Various Job Opportunities At Natural Extract Industries (NEI) February 2022

Various Job Opportunities At Natural Extract Industries (NEI) February 2022 Natural Extracts Industries Ltd (NEI) is pioneering the sustainable, natural flavour manufacturing industry in Tanzania for global export, starting with vanilla and other flavour extracts. The company works in all areas from cultivation, to post-harvest processing, value-add manufacturing and international sales and marketing. The smallholder outgrower network currently integrates over 6,000 vanilla farmers from Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Morogoro, Mbeya and Kagera regions and through this sourcing model NEI aims to deliver a long term socioeconomic impact by doubling annual income per smallholder household.

NEI is currently looking for highly motivated and competent individuals to join its fast growing Quality Assurance (QA) and Product R&D Team.

LABORATORY AND R&D LEAD (1 POST)

The role of the Laboratory and R&D Lead is to work as part of the NEI Quality Assurance Department to support the Quality Assurance and R&D Manager in researching, developing and producing the safest and most premium quality product in compliance with regulatory requirements and exceeding customer expectations. The role provides leadership to the operation, schedule and function of the analytical chemistry laboratory to meet the needs of the vanilla extraction and curing production facilities, ensuring the analytical results are accurate and delivered on a timely basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and customer specific needs

Understanding and following local regulatory requirements (e.g., TBS, TMDA,OSHA, SIDO,SBT,GCLA),International voluntary standards (ISO/IEC 17025, FSSC 2000. Organic and Kosher certifications) and Good Laboratory Practice requirements

Establishimg and maintaining the company's Laboratory and Quality Management System according to ISO/IEC 17025 compliance

To provide research based solutions for the QA manager/management and development of analytical testing ta support the vanilla industry in Tanzania, Uganda and East Africa more broadly

Implementing a culture of continuous improvement (CCI) and lean operations

Understanding and meeting customer expectations and specifications

2. Laboratory Operations

Lead/Manage the day to day operations of the laboratory

Lead/manage laboratory calibration and maintenance service contracts, and overall lab maintenance.

Keep adequate stocks of laboratory supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies and reporting usage monthly.

Plan,manage and oversee the operation and delivery of services and technical processes within the laboratory

Assist the QA and R&D Manager to identify the causes of and resolve any poor analytical performance problems and review the need for laboratory technicians' training

Quickly assess situations, find solutions and take decisive action, often under pressure of deadlines.

Accurately carry out routine tasks in the event of high workload and/or absence of laboratory staff and follow laboratory SOPs to carry out analyses.

Operate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment according to manufacturer's instructions and laboratory standard operating procedures.

Conduct and review accurate data entry for quality control and to generate Certificates of Analysis (CoA) compliant with technical product specifications and customer requirements

Manage product development trials and testing,method/process development, evaluation and validation

Manage smooth operation of the laboratory waste disposal function and laboratory housekeeping

3. Laboratory Quality System

Ensure analysis and reporting is undertaken in accordance with the NEI Laboratory Quality Management Systems

Inter-laboratory Results fall within acceptable quality criteria testing ranges and are within accepted standards

Ensure all testing is monitored by adequate internal quality control and any corrective measures are recorded

Keep accurate sample records, product development sheets as per laboratory quality system requirements

Ensure accurate transcription of data from workbooks, worksheets etc. to Laboratory an available computer based computer database (e.g.,SourceTrace, Google sheets, ERP system,etc)

Ensure all Quality records, data and information are available and retrievable in timely manner

Ensuring non-conformances are identified and documented. Facilitate for the Laboratory team to eliminate variation and strive for zero errors. Facilitate internal and external audits

4. Product Research and Development

In collaboration with QA and R&D Manager, Production and Sales team, create and manage the new product development pipeline portfolio, to ensure successive annual roll-outs of value-added profitable products, to achieve NEI corporate objective growth targets

Assist QA and R&D Manager to provides leadership and support for the design, development, refinement, and implementation of products by

Initiating research to develop new products to meet customer needs; testing consumer acceptance of products (e.g sensory evaluation) and work with production/Logistics team to identify packaging improvements

Following proper methodologies including application of Quality Deployment Function(QDF),Process Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) and Statistical Process Control(SPC)

Provide technical expertise for products and processes in development, new or improvement of existing. Planning, execution, and evaluation of products while maintaining food safety and regulatory requirements specific to the product development.

