, repairs, maintenance and management of rice milling plants;
- Provide technical specifications and guidance for rice processing activities and storage management;
- Support and contribute to training of MSc and PhD students and supervise support staff;
- Provide support and advice to other AfricaRice projects where agro processing issues are relevant;
- Develop annual work plans and budgets in consultation with the Project Leader, and CARI Director;
- Contribute to the Center’s resource mobilization efforts;
- Publish research results in peer reviewed journals and other relevant outlets;
- Undertake any other activities related to agro-processing activities as deemed necessary by the AfricaRice project coordinator.
Qualifications/Selection Criteria
Education: at least MSc in Engineering or Rice processing, Food technology, agriculture, postharvest technology or any related field. A PhD in any of the fields above will be an asset.
Work Experience: More than five years working experience on setting up and management of rice milling plants and equipment, participatory learning and action research in developing countries preferably in Africa.
Key Competencies Required: Strong background in in rice processing environment (rice mills, parboiling plants) agricultural research, extension and project management under various climatic conditions, demonstrated ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
Language
The candidate should communicate fluently (orally and in writing) in English.
Terms and Conditions
- This is aninternationally recruited position.
- AfricaRice provides an attractive international salary and benefits package and a collegial and gender-sensitive working environment.
- The initial appointment is for two (2) years with the possibility for renewal.
- The normal retirement age for internationally recruited staff at AfricaRice is 65.
How to apply:
Expressions of interest - a full CV (MS Word format) and supporting statement, including the names and addresses (telephone / fax / email) of three referees - should be submitted online at the following address: https://africarice-cand.talent-soft.com/accueil.aspx