Position: Zonal Coordinator- USI

Organization: Nutrition International (A leading international NGO that works in the field
of nutrition)
Job Location: Cox's Bazar |
Employment Status: Contractual (Initially 6 months)

Background:

Nutrition International (NI) supports the Government of Bangladesh’s policy on universal salt iodization (USI) and strengthens capacity to ensure that all edible salt is adequately iodized. NI has refurbished 200 operational salt iodization plants (SIPs) with an objective that at least 80% salt produced by these refurbished SIPs would iodize at ≥30 ppm. Furthermore, since 2006, in order to provide technical support to these factories, onsite training of the factory personnel on SIP operation, supporting and strengthening the quality control system NI has deployed Zonal Coordinators with technical knowledge and expertise in the salt iodization plants at the zonal levels.

The catalytic support provided by the Zonal Coordinators at field level has significantly improved the quality of iodized salt as more millers are now using SIPs with much satisfaction. The millers are receiving immediate feedback on the iodine content from the Zonal Coordinators as the tests are being done at the zonal salt testing laboratories, thus they can rectify the iodine dosing as required. They act as a focal point in organizing the Half-yearly review meetings for millers involving the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) and representatives from the local government. Moreover, there is also the need to facilitate troubleshooting various bottlenecks including utilizing local maintenance agencies and support the effective functioning of the government salt testing laboratories.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Objectives

Provide necessary technical and operational support to salt processors and local BSCIC authorities to facilitate and promote the production of adequately iodized salt.

Specific objectives:

• Provide support for the proper maintenance of all operational SIPs and quality control at the production level;
• Strengthen and support the government’s quality assurance systems at the zonal field laboratories;
• Advocate, coordinate and network with the local government authorities and development partners at the zonal level for effective monitoring to improve salt iodization.

Scope of work

Provide technical and operational support to SIPs and salt millers:

• Conduct a technical audit of the plant infrastructure and operations.
• Calibrate and check Iodate dosing pump/centrifugal pump for delivering measured quantities of solution after collection of salt samples for testing and whenever required.
• Verify data log books maintained by plant personnel and recommend suggestions for improvement.
• Perform maintenance audit and record the status of equipment in an inspection book.
• Suggest corrective measures and immediately implement in case of any noted discrepancy.
• In case of non-complying factories, ascertain the reasons for non-compliance and report to BSCIC/NI immediately.
• NI will assess whether a different approach with that producer is required in consultation with BSCIC officials.

Facilitate quality control and quality assurance

• Will facilitate the effective use of zonal Salt Cell salt testing laboratories to ascertain the iodine content in salt;
• Ensure that the Salt Cell, BSCIC inspectors collect a minimum of 6 salt samples (in duplicates) from each operational SIP each month spread over 2 or 3 visits (preferably at least 3 samples every 15 days) on random basis prior to any calibration for laboratory analysis as per the guidelines in the Operational Strategy;
• For external validation, collect sample no. 1 from the first visit and sample no. 4 from the second visit and send to IPHN at the end of every month; 
• Facilitate the Salt Cell, BSCIC laboratory personnel to test minimum six salt samples from each operational mill at zonal salt testing laboratories;
• Support the Salt Cell, BSCIC personnel in recording the results in registers maintained at zonal salt testing laboratories and also document in their own record book;
• A duly signed “Monthly Plant wise Statement of Quality of Salt” for individual mills will be sent to NI Dhaka office for entering into Bangladesh Salt Industries Information System (BSIIS) by the 7th of every month;
• The adequate concentration of iodate solution will be facilitated in the iodate solution tank/bucket through random testing of the iodate solution to verify the concentration level and providing immediate feedback for correction;
• Establish the Levy Jennings plot as part of the internal quality assurance of salt iodine estimation in each laboratory;
• Early feedback will be provided to each factory on the process of testing based on validation of samples;
• Facilitate Salt Cell, BSCIC staff to provide training to the private laboratory technicians at zonal salt testing laboratories or millers own premises whichever is suitable and help in sourcing of laboratory equipment, chemicals for private millers;
• Organizing review meetings two times a year with the millers to share the trends of iodization in a group and develop a plan of action;

Training and motivation of millers

• Orient owners, managers, operators and assistants of the selected SIPs regularly on the operations of the SIP. In addition, from imparting technical skills, also   include motivational aspects whereby the personnel are motivated to use the SIP.
• Orient / reorient factory personnel in maintaining proper log books recording of production of iodized/non iodized salt, potassium iodate procurement and utilization.
• Motivate the factory personnel in keeping the plant operating and maintenance manual at each SIP site handy and for ready use.

Coordination with BSCIC, local government and other agencies

• Provide feedback to the BSCIC and DC office on the process and quality of iodized salt on a regular basis.
• Be the first point of contact for troubleshooting.
• Along with the BSCIC Salt Cell inspector and the relevant staff of BITAC/maintenance agency ensure that any shortcomings are addressed as quickly as possible.
• Maintain a record of such troubleshooting operations, including the date of complaint, the nature of complaint, action taken by the Zonal Coordinator- USI, the response received from maintenance agency, the date of corrective action, report from the owner/manager of the SIP.
• Along with the BSCIC officer, inspector and relevant staff visit salt mills for inspection report of registration, renewal, ownership change etc of salt mills

Others

• Prepare and submit a monthly work plan for the following month along with the monthly activity report for approval.
• Support the project to maintain the proper functioning of the computer and internet system.
• Work with the NI country office on any other issues as required.

Compensation & Benefit:

• Monthly gross salary for this position is BDT 34,500.
• Travel and other expenses will be provided in addition.
• Eligible for Festival Bonus, PF, Gratuity & Insurance as per company policy.

Educational Requirement:

• A professional degree in Food Technology, Food Engineering, Public Health, Nutrition from a recognized university with 1 years working experiences in the development field.

Experience Requirement:

• Working experiences in processed food industries, food fortification, private sector, nutrition related issues will be added advantage.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to work independently and generate innovation will be given preference.
• Extensive field travel will be needed in each month. Computers skilled in MS word, MS excel, and power point is mandatory

Send your updated resume to cv@enroute.com.bd mentioning “Zonal Coordinator- USI” on subject line & apply online also. Deadline: Interested candidates are requested to apply within August 27, 2024 with a complete CV. (Selection will be based on early application and only short-listed candidates shall be contacted.)

Special Mention:

 - Any personal persuasion/phone-call will result in disqualification of candidature. No intermediary is allowed to expedite or facilitate such process.

 - Enroute have a Zero-Tolerance Policy for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA). The ideal candidate is committed to upholding the organization's PSEA Policy and to reporting any  incidents of suspected or actual PSEA.

- There is no cost involved with applying for any positions at Enroute International Limited. Enroute never asks for or accept any kind fees through different Mobile Banking options or  in person. Any solicitation of fund/money/favor from job applicant should be regarded as fraudulent activities.

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