Post-Harvesting Expert - Vanilla specialist

Position: Post-Harvesting Vanilla Expert (Ugandan National)
Location: Kampala - Uganda with frequent field missions in Iganga, Jinja and Mukono
Contract Type: Fixed-term, full-time
Duration: 1 year with possibility of renewal
Reports to: Project Manager / Project Coordinator

1. About the Project

This position is part of a project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), AID Code: 013244/10/5, aimed at supporting sustainable agricultural development in Uganda. The project focuses on enhancing the productivity and sustainability of vanilla cultivation among smallholder farmers.

2. Position Overview

The Post-Harvesting Vanilla Expert will lead technical support for post-harvest handling, curing, storage, and quality improvement of vanilla, working directly with growers and local cooperatives.

3. Key Responsibilities

• Advise and train growers on proper harvesting, curing, storage, and processing.
• Implement quality control protocols and grading procedures.
• Support infrastructure planning for post-harvest facilities.
• Conduct workshops, field demonstrations, and capacity-building sessions.
• Monitor post-harvest operations and provide technical reports and recommendations.
• Capacity building and training of vanilla growers.

4. Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Food Science, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in post-harvest processing of vanilla or similar crops.
• Experience in the non-profit / development sector.
• Fluency in English; local language knowledge an advantage.
• Knowledge of sustainable post-harvest practices and value chain development.

5. Skills and Competencies

• Excellent technical expertise in post-harvest handling and quality control.
• Strong communication and training skills.
• Analytical, problem-solving, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Commitment to gender equality, environmental sustainability, and safeguarding (PSEAH).

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates can submit their application filling the form available at this link: https://forms.gle/XgmWrLFTQj4RbKg18

Please note: shortlisted candidates will be asked to provide criminal clearance records.

Applicants with any criminal record including sexual exploitation and abuse will not be shortlisted.

Note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.