Program Description: The Food Fortification Program, a partnership between TechnoServe and Partners in Food Solutions (PFS), aims to increase the compliance rates of private sector food processors against national food fortification mandates, thereby increasing the production of fortified staple foods.
PFS is a non-profit organization linking the technical and business expertise of volunteer employees from General Mills, Cargill, Royal Dutch DSM, Bühler, and the Hershey Company to assist food processors and millers in the developing world.
Position description: The FM will manage the implementation of the Food Fortification Program at the country level, working within the program resources and mandate to meet the objectives of their country plan.
The FM will establish relationships with food processors and industry stakeholders and identify capacity building needs towards improving industry compliance, he/she will then work with support from PFS experts to define and execute projects that improve processor compliance to fortification standards.
The FM will proactively review, make recommendations and report on programmatic activities to deliver TechnoServe’s strategic plan for Food Fortification in their country and as part of the broader regional program.
As well as identifying and supporting technical needs of food processors, the FM will also oversee the country team, which includes a senior business advisor (SBA), supporting complementary business needs of assisted food companies.
Business support will include assisting processors with customized business planning, adoption of food fortification and food safety protocols, overseeing market studies, and developing customized processor marketing strategies, business operations and provision of other business advisory services.
As the senior project staff member in country, the FM will oversee the activities of the country, managing the country finances and reporting their country progress; he/she will work in close cooperation with project partners and will receive technical oversight from the Regional Program Director.
Technical Duties
Work with selected companies to identify their challenges to adequate fortification compliance, support assisted companies with solutions to address these challenges and coordinate with experts from PFS partner companies as needed for additional technical advice
Identify common fortification industry weaknesses and work with partners to support the design and delivery of sector wide training workshops to strengthen these gaps
Review, monitor, and report on all programmatic activities including periodic progress, and financial reports, ensuring strict compliance with TNS’s objectives, strategies, policies and procedures. Make appropriate recommendations on the implementation plan
Managerial Duties
Represent TNS and the fortification program at the country level, meeting with potential partners and stakeholders: food processing company directors and production managers, government institutions and regulators, technical industry experts, service providers and universities, complimentary programs, NGOs and related agencies
Identify, review and select prospective companies for program support, champion the needs of selected food companies, familiarize them with the program offering and help them navigate the fortification regulation requirements as effectively as possible
Assist the Regional Program Director and management unit in timely tracking of country expenditures, budget management and forecasting, HR recruiting and country staff management, monitoring and evaluation of program results and the development of country workplans
Represent the country activities through reports, presentations, hosting of leadership, donor or stakeholder site visits and other communications as required.
Key Organizational Relationships
The FM will report directly to the Regional Program Director on strategic issues related to work planning, targets, budgets, staff and program delivery
The FM will receive technical oversight and support from the PFS Technical Lead with respects to training and technology transfer to assisted companies
Kenya Country Director to align with country objectives, administrative and compliance requirements and to receive support and assistance from the local office as required
Regional M&E manager to facilitate data capture and reporting
Regional program accountant to reconcile program expenses, budget tracking and prepare for upcoming expenses
Skills and Attributes
Food processing experience, preferably in staple foods, with an understanding of quality management, food regulatory compliance and fortification technology
Strong project management and strategic thinking abilities
Analytical mind and commitment to quality; rigorous approach with a high level of attention to detail.
Highly level of integrity – present truthful information in an appropriate and helpful matter and keeps confidences
Core competences required
Proven ability to work in an environment requiring collaboration with the private sector, government, and national and international organizations
Strong negotiation and communication skills, both written and verbal
Flexible, proactive, goal-oriented and with a willingness to travel in challenging environments.
Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment
Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment, problem solving, and creativity
Problem solving an decision making
Organizing, planning and time management
Team work/relationship – works cooperatively and flexibly with other members of the team with the full understanding of the role to be played as a team member or leader
Experience, Education and other requirements
At least 5 years of experience working in the food industry for either the private sector or implementing on behalf of a development program, with strong quality management experience a must
Managerial experience, including supervision of staff, budget management and use of project management systems
Bachelor’s in Food Technology, Nutrition, or food industry related fields; Master’s preferred
Computer literacy with excellent Excel, MS word, Outlook, and PowerPoint skills
Excellent command of spoken and written English is essential
Working knowledge of Swahili is highly desirable
Ability and willingness to travel both locally and abroad
