Dairy Processing and Value Addition Expert

Job Description

Agribusiness Competitive Activity in Tajikistan – Scope of Work

Location: Mostly in Bokhtar
Dates: January – February 2020
Length of contract : 10 days

Background

The Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity in Tajikistan will work to expand and improve market systems in order to increase employment opportunities and income for agribusinesses

The Agribusiness Competitiveness Activity in Tajikistan is a five-year, $18.6 million project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. The activity will implement a market-driven approach, led by the private sector, to stimulate economic growth. increase employment and improve livelihoods by enhancing the competitiveness of Tajikistan’s agribusinesses in dairy and horticulture.

By teaching local firms and service providers to identify and successfully engage in market opportunities, the project will build a cadre of change agents for sustained and equitable economic growth. This will also improve Tajikistan’s ability to effectively participate in regional trade, improving the connectivity of countries in Central Asia and supporting overall regional stability.

The activity will focus primarily on building agribusiness competitiveness within targeted value chains. especially in Feed the Future’s twelve focus districts in southwestern Khatlon on the border with Afghanistan. The project will provide demand-driven assistance to agricultural associations. cooperatives, market integrators, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in specific sub-sectors to take advantage of domestic. regional and international market opportunities.

Objective 1: Diversifying the agricultural sector to include higher-value commodities and value-added products

Objective 2: Strengthening linkages between aggregators, wholesalers, exporters, and international and domestic end-markets

Objective 3: Partnering and leveraging resources to catalyze systemic change in the agribusiness sector

Purpose of Assignment

In Oct 2019 six Khatlon based diary processors made a study tour to see a more developed dairy sector in Georgia. During the visit the participants saw a wide range of value added dairy products including soft and hard cheeses, yougurts and butter. The purpose of this assignment is to work with Kathlon producers to refine existing processing pratices for their current product ranges and also to introduce new products that could be added to their ranges. Following the visit the processors requested technical hands on practical training that will lead to improvement in their existing product ranges and also support to process dairy products which the Tajik end market is now importing.

Key Duties/Responsibilities:

• Conduct practical training for the milk processors on making soft and hard cheese in one of the milk processing facilities. Trainings should encompass the full cycle of cheese processing starting from initial production to assessing the quality of final product.
• Carry out hands-on training on production of Ricotta, cottage cheese, Feta, Mozarella , and smoked cheeses such as Brynza”, “Sulguni”, “Imeretinsky”
• Demonstrate the methods of producing and application of self-made fermentation starters, also familiarize processors with fermentation starters of leading companies.
• Conduct hands-on trainings to processors on production of pasteurized milk, dairy products, cottage cheese, curd products and butter.
• Train on preparation for Georgian type kefir -Matsoni
• Train on preparation of fruit yogurt using fresh fruit
• Training on prevention of poor quality dairy product
• Train processors on implementing sanitary standards in the production of dairy products

Requirements:

• Candidates should have relevant degree in dairy product manufacturing, process engineering, food science, or in relevant field
• Working experience with dairy processing equipment and the principles of its operation;
• Knowledge of technological processes of dairy production;
• Familiarity with ingredients used in the dairy industry to make dairy products;
• Familiarity with the quality requirements for dairy products and raw milk for making a dairy product;
• Knowledge of the technology for the production of whole milk products, in particular cheese;
• Working experience in cheese production (pickled cheeses);
• At least 5 years of experience in cheese production industry

Deliverables:

Final Report to include detailed description of process to be followed for products made during product training sessions,

Final report to be submitted within one week of completion of in country assignment.

Reporting:
The consultant will work closely with the Dairy Specialist and report to the Chief of Party.

Level of Effort:

The expected level of effort (LOE) for this assignment will be about 10 days (including travel days and one day for remote work) from on/about January to on/about February, 2020

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer.

About the Organization

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources. By linking local individuals and communities with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world.