Food Innovation Consultant (19-93)

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking an experienced Food Innovation Consultant to coordinate the Research and Development phase of a new collaboration with food industry leaders in South Africa to commercialize the utilization of biofortified sweetpotato for nutrition and business growth. The goal of the project is to generate robust evidence on the technical and economic viability of sweetpotato puree and puree-based products in the South African market. Working closely with other implementing partners and with CIP scientists, the Consultant will provide food science and technology inputs as well as a project coordination role. The position therefore requires technical and project management skills and experience of private sector business processes. The position will be based with one of the implementing partners in the Johannesburg/Pretoria area and report to the McCain/Project Lead and CIP Program Leader based in Nairobi, Kenya. The CIP Consultant will be fully integrated into the core project team, along with McCain and other implementing partners.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology, Nutrition, Agricultural Economics or related fields.
  
• Project Management and or Supply Chain Management certification desirable.
  
• At least 5 years of project management experience.
  
• Experience with food product development desirable
  
• Experience working in an FMCG environment is essential.
  
• Proficient in MS Office, especially in Excel.
  
• Fluent verbal and written communication skills in English.
  
• Recognized as results-oriented team player who is adaptable to changing project needs.
  

Key responsibilities:

The Consultant will be responsible for successful implementation of collaborative Research and Development activities involving at least two private sector companies and market and consumer research partners in addition to CIP. The specific responsibilities include: 

• Serve as primary point of contact for project operations
  
• Provide overall technical coordination of project implementation
  
• Coordinate Research and Development on puree production, bakery applications and bread recipes working closely with CIP scientists, bakery technical staff, and other partners
  
• Coordinate CIP’s technical and scientific inputs into Concept Design and Qualitative and Quantitative Research led by other project partners and supported by CIP
  
• Provide technical and business support to all public and private sector partners and ensure that they are fully and actively engaged.
  
• Convene and facilitate meetings and workshops amongst project partners as per workplan
  
• Produce timely and high-quality technical reports on collaborative activities and meetings/workshops 
  
• Manage adherence to contractual requirements and ensure remedial actions are taken within established timelines and policies.
  
• Assist in the preparation of food technology outreach campaigns in South Africa.
  
• Facilitate interactions with food science, nutrition and agriculture professional organizations and stakeholders in South Africa to support project goals.
  
•  Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by CIP and McCain to meet the objectives of the project.
  

Benefits

• 9-month contract.
  
• The position is limited to South African nationals and permanent residents.
  
• Location to be confirmed but likely in Johannesburg/Pretoria area.
  
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.