Kenya: Research and Methodology Consultant, Kenya

Since 1963 and in 145 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 93 projects in 40 countries and revenues of $124 million.

Research and Methodology Consultant We are currently seeking a Research and Methodology consultant for the Kenyan Post-Harvest Drying and Storage for Aflatoxin Prevention Project (P-SAPP). This project will test a range of drying and storage technologies suitable for smallholder grain farmers which can also control aflatoxin contamination and post-harvest losses. The project will identify cost-effective solutions to controlling aflatoxin contamination and will work with in-country stakeholders to market the successful technologies. These activities are part of the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) and are implemented by ACDI/VOCA and Agribusiness Systems International (ASI).

The Research and Methodology consultant will coordinate with the project team and design a practical scientific-based methodology which P-SAPP will use to test and evaluate the effectiveness of each post-harvest technology. The final methodology developed will included recommendations on testing site selection, experimentation approach and evaluation criteria. The approach will include two testing phases; the first in a controlled environment and, based on the evaluation of each technology, the successful prototypes will continue to the second testing phase at the farm level.

Responsibilities: • Work with the P-SAPP team to identify and develop the objectives of the testing and drying storage systems. • Establish the testing methodology of the storage and drying systems in a two-stage approach. • Define the evaluation criteria for the technologies tested, the data to be collected, frequency of data collection and possible methods of analysis for both phases of the testing. • Review P-SAPP existing budget for the experimental tests and ensure the recommended methodology will be covered by available funds.

Upon completion of the tasks the consultant will deliver; • A report recommending a comprehensive and practical scientific methodology to establish the effectiveness of storage and drying systems in controlling aflatoxin contamination including: o Detailed description of a systematic and practical experimental design including two rounds of testing o Detailed description of which tests will be conducted to evaluate the prototypes’ influence in controlling aflatoxin contamination o Detailed description of the methods of analysis including recommended indicators for evaluation, the definition of the evaluation criteria, established frequency of data collection and how that data will be reported o Detailed description of the evaluation criteria to determine the effectiveness of the technologies • An evaluation survey form for P-SAPP field staff to follow during the assessments • A budget for undertaking the recommended testing methodology

Qualifications: • Master’s Degree in agronomy or a related field, with a focus on developing sound research methodology. • At least seven years of experience in leading mycology experiments and testing agriculture technologies. • Knowledge of East African maize or other staple crops industry preferred, particularly experience in Kenya. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

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