Expat STTA for Cold Storage, Freezing berries and vegetables

Information

Common information

USAID KYRGYZ REPUBLIC AGRO TRADE ACTIVITY (ATA)

Project background:

The USAID Kyrgyz Republic Agro Trade Activity (ATA) activity aims to promote job creation and increase incomes of Kyrgyz farmers and agribusinesses by strengthening value chains, improving regional and cross-border trade, particularly with the Fergana Valley, and improving the business-enabling environment. The Activity will support or create interventions that boost productivity, upgrade processing capabilities, build international business-to-business linkages, facilitate access to finance, unlock opportunities for women, youth, and marginalized groups, and support private sector-informed policy reform. These activities will reinforce efforts to build a democratic, well-governed, and prosperous Kyrgyz Republic. 

In Kyrgyz Republic, production of berries, fruits, and vegetables is highly seasonal, effective preservation methods are crucial to ensure year-round availability. Freezing is the most common and effective method for preserving these products, as it minimally affects their nutritional and sensory qualities. Compared to other preservation techniques, freezing better retains the nutritional value of food, with vitamin C losses of only 20-30%, compared to 45-55% in sterilization and 70-80% in drying.

The adoption of modern, deep-freezing methods offers a significant opportunity for advancing the food industry. Deep freezing is particularly effective in preserving the natural flavor, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements of food for extended periods. As part of this effort, ATA has selected Eco Azyk LLC, Green Export KG, SFN International LLC, PE Kojomkulov, Zolotoi Oreh LLC, PE Babaeva, PE Asylbekov, PE Borubaeva, PE Jusupbekova, and Arzibai Ata Company LLC as private sector partners to receive further technical assistance on freezing technologies, aimed at improving their cold storage operations and boosting the quality of their frozen products.

Purpose of assignment:

To provide targeted guidance and expert recommendations on the latest best practices and technologies for freezing berries, fruits, and vegetables, with the goal of enhancing the operational efficiency and performance of cold storage facilities. This technical assistance will empower selected companies to optimize their freezing processes, maintain and troubleshoot freezing equipment, and implement rigorous quality control measures. The ultimate aim is to improve product preservation, extend shelf life, and ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality frozen products to the market.

Level of Effort:

A total of 30 days of LOE will be required for the activities listed above.

Period of Performance:

The period of performance for this assignment will be on or about: September 30, 2024 – November 10, 2024

Place of Performance:

The assignment will take place in Osh and Jalal-Abad & Batken oblasts, Kyrgyz Republic.

Country site visit:

The consultant will conduct country site visits to each selected ATA grantee to gain a comprehensive understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges they face. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing the freezing equipment of existing cold storage facilities.

Country site visit period:

October 07 - 17, 2024

Qualification requirements

Required experiences and qualifications under this assignment are as follows:

• PhD or equivalent experience in food science, agriculture, or related field.
• Proven expertise in freezing technologies for berries, fruit and vegetables.
• Experience working with food processing and preservation.
• Consultancy experience and experience working with development projects is preferred.
• Experience in delivering technical assistance in freezing technologies to small and medium-sized companies.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, proficiency in preparing periodic technical reports.

Duties

Specific tasks:

• Conduct assessment of the current cold storage facilities and freezing operations of selected companies. Evaluate the functionality, and performance of freezing equipment, including any maintenance issues.
• Analyze the raw material intake process and the initial quality control measures used before freezing.
• Recommend modern and effective freezing technologies tailored to the specific products (berries, fruits, vegetables) handled by each company.
• Advise on best practices for optimizing freezing processes, such as pre-treatment, freezing speed, and storage temperature optimization.
• Recommend ideal storage temperatures for various types of produce to ensure optimal preservation of quality, taste, and nutritional content.
• Develop guidelines for the proper maintenance of freezing equipment and offer troubleshooting techniques to resolve common issues.
• Establish quality control measures for raw materials before freezing, focusing on ensuring optimal freshness, cleanliness, and suitability for freezing.
• Develop procedures for post-freeze quality checks, ensuring that products maintain their integrity throughout the freezing and storage process.
• Design and deliver a comprehensive training program for staff at selected companies on freezing technologies, equipment maintenance, and quality control measures.
• Develop training materials, guides, and manuals that focus on practical knowledge and skills needed for the efficient operation of cold storage facilities.
• Offer hands-on support during the implementation of best practices in freezing and cold storage operations.
• Be available for remote consultation to troubleshoot issues during the early stages of adopting new practices.
• Conduct follow-up evaluations to assess improvements in the companies’ cold storage and freezing operations.
• Prepare and submit a detailed technical report summarizing all activities, findings, and recommendations for each company, including suggested follow-up actions or investments (if necessary) to further improve freezing and storage operations.
• Conduct exit presentation on the assignment.

Deliverables:

• Cold Storage and Equipment Assessment Report for each company.
• Freezing Technology and Best Practices Recommendations.
• Quality Control Procedures for Raw Materials and Frozen Products.
• Training Program and Materials (guides, manuals, presentation slides).
• Technical Assistance Logs and Documentation.
• Final Technical Report with comprehensive findings and recommendations.

Conditions

Please submit a resume and cover letter to KyrgyzstanRecruitment@acdivoca.org no later than September 15, 2024. Please include the position title in the subject line.

Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone or email. Only shortlisted candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

ACDI/VOCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people from diverse groups are encouraged to apply.