Postharvest losses of fruit and vegetable crops in Haiti may approach 50% depending on the commodity and storage situation. Cereal crop postharvest losses may also exceed a third of the harvest volume. Additionally, food-borne illnesses are prevalent in Haiti because of inadequate agriculture practices and poor personal hygiene. The risk to human health and the negative economic impact of food-borne illnesses are very high in Haiti. Recent survey conducted by the Social Science Team (SST) of the ‘‘Appui à la Recherche et au Développement Agricole (AREA)’’ project indicated that the introduction of innovative postharvest technologies and practices to reduce crop loss and improve marketability was a priority area for farmers in the Feed the Future (FTF)– West corridor. Consequently, the AREA project is developing a postharvest loss management and food safety program to address that issue. AREA is therefore seeking (to hire immediately) a postharvest technology expert to lead that effort. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

The Post-Harvest Technology and Food Safety Specialist (PHTFS) specialist will work closely with the Research Directorate of the AREA project to:
• Review past horticultural postharvest interventions and their outcomes and impacts in the FTF West corridor,
• Adapt and field test specific postharvest technologies that could solve priority postharvest problems in the FTF west corridor,
• Produce training and outreach materials for farmers and the private sector that informs them on post-harvest handling and food safety,
• Train project partners (FAMV and other university partners, CRDD staff, Direction of Innovation MARNDR, private sector beneficiaries) on appropriate postharvest technologies to reduce product deterioration, minimize market loss, and maintain the nutritional quality of fruit, vegetable, and grain crops after harvest,
• Produce food safety training materials focusing on multiple aspects of food safety management for the food processing industries in the FTF west Corridor
• Develop and strengthen the research capacity of the mycotoxin research unit of Faculté d’Agronomie et de Médecine Vétérinaire (FAMV)
• Other research and extension activities as needed by project.

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Horticultural Sciences, Postharvest technology, Food Sciences and Technology, Food Microbiology or related sciences. A doctoral degree is preferred.
• At least five years working experience in the agricultural field addressing postharvest and food safety issues
• Demonstrate good knowledge in food safety practices including good agricultural practices (GAP), good hygiene practices (GHP), quality and food safety management systems such as ISO 9000v 2008 and hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP),
• Be familiar with International and regional food regulations and norms

Required skills
• Demonstrate good oral and written communication skills in both French and English
• Demonstrate good inter-personal skills and team working ability
• Be comfortable to work in diverse and multi-cultural environment
• Good knowledge of office and presentation software: Word, Excel and Power Point; Knowledge of specialized software such as: R, SAS or else is a plus.

• Letter of application that states applicant’s interest and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
• Resume including qualifications in regard to the current position and responsibilities
• Names and contact information for at least three references
• Copy of official diploma.

All application should be sent no later than January 20, 2017 at 4:00 PM.