Expert Food Processing

As an expert in the Food Processing programme, you bring proven experience with the food processing industry and combine technical knowledge of production technologies with an understanding of the commercial realities faced by SMEs in competitive and regulated markets. Are you ready to drive change within the Food Processing programme worldwide and make a real impact? This is your opportunity! 

PUM is a unique NGO committed to making a positive impact on a global scale. With a network of 1,200 skilled voluntary experts, we collaborate with ambitious entrepreneurs in 26 countries and 12 programmes, sharing expertise to strengthen business ecosystems and create economic, social, and environmental value. We work closely with small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the organisations that support them. We believe in the power of collaboration and in the magic that happens when diverse perspectives come together; Together we grow! 

• You have a track record of relevant experience in food processing, preferably with cheese production (old cheese); engineering to build cheese factories; yoghurt; dairy desserts (ice cream); dairy education; bread baking, patisserie or chocolatery.

• You are an authentic, resilient, humble and dynamic professional.

• You appreciate cultural differences and interact with equality and respect.

• You are eager to operate as a sparring partner in culturally diverse and changing circumstances.

• You are hands-on and can translate knowledge into a practical plan.

• You have excellent command of the English language, both verbally and in writing. Bonus points for French or Spanish proficiency!

• You are comfortable with digital tools, including Microsoft Office 365.

As an expert at PUM, you play a key role. By sharing your knowledge and experience you’re empowering the sustainable growth of SMEs in countries worldwide. You’re not just an expert - you’re a change maker!

Your application is for a place in our pool of experts for the Food Processing programme, not for a specific project. Once you've joined, you will be matched with up to three projects per year, either on location or remotely. Around one in three projects will be delivered as remote advice, though working solely on remote advisory projects is also possible.
On location, you’ll spend two weeks on-site with the client. PUM covers your flight and visa, while the client takes care of your accommodation, meals, and local transportation. You will also receive an expense allowance.
As PUM expert you not only share knowledge, you also:

• Empower entrepreneurs, supporting their journey toward sustainable and inclusive business development.

• Leave a lasting impact on the community: socially, environmentally, and economically.

• Turn your knowledge into a hands-on project plan.

• Expand your horizons at sector days and building a network that’s as diverse as it gets.

The expert role is a voluntary position. You can apply up to and including the calendar year in which you turn 69. PUM engages experts who reside in the Netherlands, are registered in the Municipal Personal Records Database (BRP), and have Dutch basic health insurance. Prescreening (VOG) is part of the selection process. At PUM, we celebrate diversity and inclusion as essential pillars of our organisation. We embrace the uniqueness of each individual to foster an environment where everyone can thrive by being their authentic selves.

By becoming a PUM expert, you’re not just stepping into a new role; you’re becoming a catalyst for positive change. It’s a two-way street of knowledge exchange that makes a global impact. Here’s what’s in it for you: