Role: Value Addition Development Specialist-SELCO Foundation
Location: Flexible across SELCO Foundation operational states; Significant field engagement required.
Employment Type: Contract
Experience: 6-10+ Years
Reporting To:
Senior Program Manager

About us:

SELCO Foundation, a not-for-profit, engages in field-based R&D and ecosystem building for development of decentralized renewable energy solutions that alleviate poverty in urban, rural, and tribal poor areas. The organization works across verticals such as energy access, build environment, health, skill development, energy entrepreneurs and partners from various developmental sectors. Foundation seeks to inspire and implement socially, financially, and environmentally inclusive solutions by improving access to sustainable energy.

1. Position Overview

The Value Addition & Product Development Specialist will lead product conceptualisation, formulation, processing optimisation, and value-addition strategies for the 10K FPOs initiative. The role focuses on enabling Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to transform raw agricultural produce into market-ready, high-value products that meet quality, safety, and commercial viability standards. This position requires strong technical expertise in food technology, agro-processing, and product development; hands-on experience with processing systems; and the ability to design scalable value-addition models tailored to diverse agro-climatic contexts. The specialist will work closely with program teams, FPOs, agri-enterprises, market specialists, and technology providers to develop competitive product lines that enhance incomes and resilience for rural communities.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Product Development & Formulation

  • Lead the design and development of product lines across cereals, pulses, spices, fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, and other value chains.
  • Develop standardised formulations, SOPs, and processing workflows suitable for FPO-operated units and decentralised production environments.
  • Optimise sensory attributes, shelf life, nutritional value, and cost of production through iterative trials and prototyping.
  • Support selection of appropriate processing technologies, including DRE-enabled systems, for efficient and climate-resilient operations.
  • Integrate solar-powered processing technologies and climate-smart solution types into product development workflows to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

B. Value-Addition Strategy & Enterprise Support

  • Assess raw material potential, value-addition pathways, and product diversification opportunities for FPOs in different geographies.
  • Conduct feasibility assessments and cost–benefit analyses for proposed product lines.
  • Support FPOs in adopting solar-powered pre-processing, drying, storage, and processing systems as part of value-addition models.
  • Support FPOs in setting up processing units, organising production cycles, and building operational capacity for food processing and quality management.
  • Identify opportunities for DRE-enabled pre-processing, storage, packaging, or advanced processing interventions.

C. Quality Assurance, Compliance & Standards

  • Establish quality management systems, including protocols for hygiene, traceability, grading, and packaging.
  • Ensure compliance with FSSAI standards, food safety norms, and relevant regulatory requirements.
  • Train FPO teams in quality control procedures, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and SOP adherence.
  • Support certification processes for organic, GI-tagged, or specialty products where relevant.

D. Packaging, Branding & Market Readiness

  • Develop packaging specifications, labelling guidelines, and product positioning strategies aligned with market requirements.
  • Work with Marketing and Product teams to create product profiles, messaging, and brand elements for retail and institutional buyers.
  • Facilitate consumer testing, sensory evaluations, and feedback integration for product refinement.

3. Research, Benchmarking & Innovation

  • Track trends in food processing technologies, value-addition models, and emerging market demands.
  • Benchmark competitor products, pricing, packaging, and quality standards across value chains.
  • Pilot innovative processing technologies—including low-energy and decentralised systems—and support scale-up of successful models.
  • Develop knowledge products, SOP manuals, case studies, and training material for FPOs and partners.

3. Required Qualifications & Experience

  • 6–10+ years of experience in food technology, food processing, agro-product development, or related fields.
  • Educational background in Food Technology, Food Processing Engineering, Food Science, or equivalent (preference for candidates trained in national food technology institutes).
  • Hands-on experience in designing formulations, managing processing units, and developing packaged food products.
  • Strong understanding of agri-value chains, smallholder challenges, and decentralised processing opportunities.
  • Knowledge of FSSAI regulations, quality assurance systems, and food safety protocols.
  • Ability to work closely with rural communities, processing operators, and multi-stakeholder teams.
  • Strong analytical, documentation, planning, and training facilitation skills.
  • Willingness to travel extensively for field assessments and product testing.

4. Key Competencies

  • Technical depth in food processing, formulation science, and sensory optimisation.
  • Strong problem-solving skills for low-resource, decentralised processing contexts.
  • Ability to design scalable models for FPO-led processing businesses.
  • User-centric and market-oriented approach to product development.
  • Ability to translate technical concepts into practical SOPs and training modules.
  • Commitment to inclusive, climate-resilient rural development.

How to Apply:

Please click Here to apply for the position.

· Applications will be processed on a rolling basis.

· Compensation will be commensurate with previous experience, calibre, and organization norms.

We look forward to hearing from people who identify with the vision of SELCO Foundation!

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