Job Title: Post Harvest and Food Safety Manager
Department: Programs
Supervisor: Chief of Party
Job Type: Regular, Full Time
Grade: 9
Country/Location: Uganda
About Catholic Relief Services:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) supporting relief and development work in over 100 countries around the world. CRS carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. CRS’ Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations; serving people on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs.
CRS has worked in Uganda since 1965, initially providing emergency assistance to Sudanese refugees living in the north. Over the years, CRS has expanded its programming to also address development needs in western, central and eastern Uganda. CRS’ projects in Uganda currently include agriculture, health, microfinance, peacebuilding and youth. CRS Uganda implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including the Catholic Church, other faith-based organizations and community entities for maximum impact and sustainability. CRS Uganda employs around 190 staff and has its main office in Kampala, with sub-offices in Moroto, Yumbe, and Hoima
Project Summary:
The Vines Project, implemented by CRS Uganda, is a five-year, $13 million Food for Progress project that will make Uganda the world’s next leading supplier of high-quality vanilla. Vines will leverage the expertise of CRS and its partners to enhance the production of safe, pure vanilla and develop sustainable market links with US vanilla companies, directly transforming the lives of 16,200 farmers, 836 supply chain actors and create 15,820 new jobs to reach 32,856 vanilla stakeholders. The Vines strategy reflects best practices in sustainable development and will leave Uganda with a robust vanilla farming community resilient to the boom/bust nature of the market and a cadre of private sector agricultural extensionists to support more sophisticated production, processing, and marketing needs.
Job Summary:
As the Post-Harvest and Food Safety Manager you will lead the project’s efforts at improving post-harvest quality of vanilla by minimizing premature harvest and improving processors’ buying and processing methods. You will organize the establishment of testing and compliance systems so Uganda vanilla exports comply with international food safety standards. Hand in hand with this you will lead efforts to establish traceability systems and oversee design and delivery of training on digital supply chain management systems. You will oversee implementing partners’ programming in food safety, product quality, handling and storage, inventory, curing management, packaging, compliance with FSMA/HAACP, warehouse organization, vanilla certifications, traceability and contribute to branding. .

Job Roles and Responsibilities:
• Under the guidance of the COP, provide leadership, supervision, and oversight of all program activities that facilitate enhanced international marketing through more rigorous food safety systems, improved packing, and post-harvest methods for Ugandan vanilla, ensuring efficient and effective project implementation including the timely completion of high-quality work plans, accurate reports, and other mandated deliverables.
• Work with the COP and M&E Manager in preparing project work-plans with clear objectives and achievable benchmarks, reflecting strategic long-term and short-term priorities.
• Collaborate with capacity strengthening staff to develop capacity building training to support partners in the areas of vanilla processing, food safety and traceability;
• Ensure adequate linkages to local public and private sectors stakeholders;
• Provide technical leadership to program activities related to vanilla processing, food safety systems and traceability systems;
• Assist growers and processors to adopt new technologies and techniques to increase vanilla quality;
• Strengthen the linkages among actors in the vanilla value chain and foster cooperation on production, processing and export of premium vanilla;
• Identify and mitigate program risks;
• Ensure the quality and appropriateness of activities to achieve the target indicators in a cost-effective, timely, and sustainable manner;
• Assist with the hiring, orientation, and training of key staff to build a technically strong, well supported, motivated team;
• Provide direction and technical advice through quarterly coaching sessions and daily support
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the CoP.

Agency-Wide Competencies (for all CRS staff)
These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning
DISCLAIMER CLAUSE:
This job description is not an exhaustive list of skills, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position.

Education and Experience:
• A Masters degree in a relevant field including food science and technology, international development, agriculture, economics, business, and/or food logistics.
• A minimum 12 years demonstrated experience with USG or other similar development projects focused on agribusiness, food safety, and trade.
• A minimum of 2 years working in the vanilla sector.
• Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, donors, community-based organizations, and the private sector.
• Established relationship with and/or substantive knowledge of agribusiness firms.
• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus.
• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment. • Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.
• Strong Microsoft Word and Excel skills. Familiarity with digital supply chain management systems.
Required/Desired Foreign Language:
• English fluency, including excellent oral and written skills, required
Travel:
• Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% within Uganda.

Key Working Relationships:
Supervisory: Supervise two field technical staff
Internal: Chief of Party, Partner Organizations, Head of Programs.
External: Government, Peer Agency, Farmer Groups, Private Sector Organizations.

Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer