Organization: CIMMYT – International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center
Location: Dhaka
Grade: Mid level – Mid level
Occupational Groups:
Agriculture and Forestry
Nutrition
Food Security, Livestock and Livelihoods
Food technology (Food tech)
Closing Date:
CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.
For more information, visit cimmyt.org.
CIMMYT seeks to recruit a Post-Harvest Food Technologist who will be working for Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia-Mechanization and Extension Activity (CSISA-MEA). Reportable to: Project Leader, CSISA-MEA
This position will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh with frequent field visits.
Duties and Responsabilities:
Develop tech and non-tech solutions to reduce post-harvest handling and storage (PHHS), increase shelf life, avoid contamination, and enhance nutrition.
Assess and recommend the capacity needed by the market and stakeholders to implement market-based models of PHHS technologies scaling.
Work with multidisciplinary teams to adapt technologies to reduce post-harvest loss, and co-design and pilot solutions with stakeholders.
Analyze the demand and supply conditions for small-scale PHHS equipment and identify and establish appropriate partnerships to meet demand and improve supply.
Identify necessary equipment and machinery for procurement and draft technical specifications.
Ensure Evidence Generation for Replication and Scale-Up.
Work with a multi-disciplinary team to develop training materials on harvest, post-harvest, processing, and storage technologies.
Develop simple processing guidelines for small-scale food processing business models.
Identify necessary equipment for procurement and draft technical specifications of machinery and equipment.
Contribute to any reporting and project portfolio communications.
Foster Collaboration and Partnerships by engaging with public and private sector partners to enhance project impact.
Collaborate with other scientists and organizations to maximize synergies and resources.
Undertake additional tasks as assigned by the Project Leader.
Masters in a relevant field (food technology, value chain, food science, agriculture economics, bio-engineering or related fields).
Possess at least 5 years of experience in food technology, value chain, food science, agriculture economics, bio-engineering, or related discipline with a focus on food loss reduction.
Strong background in and experience in designing and implementing studies related to post-harvest, and food loss.
Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and statistical tools.
Knowledge of climate-smart food technologies and their application in reducing food loss.
Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively disseminate research.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Ability to present findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including project staff, partners, and stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Experience in managing budgets and resources.
Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
Experience in collaborating with local partners, government officials, and community stakeholders.
Understanding of sector-specific knowledge and approaches.
Familiarity with food safety regulations, guidelines, and reporting requirements.
Knowledge of food preservation techniques (e.g., drying, freezing, canning).
Understanding the challenges faced by farmers and producers in post-harvest handling.
The selected requires the following competencies: Team Leadership, Negotiation, Resolution, Client Orientation, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving.
The position is for Bangladesh Nationals for an initial fixed-term contract of 1-year with 3 months probationary period, which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds.
CIMMYT will provide a nationally competitive salary and benefits that include comprehensive health and life insurance, paid vacation, contributions to a retirement plan, and a range of other benefits as required by Bangladesh law.
Applications must include a CV and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer.
It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity.
Women are encouraged to apply.