Research Associate - Food Technologist

The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit a ResearchAssociate - Food Technologist to be based in Kigali, Rwanda. The Position: The candidate will support the Market-driven, Resilient andNutritious Agri-food Systems in the Humid zones of West and Central Africa(WCA) initiative. This initiative aims to build a more resilient,climate-smart, nutritious, gender equitable and viable food production systemthrough development and scaling of novel and inclusive production andpost-harvest technologies, participatory decision-making and planning, andinformed governance systems.In Rwanda,previous research undertaken by the International Potato Center (CIP) demonstratedthe potential for developing economically viable processed products usingorange-fleshed sweetpotato puree as a key ingredient and other products (fried,juice) using sweetpotato roots. The selected candidatewill report to the Senior Research Associate for planning and implementation ofthe WCA activities and co-supervise by the Food Chemistry – Post Doc fortechnical evaluation and support. Key Responsibilities: Incollaboration with partners on the initiative, identify potential integrationof other target crops into product development process. Assessinterest and capacity of selected SMEs in Central Africa (technically andfrom a business standpoint) to engage in sweetpotato product value chains. Leadthe procuring and testing of innovative equipment as it becomes available. Collaboratewith private sector companies in developing viable sweetpotato productvalue chains. Conductconsumer preference surveys to gain insights into consumer preferenceslinked to selected sweetpotato products. Ensurecollaborating partners are trained in food safety protocols. Collaboratewith the Food Analysis and Nutrition Evaluation laboratory in assessingnutrient composition of products developed. Participatein regular team meetings, engaging in multi-sectoral planning andcontributing to other activities upon supervisor’s request. Produceprogress reports of the research on a timely basis. Preparemonthly stories from the field. Requirements Selection Criteria MSc degree in Food Technology or Food Science. Minimum 6 years of relevant work experience, havingworked on projects that engaged with private sectors is a plus. Experience in product development is highlypreferred. Provenability in developing marketing strategies. Strongskills in nutrition and statistics. Excellentinterpersonal relationships skills and teamwork orientation Excellentcommunication and writing skills in English. #J-18808-Ljbffr