UNDP Jobs - 55485- Food and Water Laboratory Facility Consultant

Food and Water Laboratory Facility Consultant

Location :

Dili, Timor Leste

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

20-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

60 days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

60 days

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

As one of the newest nations in the world, Timor-Leste has made significant achievements in the road to democratization and economic growth; the country is working hard to accelerate the progress in its long road to achieve sustainable economic development. To support the efforts of Timor-Leste, UNDP ‘Mobilize Social Businesses to Accelerate MDG Achievement in Timor-Leste’ project (Social Business Project) in partnership with Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Environment is piloting various approaches to promote social businesses in Timor-Leste as a means to achieve Millennium Development Goals (MDG) in Timor-Leste with ensured sustainability.

One of the social business models that the Social Business Project is supporting is the development of agro-transformative industries as a mean for linking farmers to inclusive market and economic growth. Ministry Of Commerce and Private sector Company in Timor are planning to establish a local fortified instant noodles industry in addition to the existing fortified food formula that are consumed by the National Nutrition Programmes. Currently most of the raw materials that are used for fortification food are imported and this is a lost opportunity for the farmers to sell their local products such as maize and soybean. However the lack of testing facility to assess the quality of the local agro product discourages the private sector from purchasing them. While the purpose of establishing the laboratory will mainly serve completing the chain of Procurement and Supply Management between farmers and private sector.

The facility is expected to be one of the national reference lab on testing agro-products for:

Aflatoxin;
Moisture;
Protein content;
Water Quality.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the SB CTA and Working directly with management of the Private Sector Company and MCIA inspection team the expert is expected to:

Work in close partnership with personnel of the project’s, the leadership and staff of Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the potential private sector partner where the fortified food production facility is expected to be installed;
Utilizing the available infrastructure and initial assessment data of the report of the procurement and supply specialist of local farmers, the private sector laboratory design and Ministry of Agriculture and fisheries data;
To develop three key deliverables which includes 1) National fortified food and water laboratory testing facility establishment plan, 2) operational plan, advise on specification and prospects of lab equipment, and 3) Human resource capacity development for operating the laboratory.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Demonstrated expertise and capacity in production facility planning, production planning and processing;
Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills;
Strong analytical skills;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Mater degree in laboratory and food protection and quality assurance, food technology, food and drugs policy, social science, or related field from a recognized institution.

Experience:

A minimum of 7 years working experiences national and/or international development context;
Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in alimentary items, food and water safety laboratory;
Experience working in many different countries and familiarity with Timor-Leste is an asset;
Experience working with private sector and social enterprises;
Experience in policy advisory services and working with government institutions;
Experience working in South East Asia and Pacific region for national system strengthening is preferred.

Language:

Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Please access application documents via this link