Kyrgyzstan: Cold Chain Management Specialist, Kyrgyzstan

Overview

Since 1963 and in 147 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion.

Cold Chain Management Specialist, Kyrgyzstan

ACDI/VOCA is seeking a Cold Chain Management Specialist for the USAID funded Agro Horizon Project (AHoP). The Specialist will assist the AHoP program team to identify and engage local processing and cold storage enterprises that require assistance in obtaining a working knowledge of cold chain practices and facility maintenance. The Specialist will be responsible for establishing cold chain management parameters for fresh produce grown in the immediate proximity of each of the listed cold store facilities.

The Specialist will work with technical staff of AHoP and the proposed short-term technical advisor for PHH to ensure food safety, hygiene, sanitation, and control of substances harmful to health.

The Specialist will establish cold chain protocols for the transportation of fresh fruit from the farm to central cold storage in facilities. The consultant will establish cold chain requirements for the efficient staging of fresh fruit at oblast level. Cold chain is a vitally important link in the value chain after Post-Harvest Handling (PHH).

Efficient use of cold storage will extend the shelf life of high value crops. This extension will give the grower or trader a competitive advantage not only locally but in regional markets too. Being able to hold fresh produce in storage without causing damage to the quality of the product, allows the seller to release product to the market when the price is high.

Responsibilities

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Cold Chain Management Specialist will work with the AHoP Agricultural Productivity Manager other technical staff and local implementing partners to:

1. Through research and experience determine and describe the technical parameters including but not limited to temperature requirements and storage timing of fresh produce produced in the immediate proximity of the various cold store facilities identified by AHoP for this technical support.
2. Establish the recommended procedures for handling and packing and transferring/transporting each of the products mentioned above in terms of pre-cooling, cold storage, and reefer transportation.
3. Review and describe the cold chain facilities in AHoP selected areas of Osh and Batken oblasts and determine the maintenance and service requirements of each of these. The AHoP technical team will determine which facilities will be reviewed.
4. Identify interventions, whether technical or infrastructural, to provide optimum operation of these facilities and equipment relevant to the product stored within.
5. Design and deliver training under the topic heading of ‘Introduction to Cold Store Management’ to key industry players and USAID AHoP supported facility owners in the targeted area.

DELIVERABLES:

1. Submit a work plan scheduling field trips to selected cold storage facilities within the first 7 days of the assignment in-country
2. Submit a summary of the findings from tasks 1 and 2 in a weekly report by COB each Friday during the assignment. This is to include a narrative as well as graphic representations
3. Submit a Final Report within 7 days of leaving Kyrgyzstan laying out the assignment findings, clearly outlining locations and current condition of existing facilities and equipment. This is to include a photo journal with associated dates and GPS locations. The Final Report should list recommendations for continued support to the industry to ensure its sustainability

Qualifications

• University degree in agriculture and/or food technology is a must; ideally, a post-graduate degree in agriculture and/or food technology with traceable references and practical experience of cold chain management;
• At least 10 years of experience in the PHH of fruits with a track record of proven successes in improving their cooling, and storage;
• Excellent knowledge of international product standards and best practices;
• Extensive experience in providing advice and trainings on Cold Storage;
• Understanding the market demand for fresh F&V will be an advantage;
• Excellent analytical, communication, presentation and facilitation skills;
• Good written and oral communication skills (English);

Please apply by submitting an email with your CV to: JoinKyrgyzstan@joinav.org. No phone calls please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.