Agro Processing Specialist

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

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

• 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.

  • 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