Nigeria Aflatoxin Biocontrol Manufacturing Consultant
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
June 28th, 2010
Background
Aflatoxin is a toxic substance emitted by fungi which colonize a number of crops, particularly maize and groundnuts. In high doses aflatoxin can cause liver disease and stunting in humans and also harms cattle and chickens which eat contaminated feed. The toxin, which cannot be seen and is tasteless and odorless, has both direct negative health effects on those--largely poor farmers--who eat afflicted crops, and economic consequences for companies which are unable to sell crops which don’t pass stringent regulatory standards for aflatoxin.
One strategy to combat aflatoxin which shows promise is called ‘biocontrol’. It involves releasing a competing variety of fungi which does not produce the toxin and prevents the harmful strain from growing. Several specific local Nigerian fungus strains have been identified and undergone testing by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Currently, private sector food and feed processors and public sector health officials and grain reserve agencies in Nigeria are interested in examining how the technology can be efficiently manufactured and distributed. Being a natural biological resource of Nigeria, IITA believes that these harmless biocontrol strains belong to people of Nigeria.
Further background on a related effort in Kenya can be found here: http://www.iita.org/cms/details/news_details.aspx?articleid=3583&zoneid=81
Scope of Work
In partnership with IITA, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is seeking a short-term consultant to:
- Analyze the level of private and public sector demand for aflatoxin biocontrol products
- Conduct a market survey of potential manufacturers of the biocontrol product
- Analyze farmer demand for biocontrol of aflatoxins and the economics of using bio-control agents
- Explore ownership issues of the biocontrol strains and facilitate coordination between IITA and relevant government agencies for IP agreements
- Assist IITA to come to an agreement with a manufacturer and relevant Nigerian government agencies on using the IITA-tested biocontrol strains
- Facilitate coordination between IITA, the Nigerian government, international aid groups and the private sector to agree on a strategy for ensuring that new biocontrol products reach small holder farmers
- Work with IITA, the Government of Nigeria, and other parties as relevant for communicating about the new biocontrol technology
- Perform additional analysis and coordination tasks as Nigerian aflatoxin biocontrol opportunities arise under the guidance of IITA and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Qualifications
The consultant should already be based in Nigeria, and will be engaged for approximately six months starting in August, 2010. Ideal qualifications include:
- Graduate degree from an internationally recognized institution in finance, economics, agricultural economics or similar (MBA preferred)
- Experience working in Nigeria with the private sector, government officials and international organizations
- Familiarity with performing analysis any of the following is optional but beneficial: (1) market sizing for new products, (2) agricultural value chains, and (3) financing for manufacturing
- Demonstrated success working remotely with multiple stakeholders on tight timelines with staged deliverables
- Strong fluency in written and spoken English and ability to present complex data and relationships in a clear, straightforward manner
Applications from individuals as well as consulting firms will be considered.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their resume and cover letter no later than July 15th, 2010 to orin.hasson@gatesfoundation.org. Cover letters should include reference to availability to begin full-time work starting in August, 2010. Only finalists will be contacted. No phone inquiries please.
About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.
About the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA)
Africa has complex problems that plague agriculture and people’s lives. We develop agricultural solutions with our partners to tackle hunger and poverty. Our award winning research-for-development (R4D) is based on focused, authoritative thinking anchored on the development needs of sub-Saharan Africa. We work with partners in Africa and beyond to reduce producer and consumer risks, enhance crop quality and productivity, and generate wealth from agriculture. IITA is an international non-profit R4D organization since 1967, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily by the CGIAR.