5. Corrective Preventive Actions

Oversee the implementation and practice of laboratory programs and Food Safety and Laboratory Quality procedures

Systematically raise Out of Specifications (OOS) or Non-conformances as necessary

Perform root cause analysis

Eliminate testing variation and strive for zero errors

Other duties as required to fulfil the primary objective of promoting quality and food safety within NEI

Quarantine finished product as per company policies and procedures

6. Personal &Personnel Development

Training and development needs are identified, agreed with direct line manager and implemented annually

Participate in training in accordance with Quality department training metrics.

Pass any courses funded in anyway by NEI, and implement new skills learned to improve QA and laboratory operations

Participates in the performance appraisal process where personal performance and development is reviewed

7. Problem Solving

Participate in continuous product and process improvement

Maintaining a mind-set of continuous improvement in terms of efficiency and customer satisfaction

Identify problems and offer solutions to overcome these

Actively resolve problems in the area of responsibility by putting control measures in place to prevent recurrence.

8.Team Work

Able to work with other people in a productive manner

Attend daily QA operational meetings, weekly production/processing meetings and communicate any problems or solutions to line supervisor

Communicate clearly, directly and on a timely basis

9. Policies and Procedures

Comply with and ensure all company policies,procedures are followed

Comply with all OSHA policies and procedures

Perform your duties in a manner that is not hazardous to you or other employees

Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as specified

Report all accidents, near misses and unsafe work practices/hazards to your Manager/Supervisor

Desired Qualifications &Experience

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Biotechnology,Chemical or Process Engineering,Chemistry or Biochemistry
At least 3-4 years of extensive relevant experience in a management position within a laboratory environment.
Well-developed written communication skills with the demonstrated ability to write reports
Demonstrated experience in the development, validation and maintenance of laboratory operating procedures.
Demonstrated relationship management experience from lead generation through to maturity

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

High level of communication and people management skills.
Ability to develop and lead a team of laboratory technicians.
Ability to successfully function in a fast paced, service oriented environment.
Has good working relationships with others inside and outside of the business.
Applies the drive and energy for getting the job done
Strong knowledge of laboratory operating procedures
Self-starter with a passion and persistence and a positive attitude

FOOD SCIENTIST INTERN(1 POST)

The Food scientist Intern provides assistance to the Food Safety Lead in order to support the overall functioning of the Quality Assurance and R&D Department. The QA department is responsible for ensuring that the company produces the highest quality products while staying compliant with food safety (e.g Kosher & Organic certifications, FSSC 22000: 2018v5.1 et) and regulatory requirements (TBS, SIDO, SBT, OSHA, NEMC, TMDA, GCLA etc). Our goal is to continuously improve our processes (Kaizen), our implementation of those processes which result in producing and supplying the highest quality product possible to our customers.

The Food Scientist Intern is a learning and task-focused position with specific learning goals and deliverables to be accomplished during the time the intern is working with NEI.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assist the QA officer to ensure the Food Safety and Quality Management system policies and procedures are adhered in the Factory
Participate/assist in establishment of all validation studies required in process according to ISO/FSSC 22000,including but not limited to,Preventative controls (microbial control), sanitation and cleaning.
Conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis of raw, interim and end material acceptability
Review,update and integrate existing documentation and databases with new initiatives
Conduct Shelf life studies/sensory evaluations
Responsible for ensuring the lab is clean including, but not limited to, washing dishes, taking out trash, cleaning incubator, refrigerator, and autoclave equipment.
Learn and assist with making sampling in production line product product samples, suppliers, and or,environmental samples
Learn and assist with validation, monitoring ( e.g daily GMP/GHP inspection) and verification food safety hazard control measures
Monitor production line activities to ensure standards
Finished product checks in the high care and goods out areas, checking the quality of product, labelling, packaging and general acceptability
Assist with process PRPs, OPRPs and CCPs daily checks such as Blanching temperature monitoring and moisture and Vanillin content determination
Assist in dealing with customer complaints
Ensure factory and environmental cleanliness at all times
Follow,without exception, all health/safety rules and quality control measures as per the Company's Quality Management System (QMS), including all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) , FSSC 22000v5, and regulatory requirements (TBS, OSHA, NEMC, etc) and ensuring the production team does the same special activities as assigned by the QA Lead to further knowledge and development.
Furthering the company mission: to become a leading African manufacturer of premium natural flavour products for the global food markets, while providing sustainable, increased income for smallholder farmers;
Adhering to and instituting the company values of Integrity, Passion, Creativity, Inclusivity and Sustainability;
Any other duties may be required from time to time by the management team or the Directors

Desired Qualifications & Experience;

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Food science and Technology or Bioprocessing and Post Harvest Engineering
A fresh graduate from an accredited university

Required Knowledge,Skills, Abilities

Demonstrated understanding of the Food Safety and HACCP systems for NEI Ltd.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs or Google Suits (i.e Word and Excel,google doc and Google Sheet)
Proficient in the use of smartphones/tablets.
Ability to assist/operate standard lab equipment.
Excellent time management and task prioritization abilities.
Basic mathematical concepts.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Detail oriented and organized.
Problem solving skills.
Ability to communicate proficient in Swahili or English
Ability to work independently.
Ability to read/assist and interpret documents.

MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY TECHNICIAN INTERN (1 POST)

The Laboratory Technician responsibilities include preparing samples for analytical and microbiological testing of food raw materials, packagings, products, ingredients, and environmentals. The role is responsible for the application of approved microbiological techniques and methodologies used in analytical testing

Duties and Responsibilities

Prepare and testing food/environmental samples for indicator organisms and chemistries
Apply aseptic techniques in daily workload
Maintain media and reagents as needed for daily microbiological testing
Inventory and report expendable supplies/materials needed for testing requirements
Maintain/clean equipment i.e.autoclaves, incubators, water baths etc.
Perform quality control monitoring by taking incubator/Oven temperatures, running media controls,etc.
Independently pursue an assigned series of processes, procedures, or techniques in accordance with NEI policies/procedures and customer requirements
Maintain laboratory condition, to include equipment, supplies, quality assurance programs, and accurate records throughout all procedures
Perform all activities in a neat, safe, hygienic, and efficient manner
Share information in a systematic, and timely manner
Assisting with managing priorities and schedule such that individual goals as well as team goals are achieved with encouraged participation in the NEI Team
Responsible for the safety of oneself and others working within their area
Responsible for the completion of required on job or external trainings
Desired Qualifications & Experience;

Ordinary Diploma ( NTA level 6) or equivalent in microbiology science, Food science and Technology or Biotechnology from a accredited institution
At least one year of experience in food industry or equivalent (fresh graduate with outstanding practical experience will be considered)
Required Knowledge, Skills,Abilities

Experience in microbiology testing procedures and an understanding of testing requirements within an food Industry setting
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, problem solve and apply sound judgement in quickly responding to new opportunities or challenges
Working knowledge of computer especially Microsoft Office or Google Suits (i.e.,Word and Excel,google doc and Google Sheet)
Proficient in the use of smartphones/tablets.
Ability to operate standard lab equipment.
Basic mathematical concepts.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to communicate proficient in Swahili or English and high attention to detail
Ability to work independently.

CHEMISTRY LABORATORY TECHNICIAN INTERN(1 POST)

The chemical technician's responsibilities include analyzing substances to determine their chemical composition, setting up lab equipment and monitoring experiments, compiling technical reports, and interpreting results. The role is responsible for the application of approved chemistry and physics techniques and methodologies used for analytical testing and you should be able to follow instructions and collaborate with the production team and other teams such as logistics and supply chain.

Duties and Responsibilities

Analysing flavour compound content (e.g., using spectrophotometer) and related measures (e.g.Vanillin content,Moisture content, water activity, refractive index, specific gravity etc.)
Understanding and following the instructions and specifications of the production engineer, Sales team, and customers.
Selecting and setting up the required lab equipment for tests, experiments, and analyses.
Conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis of raw/interim/end material acceptability (e.g.,moisture content)
Working alongside other production teams, Food scientists and scientists to develop improved production processes and methods.
Assisting with the preparation of chemical solutions.
Keeping the laboratory neat and clean and sanitizing all work surfaces and equipment.
Regularly inspecting materials and equipment and ordering more as required.
Performs laboratory analysis, prepares reports on test results,
Perform equipment repair requirements and calibration checks,
Performs analytical testing with progressive learning of new test procedures and data interpretation,
Performs product research and development experimental tests and procedures.
Records results of experiments according to standard laboratory techniques

Desired Qualifications &Experience;

Ordinary Diploma ( NTA level 6) or equivalent in Laboratory Science and Technology science, Chemistry,Food Science and Technology or Biotechnology from a accredited institution
At least one year of experience in food industry or equivalent (fresh graduate with outstanding practical experience will be considere

Required Knowledge,Skills,Abilities

Understanding of chemical processes.
A desire to work with team members to improve processes and product quality in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.
Working knowledge of computer especially Microsoft Office or Google Suits (i.e Word and Excel,google doc and Google Sheet)
Proficient in the use of smartphones/tablets.
Ability to operate standard lab equipment.
Basic mathematical concepts.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to communicate proficient in Swahili or English and high attention to detail
Ability to work independently.

Expressions of interest

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and CV to hr@nei-ltd.com and kibunje@nei-ltd.com

by 20th February 2022. Applicants must indicate the subject line for the role applied, failure to do so will result in disqualification.