This consultancy will be conducted within the IDRC funded project titled: “Scaling up quinoa value chain to improve food and nutritional security in poor rural communities of Morocco”. The proposed project will be implemented in Rhamna Province, where a significant number of farmers live under the poverty threshold and where a quinoa value chain already exists but is constrained by various factors. The project will analyze the existing quinoa value chain, develop a pro-poor business model and scale it up. It will introduce and disseminate quinoa cultivars with high tolerance to abiotic stresses and high productivity and yield stability, as well as promote appropriate crop production/management practices among smallholder quinoa growers.
Under the general supervision of the project's local coordinator in Morocco and the project leader the national food specialist consultant will help the project team to undertake research activities within IDRC funded project entitled: “Scaling up quinoa value chain to improve food and nutritional security in poor rural communities of Morocco”.
Working in support and under the guidance of the project leader and national coordinator, selected consultants will be required to:
Outputs and activities
Output 1: Recipes for quinoa-based products developed
The consultant will Develop recipes of quinoa-based nutrient-rich food products. The project will establish linkages between farmers, food technologists, nutritionists and agro-food industries, which would enable the development of products adapted to meet local, regional and national needs and taste preferences (e.g. couscous made with quinoa flour, high-protein bread, etc.). These recipes will be provided as part of the training package to farmers (to promote household consumption of quinoa) and local women’s cooperatives (for value addition), as well as made available to the general public through various forms of media.
Description of Quinoa based Product Preparation Processes - Normative and Regulatory Requirements (Raw Materials and Other Inputs, final Products) -
Output 2: Prepare a check list of requirements for HACCP certification
The consultant will assist the project in preparing check-list of requirements needed for HACCP certification of cooperative working on quinoa processing
Output 3: Development of communication media support on Quinoa products
Activity 3.1: Organize a workshop on the nutritional value of Quinoa.
Activity 3.2: Design and produce communication tools on the importance of Quinoa
Activity 3.3 Organization of food fairs and media events to raise awareness among household decision-makers about the benefits of quinoa consumption and the different quinoa-based products and recipes. In addition to developing the supply side of the value chain, this project component will also stimulate the demand for quinoa-based products. Quinoa recipes developed under component 2 will be disseminated through the publication of recipe books and leaflets in local languages. Given that women are the primary decision makers in relation to household food choices, advocacy and promotional activities will target women in both rural and urban environments.
Output 4: Develop appropriate training package on the benefits of quinoa consumption and the different quinoa-based products and recipes.
Output 5: Contribute in the training sessions of the project
Training on process unit regulatory requirements, manufacturing processes, quality control
A prospective candidate should meet the following minimum requirements:
Competencies
Application
Qualified candidates are requested to submit the following to HR Section: (hr@biosaline.org.ae):
The expressions of interest should be submitted with the subject line “food specialist”.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo an assessment.