Background
Oxfam in collaboration with Somali resilience program team (SOMREP) has conducted market assessments and co-creation events with different economic groups involved in the various production sector value chains. The exercise aimed to enhance value addition and increase income of the target economic groups who are now in bad situation and their livelihood activities have been impacted by the effect of climate change. A key initiative to address this challenge is the development of the Mincemeat processing value chain, targeting El Adweyn meat market to increase sales and supply of quality processed mincemeat countrywide. This innovation creates market opportunities for locals, mitigate livestock losses during droughts and counters the impact of livestock ban by Saudi Arabia. It also empowers women meat vendors, improves food safety and strengthens the local meat market economic potentiality.
To ensure the success of the project, a food engineer is required to deploy in providing expertise, training and support during the initial phase of the project. The consultant will deliver relevant on job training based on agreed training module.
In addition, the consultant will further support the meat vendors to work with them setting and adhering quality standards, continuation of on-job training, business coaching and mentoring to enable women meat vendors independently to run the system. He/she will supervise women in operationalizing strategies and protocols for meat hygiene quality assurance and SOPs developed in the previous engagements. While on the other hand, the consultant will technically supervise the installation of the equipment and lead women vendors/the operators in mincemeat processing from the start (cutting) to the end (packaging/canning).
Objective
This primarily aims that the consultant to provide technical guidance and hand on support for the installation, operation and maintenance of mincemeat processing equipment. The consultant will do provide on job training to local women operators and ensure production of safe, quality mincemeat products that has high market value.
Scope of work
The upcoming food engineer will be responsible for the following actions
Supervise installation of equipment
- Supervise the installation of the mincemeat processing machines (meat dicer, cutter and canning machine) at the El-Afweyne meat market site
- Make sure that all materials/equipment are properly calibrated and functional.
- On job training and process demonstration
- Conduct on job training for local women/men operators on the safe and efficient use of the machines
- Provide guidance on routine maintenance and troubleshooting of the equipment
- Demonstrate the end-to-end process of mincemeat production, including cutting, dicing, and canning and later cooking the canned meat to ensure longer shelf-life
- Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations/standards
- Develop protocols/SOPs to ensure the production of safe and high-quality mincemeat products.
Role of Oxfam
- Work with relevant government authorities and meat vendors in El-Afweyn to arrange proper delivery of the mincemeat processing machines
- Facilitate issuance of road clearance certificate for the equipment to be delivered on site.
- Prepare appropriate space for the machine installation
- AOB
Key deliverables
- Successful installation and setup of mincemeat processing facilities
- On job training conducted with a focus on operations and maintenance as well mincemeat processing includes putting in place quality control measures
- Final report outlining key achievements, and area for recommendations
Timeline
The consultant is expected to work on and deliver the above deliverables in a period of 20 days commencing from the date the contract signed. The consultant will be stationed in El Afweyn meat market to support the process.
Duration
The consultancy will require 20 days of on-site work in El-Afweyne, Somaliland.
Qualification and experience
Oxfam is looking for an experienced food engineer with the following expertise
- A degree in food engineering, food science or related field.
- Technical expertise in mechanical installation of meat processing equipment’s
- Support the women meat association get all required quality assurance certifications needed for operations
- Proven experience in small scale meat processing and quality assurance practices.
- Experience in training, relevant manuals developed and capacity building particularly in peri-urban setting
- Good communication skills, both Somali and English
- Familiarity with local context and previous relevant experience is an added value
- The consultant will report to Oxfam Resilience Team Leader and collaborate closely with the project team and meat vendors.
Application procedure
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria should submit the following documents
A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience
Technical proposal outlining the methodology and approach
A financial proposal outlining daily rates and other associated costs
proposed budget should include all expenses and applicable taxes. Costs for accommodation and meals, transport etc. should be included and estimated.
Proposals should be submitted in three distinct/separate attachments, namely Mandatory Requirements, Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal
All applications shall be received via email clearly marked as ‘Terms of Reference for Mincemeat Processing Food Engineer, El-afweyn meat vendors to som-consultancies@oxfam.org by 22nd March 2025. Applications received after the deadline shall not be considered.