Technical Officer at Avodemia Limited

REPORTS TO: SUPPLIES & LOGISTICS MANAGER

General Description for Job Position:

The Technical officer shall be responsible for farmer mobilization and one of the designated regions and lead in identification of out-growers (farmers and farmer groups) and management of the value chain, including farm and post-harvest management and compliance.

Roles, Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide tech nical support to Avodemia farm and other farmer groups to ensure increased and sustained production and supply of raw material in line with company targets.
• Ensure that newly engaged farmers are well inducted and trained on agronomic practices in avocado production.
• Ensure farmers maintain updated records on production and crop management in line with good agricultural practices;
• Act as the custodian of all company records and documents in the area of oversight;
• Conduct spot checks on contracted farms to verify that policies and procedures are implemented as required.
• Prepare weekly monitoring reports on accomplished tasks and make recommendation on actions requiring urgent attention.
• Develop harvesting program in close consultation with the packhouse manager to ensure synergy with market program;
• Lead the Internal Audits p lanning and management. Manage all the internal audits for the ISO 22000, BRC, HACCP, Global Gap etc.

• Train our Avocado and vegetables suppliers on expected quality standards and assess their farms and assist where needed with an improvement plan.

• Ensure relevant training of the food safety team members and other staff of food safety and quality,

• Ensure the end product meets the hygiene and quality requirements.

• Nonconformity and corrective action: Manage any recall, mock recalls and non-confirming products.

• Report to the top management on the performance of the FSMS and any need for improvement.

• Liaison wi th external partie s on matters relating to food safety and Quality management system.

Minimum Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelors’ Degree/ Diploma in Agronomy or Horticulture related course.

Mandatory Minimum Previous Experience:

• At least 5 years’ experience in a similar role Knowledge of safe and effective use of pesticides.
• Working knowledge of agronomic and food safety standards e.g. Global GAP, ISO FSSC 22000, BRC, HACCP, Organic Farming Experience in production of horticultural products, or a quality assurance or food safety function within the fruit and vegetable industry

Other Skills:

1. Good communic ation and customer service skills
2. Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel)
3. Knowledge of Integrated Crop and Pest Management.