Research Assistant Full-Time

The International Potato Center (CIP) seeks a talented and highly motivated Research Assistant to support implementation of the project activities under the Mitigating Drought Impacts in Southern Mozambique through Resilient, Nutritious Sweetpotato Project.

Background:

The International Potato Center (CIP) (www.cipotato.org) is a not-forprofit international agricultural research-for-development organization with a focus on potato, sweetpotato, and Andean roots and tubers. Its vision is of roots and tubers improving the lives of the poor. CIP is dedicated to achieving food security, improved well-being, and gender equity for poor people in root and tuber farming and food systems of the developing world. CIP works with partners to contribute high-quality science, technology, and capacity strengthening for sustainable science-based
solutions.

The Project:

In response to the current drought affecting the majority of Mozambique, with sever e effects in the South, the project aims to increase food security and improve the diets of 25,000 poor households in a total of 13 districts of Gaza (Guija, Chigubo,Chicualacuala, Mapai, Mabalane, and Massangena), Inhambane (Funhalouro, Govuro, and Mabote), and Maputo (Moamba, Magude, Boane, and Matutuine) provinces through the production and consumption of nutritious, orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP). Other specific objectives of the project include: 1) improve access to climate resilient, drought tolerant and nutritious OFSP varieties for households in the target regions; 2) increase capacity in the management of multiplication material, as well as improved production and storage among droughtaffected communities; and, 3) to enhance nutrition knowledge and capacity for OFSP
utilization in vulnerable households with children under 5 years of age.

Main Responsibilities:

The Research Assistant will directly report to the Project Coordinator. He/she will essentially support the  evelopment of new OFSP products while managing the kitchen/laboratory in Maputo. The incumbent will play a key role in guiding the project partners, beneficiaries and other relevant stakeholders in the testing, development and promotion of the current and new OFSP recipes

Specific duties:

• Assist breeders, agronomists, nutritionist and lab scientists as needed
• Help Regional Scientists and International consultants in research and development, technology generation and food quality control.
• Preparing ingredients to use in cooking or baking OFSP recipes
• Mix or blend, ingredients to make reagents or make sweetpotato and other roots and tuber crop food or beverage products.
• Setting up workstation with all the required cooking/baking equipment
• Good presentation including pictures of OFSP dishes during demonstrations
• Ensure all food and other items are stored properly
• Continuously check quality of ingredients
• Monitor stocks and make requisitions on time
• Wash and sanitize dishes, cutlery, glassware and pots as required.
• Clean and sanitize kitchen and service equipment including carts, tables, sinks and shelves
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work area including a clean dry floor, clean walls, etc.
• Store all equipment in the appropriate storage racks in the designated location.
• Organize food storage areas, chemical storage area & the equipment storage area.
• Ensure that the kitchen, equipment and materials are secure.
• Check for and report any signs of pest infestation.
• Maintain and update frequently a laboratory notebook for all laboratory and kitchen activities
• Additional duties assigned by the country director, research scientists and laboratory technicians.

Educational Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum of a Diploma in Culinary Studies or Hospitality studies. A Diploma in Agro-processing/nutrition is an added advantage
• 2-5 years working experience in a food service environment.

Core Competencies

• Basic understanding of chemistry and analytical sciences
• Experience with baking and bakery equipment management
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and experience in social and behavior change communication
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills in Portuguese. Knowledgeable and familiarity with English and local languages is an added advantage
• Be a Mozambican by nationality
• Willingness to travel frequently to the field and work under field conditions

Remuneration:

The employment contract will be up to 31 December 2018 with the possibility of renewal, subject to availability of funding. The salary will be very competitive, paid in Meticais, and commensurate with experience. CIP prides itself on its collegial and supportive working environment, which allows space for personal and professional growth.