The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking to recruit one (1) dynamic and experienced Research Assistant, Nutritionist to provide support in the implementation of the “Integration of Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato Value Chain Development–” into MIONJO project in Madagascar.

The Position: This position will be hosted by AfricaRice in Madagascar. The selected candidate will be based in Toliara, they will report to the Food Technology Associate Scientist and Project Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strengthen quality in nutrition intervention delivery and ensuring mainstreaming of sweetpotato nutritional value into health, agriculture, education, processing enterprises, community development and social welfare in synergy with all partners
• Develop training material related OFSP based products processing and quality management emphasizing practices that retain micronutrient content
• Support the small and middle scale processing enterprise to implement good hygiene practices during processing
• Provide training to processing enterprise on how to use OFSP processing equipment
• Support for designing and setting up processing equipment and quality control material and devices
• Conduct, analyze and document the process and findings of experiments undertaken to contribute to internal discussions and nutrition-related studies
• Conduct awareness campaign on nutrition in collaboration with the national/regional nutrition offices and NGOs working in the nutrition arena
• Provide technical and planning support to design and coordinate food availability surveys, acceptability studies, and consumption studies
• Supervise research activities in different settings to ensure quality control in data collection
• Contribute to the development of advocacy materials, nutrition messages, food guides, recipe books and media strategies to create awareness of the health benefits
• Support on administrative operations to guarantee an effective supply chain for the project’ needs
• Support first level analysis of related nutrition data to guarantee the results are accurate and complete
• Develop new strategies for different projects activities to contribute with new protocols and procedures
• Conduct other activities agreed upon with the supervisor
• Ensure that risks are considered into the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in degree in Nutrition, Food Science, Biology, or related area. Master’s Degree preferred.
• At least 3 years’ experience required in similar positions.
• Previous experience working on emergency interventions
• Experience in working under difficult conditions
• Advance level skill using MS Office software packages (Excel, Word, Power Point)
• Skill in statistical analysis preferred
• Advance knowledge of database work
• Excellent French and Malagasy speaking and writing skills; working knowledge of English.
• Food technology, quality management and new product formulation preferred
• Analytical thinking
• Knowledge of legal regulations concerning nutrition and food quality and safety
• Track record of building and managing strong client and stakeholder relationships with private, public sector and government.
• Ability to anticipate demand, manage multiple tasks/projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and good computer skills

Benefits

What are we offering?

• Excellent working environment.
• Compensation package commensurate with experience.
• Fixed term contract of 1 year with possibility of renewal subject on performance and availability of funds.
• Work in an equal and diverse workplace.

How to apply?

Visit the following link: https://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/ and submit your cover letter and a full C.V in English with your references. Screening of applications will begin on July 31, 2023 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged; however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will have contact with children or vulnerable adults.

Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.

CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.