Trainer for India Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling and Cold Chain

Result of ServiceState-of-the-art applied research (policy, technology, market, others) across key pillars of sustainable, equitable and resilient cold chain for food and pharma products and trainings on these topics. India CoE campus facilities are built and developed, including the innovation and business hub and the technology testing/demonstration centre. Trainings are conducted on schedule and as planned by the CoE-SPMCC. This includes Orientation Course, Foundation Course, Train the Trainer, Train the Technician, etc. Work LocationCentre of Excellence Office in Panchkula, Haryana State, India Expected duration9 months, extendable long term Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe Haryana-UK Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Crop Post-Harvest Management and Cold Chain (CoE-SPMCC) is being established in Panchkula, Haryana, India. This CoE-SPMCC is being jointly implemented by the Government of Haryana, UNEP United for Efficiency (U4E), the Centre for Sustainable Cooling (CSC) of University of Birmingham (UoB) led consortium of universities, the United Kingdom (UK) Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) and united for Efficiency (U4E) of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The CoE-SPMCC will specifically: Conduct state-of-the-art applied research across key pillars of sustainable, equitable and resilient cold chain for food and pharma products. Provide capacity building, upskilling, and training for farmer producer organizations and mobilisers and other supply chain stakeholders including, among others, agri-startups and entrepreneurs, equipment technicians and researchers. Develop an innovation & business hub and technology testing/demonstration centre. Connect indigenous and the UK (and wider industrial) experts, investors, agri-food businesses, farmer cooperatives, and energy or logistics providers, to support the delivery of affordable, resilient, low emission cold-chain systems in India in line with socio-economic and climate targets/national objectives. With the funding commitment from the Haryana government and ongoing support from the key partners, we are now looking for a motivated individual of the highest quality to join the India office of a global team. The individual will proactively support the ongoing detailed development of the CoE-SPMCC. The basic training and testing facilities at mini CoE is expected to commence shortly and the CoE-SPMCC is scheduled to be open in 2027. This first of a kind centre will simultaneously work towards reducing post-harvest losses, economically enhance farmers, build resilience whilst minimising environmental impact. The consultant will help assess the present needs and prepare for future requirements of sustainable and resilient cold-chain through intensive trainings, high-quality research and development of the CoE. This requires state-of-the-art research and comprehensive training. You will be working with leading academics, conduct training and facilitate R&D and proactively support capacity enhancement of farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and others. Key focus areas include: Understanding of sustainable cold-chain and training on cold chain needs for food and pharma products out to 2050, and the associated technology and energy requirements. Conversant with system approaches on how to use (and mitigate the need for), make, store, move, manage, finance, and regulate “cold” to meet cold chain needs equitably and sustainably. Market assessment of cold chain including the state of research, standard and protocols, policy study, technology availability and challenges among others. Identify available cold-chain technologies and solutions in market and barriers for uptake and implementation (e.g., supporting infrastructure, skills and capacity) of cold-chain. Support in developing fit-for-market business models and finance mechanisms. Provide trainings (on site and at the centre) and support to FPOs, farmer communities and others. Qualifications/special skills5 years previous work experience, including within that prior experience of working in a similar project or research in India or abroad. A Bachelor degree (preferably in the field of post-harvest management, post-harvest technology, environment, mechanical engineering or similar) is required. Master’s degree or equivalent additional experience in a relevant discipline and deep understanding of sustainable temperature-controlled supply chain (food and/or vaccines) and their economics is preferred. Doctoral degree in the field of post-harvest management, thermal, storage, renewables, refrigeration, or cooling is an asset. Extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of cold chain technology, including experience in design and implementation of cold-chain solutions. Experience in public engagement, teaching, trainings, and workshop organisation with FPOs, farmers, and stakeholders and evaluation post-event. Proven experience in research (for example, doctoral level qualifications, research work or in-field activities). Interdisciplinary research experience linked to understanding complex social, economic, environmental, and technical challenges. High level analytical capability quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Understanding of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles, and ability to apply these in training and research activities. Full time availability to be based in CoE-SPMCC, Chandigarh/Panchkula (Haryana) and work from the office. Proven commitment to deliver his/her duties accurately against deadlines and a self-starter with a ‘can do’ attitude to take on new tasks and drive them to a successful conclusion. Excellent communication skills (oral, written and presentation) on complex topics. Ability to work with an international research team and interact with industry Excellent time and learning management skills. LanguagesFluency in spoken and written English and Hindi is required, and fluency in spoken and written Haryanvi is an asset. Additional InformationCore Requirements: A. Training delivery and programme support Lead training programmes delivery at site, assess the impact Offer necessary trainings and capacity building, enumerator and/or data analysis Support organising Seminars, Orientation course, Foundation Course, Train the Trainer and Train the Technician related curriculum, training material, and related duties Support in developing trainings, knowledge management, business engagement, public engagement activities B. Research and knowledge transfer Quantitative and qualitative data collection, data analysis and develop research outputs such as reports, papers, etc. Assist in developing system-scale approaches and technology integrations Independently coordinate and verify data collection and analyses that have been accomplished by the regional researchers, enumerator and/other team members Assist in writing grants and generating funding by providing credible and verifiable research data C. Coordination support Provide ongoing coordination support ensuring seamless progress in the following illustrative areas: Assist in the delivery of day-to-day operations, including documentation, reporting, and maintaining project management systems, engaging with DoH and core partners (UoB, etc.) Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues in a timely manner, providing solutions and recommendations to optimize performance and efficiency of our execution of technical assistance responsibilities Regularly update the database (as directed but at least every 3 months) on total number of trained persons, their qualifications, gender, experience, and other information as assigned. Administer the Learning Management Systems (LMS) in coordination with subject matter experts who provide content, trainees, etc. Other cross-cutting project delivery support as assigned. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.