Agro Processing Specialist

About the Region

The UNOPS Africa Regional Office, based in Nairobi, Kenya, oversees the delivery of over 250 projects across 40 countries, with a focus on fragile and conflict-affected settings. Supported by more than 1,000 personnel across five multi-country offices—spanning North, West, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa, and the Horn of Africa—the office advances national priorities through strategic initiatives in Climate Action, Health, Infrastructure, Peace and Security, Middle-Income Country Support, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

The Regional Office provides strategic leadership, operational support, and oversight in key areas including Partnerships, Communications, Management and Oversight, Infrastructure and Project Management, Health and Safety, and Security. By promoting excellence in project delivery, fostering knowledge sharing, and driving continuous improvement, the office contributes to sustainable infrastructure, transparent resource management, and a better quality of life for communities across the continent.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Based in Addis Ababa, the Horn of Africa Multi-Country Office (HAMCO) delivers project management, procurement, and infrastructure services across Djibouti, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Sudan, with a primary focus on health, agriculture, and economic development. Established in 2009, HAMCO partners with governments and development stakeholders to implement impactful, results-driven initiatives that contribute to sustainable development. Since 2024, new projects have been aimed at expanding access to healthcare, education, energy, and livelihoods, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions.

HAMCO also provides human resource management services, supporting the effective implementation of development initiatives. Key efforts include equipping research facilities, strengthening education and health systems, building vaccine research capacity, and enhancing resilience in communities affected by crisis. Through these interventions, HAMCO contributes to inclusive growth, regional stability, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Horn of Africa.

Job Specific Context

The Technical Specialist will report to the Senior Portfolio Manager and coordinate with both the Procurement and Infrastructure team. He/she will be responsible for developing detailed technical specifications, preparing a design document, leading the technical evaluation, and supporting the overall project implementation.

Role Purpose

The UNOPS Horn of Africa Multi Country Office (HAMCO), Ethiopia office  is planning to procure and install a complete tomato paste/ Strawberry jam agro-processing plant.  The plant will include sorting, washing, crushing, juice extraction, concentration, processing, packaging, and ancillary utilities. To ensure a transparent, technically sound, and competitive procurement process, a qualified Agro-Processing Specialist / Consultant is required to develop detailed technical specifications, prepare a design document, lead technical evaluation and support in project implementation.

Functions / Key Results Expected

• Develop detailed technical specifications and requirement documentation for the tomato paste/strawberry jam agro-processing plant.

• Prepare a design document including reports, drawings and bill of quantities.

• Support the procurement team in preparing tender documents (RFP/ITB).

• Execute the technical evaluation of bids.

• Provide technical support during delivery, pre-installation, installation and testing and commissioning of the machine.

• Ensure that all designs, specifications, and equipment comply with international standards, national regulations, and applicable food safety and environmental requirements.

• Integrate energy efficiency, water efficiency, and sustainability considerations into the plant design and equipment selection.

• Conduct or support technical due diligence and risk assessments related to equipment performance, operability, and maintenance.

• Review and validate relevant acceptance and commissioning tests, as applicable.

• Support the development and review of operation and maintenance (O&M) manuals and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Support with the provision of capacity-building and on-the-job training to operators and relevant stakeholders to ensure effective and safe operation of the plant.

• Coordinate closely with project stakeholders, contractors, and suppliers to ensure timely delivery and alignment with project objectives.

• Support defects notification period (DNP) follow-up and address technical issues arising after commissioning, if required.

• A. Technical Specification Development

  • Conduct market research on available technologies and best practices for tomato paste and strawberry jam production.

  • Develop comprehensive technical specifications covering:

  • Process flow diagrams and capacity design (e.g., tons/day)

  • Machinery and equipment (sorters, crushers, evaporators, fillers, packaging)

  • Utilities requirements (steam, water, electricity, waste management)

  • Quality standards (certifications) and product specifications

  • Safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance

  • Define performance criteria and acceptance parameters, including throughput, yield, efficiency, losses, and quality tolerances.

  • Specify materials of construction, durability requirements, and hygiene design standards (e.g., food-grade stainless steel).

  • Include spare parts, consumables, and special tools requirements, including recommended quantities and availability.

  • Define warranty, after-sales service, and local technical support requirements.

  • Specify installation, commissioning, and testing requirements

  • Address automation, control systems, and data monitoring requirements, where applicable.

  • Include training and documentation requirements for operators and maintenance staff.

  • Ensure compatibility with local operating conditions (climate, utilities reliability, skills availability).

  • Respond to Clarification Requests submitted from vendors during the tendering process.

• B. Design Development

  • Prepare a detailed design document including design reports, drawings, bill of quantities and Engineer’s Estimate

  • Ensure the design complies with applicable national regulations, international standards, and UNOPS technical guidelines.

  • Incorporate food safety, hygiene, environmental, and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements into the design.

  • Integrate utility layouts (power, water, wastewater, steam, compressed air, cold storage, etc.) and ensure coordination across all disciplines.

  • Address constructability, operability, and maintainability considerations, including ease of installation and future expansion.

  • Prepare and update cost estimates in line with market rates and project budget constraints.

  • Identify technical risks and assumptions and propose mitigation measures within the design documentation.

  • Support design reviews and approvals, incorporating comments from UNOPS Design Reviewers.

  • C. Technical Evaluation of Bids

  • Conduct  technical evaluation of bid submissions

  • Assess technical compliance of proposed equipment, designs, and supplier capabilities.

  • Prepare detailed technical evaluation reports, including: Comparative analysis, Scoring matrix results, Technical recommendations for award.

  • Participate in evaluation committee meetings and respond to clarification requests.

  • Support pre-installation and vendor technical kickoff meetings.

  • Provide clarifications during vendor mobilization and delivery phase.

Skills

Bill Of Quantities, Commissioning, Food Processing, Food Safety, Plant Design, Process Engineering, Supplier Evaluation, Sustainability, Tender Preparation.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) inin Food Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience

OR

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 5 years of relevant experience is required.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Minimum 7 years experience in industrial plant procurement or related experience

Desired

• Hands-on experience with agro-processing plants, preferably tomato paste and strawberry jam processing or similar food processing facilities.

• Design development, specification development, supervision and tender evaluation. 

• Demonstrated experience preparing specifications and evaluating tenders for large industrial equipment and turnkey projects.

• Familiarity with international procurement standards and best practices.

Language Requirements

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