(RFP301002) CONSULTANT DEVELOPMENT OF 15 NEW BIOFORTIFIED PRODUCTS FROM BIOFORTIFIED CROPS DRC
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7 days ago
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1 Vacancy
Job Summary
(RFP 301002)-CONSULTANT - DEVELOPMENT OF 15 NEW BIOFORTIFIED PRODUCTS FROM BIOFORTIFIED CROPS DRC
THE ORGANIZATION
The Alliance of Bioversity International () and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) () delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve peoples lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition climate change biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.
With novel partnerships the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet drive prosperity and nourish people in a climate crisis.
The Alliance is part of CGIAR a global research partnership for a food-secure future.
About the position
Background
CIAT-HarvestPlus has signed a technical assistance contract with the DRC government for the deployment of biofortification in the DRC as part of the Multisectoral Nutrition and Health Project (PMNS) led by UG-PDSS.
Malnutrition is a major problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) particularly in rural areas especially affecting children under five and women of reproductive age. It manifests as a high prevalence of deficiencies in essential micronutrients notably vitamin A iron and zinc leading to serious consequences for the health growth and cognitive development of vulnerable populations. This situation is exacerbated by diets lacking diversity dominated by nutrient-poor cereals and tubers as well as limited access to nutritious foods.
Biofortification involves enriching food crops with essential micronutrients while maintaining agricultural yields adapted to local conditions. The PMNS project aims to improve the nutrition of vulnerable populations by integrating biofortified foods into their daily diets and strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders to ensure sustainable adoption.
Within this project the development of new food products based on biofortified crops is a strategic activity. The aim is to design 15 innovative products from biofortified crops such as beans maize cassava cowpeas and sweet potatoes in order to:
- To promote these biofortified crops and facilitate their adoption by the population;
- Increase the accessibility and nutritional diversity of food available to vulnerable households;
- Develop food formulations adapted to local habits and acceptable from a sensory point of view.
The development of these food products will thus strengthen the nutritional impact of the PMNS project by contributing directly to the fight against micronutrient deficiencies and to the improvement of the health of the beneficiary populations.
The consultants mission will be to design develop and test 15 new biofortified food products ensuring their nutritional quality sensory acceptability and industrial or domestic feasibility in collaboration with the technical teams of CIAT-HarvestPlus and local the following provinces or places: Kikwit (Gungu) Tshikapa (Mweka).
Main responsibilities
The consultant will be responsible for:
a. Analysis and literature review
Examine existing food products based on biofortified cultures and their formulations.
Identify international and local best practices for the transformation of biofortified crops.
b. Product development
Design and formulate 15 new food products based on biofortified beans maize cassava cowpeas and sweet potatoes.
Define the ingredients recipes proportions and processing methods adapted to local conditions.
Ensure that each product retains its nutritional value and meets food safety standards.
Define the methods for preserving these products.
c. Feasibility and acceptability tests
Organize pilot tests to assess product acceptability among consumers.
Adjust the formulations based on the results of sensory and nutritional tests.
d. Documentation and skills transfer
Prepare a detailed technical manual for each product including recipes processing procedures and recommendations for production and storage.
Train local staff and partners on the development and processing of biofortified products.
Develop the user manual/guide to make it easier for consumers to replicate the formula and develop these products themselves.
e. Final reportSubmit a detailed report including: product description production methods test results recommendations for large-scale production and promotion strategies.
4. Mission duration
The mission is scheduled to last 30 days starting from the date of signing the contract.
5. Expected Deliverables
1. Detailed work plan with activity schedule.
2. 15 validated biofortified food product formulations.
3. Sensory and nutritional test reports.
4. Technical manual for the production and processing of products.
5. Final mission report with recommendations for production and marketing.
Requirements
6. Required Consultant Profile
a. Training:University degree or equivalent in Nutrition Food Science and Technology Agri-food Product Development or related field.
b. Experience :Minimum 5 years of experience in food product development preferably with biofortified cultures.
c. Technical skills:
- In-depth knowledge of biofortified crops and their nutritional properties.
- Expertise in food product formulation and sensory testing.
- Knowledge of food safety and quality standards.
d. Additional skills:
- Training and skills transfer capabilities.
- Good command of French (spoken and written).
- Experience in the DRC is an asset.
7. Working arrangements
The consultant will work closely with CIAT-HarvestPlus DRC local partners and relevant authorities.
The mission may include field trips for ingredient collection and product testing.
The consultant will provide periodic reports according to a schedule defined with CIAT-HarvestPlus.
8. Submission of applications
Interested candidates must submit the following:
1. Detailed CV including relevant experience in food product development and biofortification.
2. Cover letter outlining the candidates motivation and relevance for this mission.
3. Technical offer presenting the proposed methodology for the development of the 15 biofortified products the implementation schedule and the key steps.
4. Examples of products developed or publications in the field of food processing or biofortification.
5. Reference from which similar work was carried out
6. Financial offer detailing all costs related to the mission as well as the payment terms for the mission.
Benefits
Terms of employment
This is a nationally recruited position based in the DR Congo. The initial contract will be for 30 days.
The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT offers a multicultural collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer and strive for gender diversity and inclusion in our staff without regard to race color religion gender identity sexual orientation national origin ethnicity age disability marital status or any other characteristic.
Applications
Note: The Alliance does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application interview meeting processing or training). The Alliance also does not concern itself with information on applicants bank accounts.
Applications closing date: 30TH November 2025
Please note that email applications will not be considered.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
We invite you to learn more about us at:
Company Industry
IT Services and IT Consulting
Key Skills
- Computer Science
- Communication
- Consultancy
- Cosmetology
- Dns
