Food Processing Technologist at Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA)

Food Processing Technologist

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is a unique and innovative English language undergraduate institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders of Rwanda and East Africa. Students at RICA will engage in curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities emphasizing Conservation Agriculture and One Health principles, oral and written communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship.

In an experiential learning environment, students will develop the knowledge and experience necessary for a wide range of careers in agriculture. Students at RICA will experience the six Enterprises including Dairy, Poultry and Swine, Row and Forage Crops, Vegetable and Tree Crops, Irrigation and Mechanization, and Food Processing. Communication, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship are woven throughout the curriculum. All RICA graduates will be innovative problem solvers able to operate farms and ranches, start agribusinesses, assume management roles in cooperatives, NGOs, and other agricultural enterprises, serve their communities as extension agents and technical and policy experts or assume positions of agricultural leadership in Rwanda.

DESCRIPTION

We are seeking 2 Technologists for the Food processing Enterprise to support the Enterprise Lead in the technical management of the enterprise, as well as in hands-on student training in food processing. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food processing of the most common animal and plant products of Rwanda: meat processing (meat cuts, sausages, curing, smoking), dairy processing (testing, pasteurization, fermentation, yogurt, cheese, butter, etc), fruit and vegetable processing (preparation for fresh market, juice, fruit jam, fermentation, drying, milling, baking, etc..). The candidate should be knowledgeable in food safety, production, and marketing as these are key management skills needed for this position. He/she should be able to work independently and efficiently direct the activities of the enterprise and must also show genuine interest in food processing. Candidates who have a passion for food processing education and who are willing to actively engage with students in the learning environment by demonstrating technical skills will be prioritized. The responsibilities of the successful candidate are listed below.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• • Produce safe and food products using good manufacturing practices.
  • Optimize productivity on the Food Processing Enterprise.
  • Ensure profitability and sustainability of the Food Processing Enterprise.
  • Supervise and coordinate day-to-day operations of the Food Processing Enterprise.
  • Properly manage the production resources used on the Food Processing Enterprise.
  • Work with the Enterprise Lead and other academic staff in hands-on training of students in food processing operations and practices.
  • Perform Food Processing Enterprise key management operations including hygienic food production and marketing, and facility management operations
  • Regularly inspect food processing facilities and equipment to ensure compliance with recommended standards, and to determine maintenance and repair requirements.
  • Comply with health and safety policies and procedures of the Food Processing Enterprise.

• Assist in planning, development, and implementation of procedures and practices for the operation of Food Processing Enterprise.
• Timely collect and organize detailed records of enterprise operations.
• Support in design and implementation of research and extension projects planning.
• Prepares enterprise activity reports for evaluation.
• Report to the Enterprise Lead in the technical management of the Dairy Enterprise.
• Supervise enterprise workers, internees, and fellows under the food processing facility.
• Assist RICA Farm Manager with farm operation activities outside the enterprise as time permits.
• Any other relevant task that may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in food science and technology. An MSc degree is an asset.
• Proven experience with routine food processing enterprise operations and labor management.
• Proven knowledge and hands on experience in food processing and marketing.
• Capable of running the Food Processing Enterprise.
• Able to operate and maintain food processing machinery.
• Capable of helping teach within the Enterprise
• Enthusiasm for experiential learning and team teaching and capable of managing students working within the Food Processing Enterprise.
• Advanced speaker of English.
• Computer literate especially in Microsoft Word and Excel, and ready to learn other computer programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Hands-on experience of at least three (3) years in food processing.
• Hands-on experience of at least three (3) years in the use of food processing equipment and machinery.
• Proven field experience with the Rwandan food industry.
• Demonstrated relevant management and leadership experience.
• Able to work independently with minimal supervision, but also participate as a team member in the accomplishment of assigned duties.
• Strong ability to coordinate, prioritize a busy work and organize workload, take initiative and work under pressure to meet deadlines and targets.
• Experience and ability to keep detailed records of activities and inventory related to enterprise operations.
• Enthusiasm and motivation to be part of a team working towards the RICA missions and goals.
• Ability to adapt to a new context and learn new things.

HOW TO APPLY

• Fill in the information required, upload, and submit the documents in English to the link provided below.

Please combine your resume/CV with your degree certificate as one PDF file before you upload it.

Application Link:https://rica.bamboohr.com/jobs/

Application review will begin September 28^th, 2021, and will continue until a successful candidate is identified.

Approved:

Richard B. Ferguson

Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Extension, and Research