Volunteer Opportunities

Back to Volunteer Opportunities

Packaging, Labeling, and Marketing processed products

Location: in Keur Matar Gueye, Thies region, Senegal

Assignment Number: SEN389

Volunteers Requested: 2

Recruiter: Jennifer Robinson | Jennifer.Robinson@winrock.org |

Winrock International is seeking the support of a ​​Senegalese national Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer and an American (remote) Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer for a ​18-day assignment in Keur Matar Gueye, Thies region, Senegal.​ The volunteers will work together to train participants from Mankou Horticulture Producers Group (GPM) Mankou on improved packaging, labeling and marketing techniques to improve the quality and sales of their packaged processed products (mostly natural spices, juices, soap,  etc.) The volunteers will also provide theoretical training to participants on different kinds of packaging and the materials they can use for their processed products. ​The national volunteer will conduct the training/technical assistance in person, with the U.S. volunteer participating remotely.  

 

In addition, volunteers should highlight how good labeling can help attract customers and build customer confidence to increase sales with a discussion of the process of obtaining barcodes that will enable them to sell in bigger markets. The volunteers will also train the participants in marketing principles, market research techniques and the importance of providing good quality products to be competitive at markets. These three components, packaging, labeling and marketing techniques, will be of great help to introduce products and find a larger and more diversified customer base.

The US volunteer should have the following qualifications and background:  

·       Higher university degree in food processing and safety.

·       10 years’ experience in packaging and labeling of processed products (hygiene, sanitation)

·       Proven experience in packages and labeling making techniques.

·       Marketing experience related to processed products.

·       Good written and verbal communication skills.

·       French language skills preferred but not mandatory; an interpreter will be available.

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

 In addition, the national volunteer should demonstrate the following:  

·       Background and experience on Packaging, Labeling and Marketing of processed products.

·       Background on the use of craft paper to develop various package for local products.

·       Communicate with each participant after each day’s session to collect unanswered questions, request feedback, and encourage practice and application.

·       Adapt demonstrations or scenario on local context to make participants understanding easier.

·       Use information from field visits to adapt training materials to host expectations.

·       Ability to work with a paired American volunteer. 

·       Be available to connect future problems or questions with the U.S. volunteer. 

·       Preferably able to translate sessions. (If not, a translator will be provided.) 

Summary of US Volunteer Role:  

·       The US volunteer will discuss with the national volunteer to coordinate the technical assistance. Also, s/he will be providing the training materials to help the national volunteer deliver the in-person training.

Summary of National Volunteer Role:  

·       Meet and discuss with the host about their expectations.

·       Have a good understanding of the tasks to carry out.

·       Visit local market to see raw materials available for package making.

·       Establish a training timeline with the host.

·       In collaboration with the virtual volunteer, provide practical application on packaging, labeling, and marketing of processed products.

·       Communicate with participants after sessions to collect unanswered questions, request feedback, and encourage practice and application. 

·       Provide post-training evaluation and collect information on what went well and what was challenging. 

Recommended Preparation: 

Depending on assignment location, internet, cell service, and electricity may be erratic, and platforms such as Zoom may not be dependable – thus requiring other methods of communication. Travel for the paired volunteer from urban to rural areas may be limited and, at times, unsafe. Large groups may not be feasible, so training may require multiple small group sessions. Due to these issues, the paired volunteer may need more time to schedule and reschedule hosts’ and beneficiaries’ training and meetings. Personal safety and flexibility will be required.  

Prepared handouts, videos, self-explanatory and illustrated PowerPoints, etc., may need adequate time for translation into a local language. The beneficiaries and hosts may need to access materials independently during and after the assignment. The ongoing communication with the paired volunteer and potentially a translator will be important before, during, and after the assignment completion.