Volunteer Opportunities

Product Development for Dried Tropical Fruits

Winrock International requests the support of a Ghanaian-based, national Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer and an American (remote) Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer for a 16 day volunteer assignment located in Doboro, the Akwapem South Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The volunteers will work together to train 10 staff of Bomarts Farms Limited (BFL) on product development for dried tropical fruits (mangoes, pineapples, coconuts, bananas, and papayas). The volunteers will also assess BFL’s current processing equipment for the dried tropical fruits and make necessary recommendations for improved efficiency. The national volunteer will conduct the training/technical assistance in person, with the U.S. volunteer participating remotely.

The US volunteer should have the following qualifications and background: 

• Higher university degree in food processing engineering/ food technology or related field 

• 10 or more years’ experience in food industry, drying, process flow and optimization, food product development for food processing enterprises in developing countries 

• 10 or more years’ experience in dried products processing equipment for food processing enterprises in developing countries 

• Experience in training and transferring hands-on knowledge to adults 

• Good report writing, verbal and communication skills 

• Familiarity working with low education populations; ability to effectively communicate across cultures 

• Ability to use a computer for report writing, Microsoft Excel for record keeping and presentations without the assistance of others 

• Proficiency with platforms such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and/or Microsoft Teams to participate in or facilitate training.

Summary of US volunteer role: 

• Discuss objectives and collaborative approach at the start of assignment with the US based Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer, through Zoom or Microsoft Teams, with Winrock local staff facilitation. 

• Draft with the collaboration of the US based volunteer all training materials and agenda related to product development for dried tropical fruits (mangoes, pineapples, coconuts, bananas, and papayas). 

• Work with the national volunteer to remotely train 10 BFL staff on product development for dried tropical fruits (mangoes, pineapples, coconuts, bananas, and papayas). 

• Work with the national volunteer to remotely assess BFL’s current processing equipment for the dried tropical fruits and make necessary recommendations for improved efficiency. 

• If the technology (internet) allows it, facilitate some training sessions failing this, the local volunteer will do it.

***As part of the Farmer-to-Farmer Consortium, this assignment is made possible through USAID funding. In accordance to USAID guidelines, any candidates submitted for consideration under this project must have a valid US passport or Green Card.***