Food Processing Engineer – APEF

For over 20 years, APEF has been distributing alfalfa leaf extracts (ELE) in Senegal on a voluntary basis, in partnership with local health facilities (clinics, maternity wards, health posts). These nutritional supplements are intended to combat malnutrition, particularly among anemic breastfeeding women and children. More than 10,000 people have already benefited from this program.

The project is entering a strategic phase, combining technological innovation, on-the-ground coordination, the structuring of local sectors, and scientific collaborations. The VSI will play a key role in this process.

The project is entering a strategic phase, combining technological innovation, on-the-ground coordination, the structuring of local sectors, and scientific collaborations. The VSI will play a key role in this process.

Main duties and responsibilities
Alongside another volunteer in charge of the agricultural part, the VSI will occupy a position as an agri-food engineer for the project, with a cross-functional role combining operational, technical, partnership and strategic management.

1. Monitoring and coordination of the pilot foliar extraction workshop
   • Collaborate with the NGO Nébéday in Sindia to monitor the first productions and optimize the craft workshop.
   • Control the steps of the extraction process (grinding, cooking, drying…).
   • Ensure compliance with hygiene and quality standards.
   • Technical support for the transformation activities of the NGO Nébéday.
2. Coordination of nutritional distribution
   • Liaise with distribution centers (clinics, health posts, etc.).
   • Organize the provision of EFLs according to the identified needs.
   • Supervise the proper completion of nutritional monitoring questionnaires.
   • Manage the available stock of products.
3. Link with scientific partners
   • To act as an intermediary between field actors and partners.
   • Participate in follow-up meetings for research projects (nutrition and agroecology).
   • Contribute to the consolidation and transmission of scientific and operational data.
4. Management & Representation
   • Supervise the local team involved in the project (technicians, health workers).
   • Represent APEF to local partners (NGOs, local authorities, institutions).
   • To be proactive in the development of the project and in the setting up of future pilot sites.

Mission location
• Based primarily in Sindia (Southeast of Dakar)
• Potential travel to Dakar for meetings with universities and institutional partners.

Skills and qualities required
• Master's degree in agri-food, nutrition, process engineering.
• Experience in R&D, process engineering, QHSE, project management in a context of cooperation or rural development.
• Ability to manage a team, to work in the field and to coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Sense of autonomy, organizational rigor, writing skills.
•Good understanding of the technical and scientific issues related to nutrition.
•Knowledge of and interest in the West African context (an asset).
•Proficiency in French (spoken and written), English appreciated.

Please send your application to the following address: celine.krattinger@outlook.fr, copying bernard.giroud@wanadoo.fr.