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TechnoServe works with enterprising people in the developing world to build competitive farms, businesses and industries.  We are a non-profit organization that develops business solutions to poverty by linking people to information, capital and markets.  Our work is rooted in the idea that given the opportunity, hardworking men and women in even the poorest places can generate income, jobs and wealth for their families and communities.  With more than four decades of proven results, we believe in the power of private enterprise to transform lives.

Job Description

• Title: Processing Specialist    
• Reporting to: Value Chain Team Leader
• Location: Kumasi
• Travel:  Domestic, up to 50%

Program Description
The Ghana Poultry Program (GPP) Is a 5 year project and expected to increase the competitiveness of domestic production and processing of poultry meat and eggs. This, in turn, will expand end-market “pull” opportunities for maize and soya production, supporting Feed the Future objectives to raise income and employment for smallholder producers. GPP’s strategy is focused on catalyzing efficiencies at key stages of the poultry value chain in order to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported poultry meat (currently estimated at over 90 percent of poultry meat consumption); improve profitability of egg production; expand national and regional trade; and sustainably and equitably increase incomes of male and female producers in poultry, grains, and related value chains.
Position Description and Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance to improve packaging design, quality trials, and consumer campaigns.
• Work to support the establishment of branding, labels, and packaging of poultry products to suit consumer tastes.
• Support poultry processing firms to improve on the cost efficiency and quality of poultry processing.
• Lead the process in conducting a technical and operational analysis of current poultry processing facilities in Ghana.
• Evaluate and recommend current poultry processing mechanisms, including smaller facilities as well as larger-scale modern facilities, to identify which are the best fits for varying markets.
• Assist processors to acquire the right processing facilities and equipment’s for their firms.
• Represents TechnoServe at meetings with relevant government, donor, non-governmental and other agencies and personnel. Promotes TechnoServe programs, facilitates successful coordination of activities, and ensures transparency.
• Performs other duties and undertakes other projects as may be assigned from time to time.

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Meat Science, Food Science Technology OR Biochemistry with a major in Food Science Technology or any other related subject.
• Bachelor’s Degree with minimum of 8 years’ working experience in similar role; Master’s Degree with a minimum of 5 years working experience in similar role.
• Proven knowledge in hazard analysis critical control point and ISO standards.
• In-depth knowledge anti-mortem and post-mortem procedures in abattoirs.
• Familiar with food and drugs authority, veterinary services directorate and environmental protection agency regulations on the operations of Abattoirs and Cold store operations
• Strong analytical skills, including ability to gather and analyze a variety of information pertaining to issues and to develop appropriate recommendations for action.
• Ability to communicate effectively with persons on all levels both inside and outside the project on issues that could be complex or sensitive in nature.
• Strong written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write required documents in a clear, concise, well-organized manner.
• Advanced computer skills in a Windows based environment including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment and tact while protecting confidential information.
• Proven ability to successfully design and conduct training and workshops, transfer knowledge, and lead interviews and focus groups.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with donors, project stakeholders, in-country collaborators and staff at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and in a team environment, in an atmosphere of multiple projects, shifting priorities, and deadline pressures.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work with minimal guidance and manage priorities and work flow.
• Ability to travel approximately 20% of the time for periods of up to one week.