Project Work
PFS projects are done virtually through email, online conferencing and phone calls. Teams are made up of PFS staff, volunteers and our clients in Africa. We have many resources available to make your volunteer experience successful and rewarding. We are always available to help with anything you might need or questions you have!
Key Resources
Zoom Guide
PFS uses a phone/video conferencing program Zoom. Take a look at our guide to understand how it works and troubleshoot.
Connectivity Guide
There are several different options to connect with clients and other volunteers including BlueJeans, Skype and Whatsapp.
Meeting Notes Template
Use this handy template to record notes from your project meetings.
African Country Profiles
Learn more about the country where your clients live and work.
PFS has many resources available for volunteers for common - and not so common - projects that have been developed and used by volunteers, staff and clients over more than a decade. Explore our database of downloadable templates and guides.
Clients join PFS through a variety of means - our staff in Africa find clients directly and some are referred through partners like TechnoServe or Root Capital. Clients have even been identified by a field team member going to the grocery store and selecting products off the shelf! No matter the referral source, PFS clients all meet a certain set of criteria. These include things like:
- sourcing from local smallholder farmers
- revenue less than $5M per year
- access to finance and technical staff capacity to implement recommendations
- high "pull" - or proactive participation in the PFS program
All PFS work is done remotely. The most common type is through specific projects, which are 6-9 months activities focusing on a specific objectives outlined in a project charter. We work with our clients to understand their needs, then match the appropriate expert to that opportunity. PFS introduces the team, and from there you will connect virtually to understand the scope of work and decide on a work plan. Over the course of the next 6 - 9 months, you will meet virtually about every other week, then do research, compile resources, and answer questions. When the volunteer work is complete, we close and debrief the project and then continue to update you on the progress as the client works to implement your recommendations.
Other PFS engagements like Mentorships, Ask-an-Expert opportunities, and Client Lead roles will vary in the regularity and specific tasks, respectively. Regardless of how you engage, know that the PFS model is remote which means sharing your expertise and helping build food processing capacity across Africa is accessible to everyone.
When you join a PFS project or other activity, we will virtually introduce you to your team. The makeup of a typical project team is:
- 2-3 subject-matter expert volunteers
- a PFS staff program manager (PM) working directly with the client
- a PFS staff program associate (PA) to support the administration of the program
- Usually a Client Lead - a volunteer serving in a project and relationship management capacity. (If a client is working on only one project with PFS, the PA may take on these responsibilities).
You will never be expected to share proprietary information or intellectual property during a PFS engagement. Typically, the type of support our clients need is around foundational food processing practices like Good Manufacturing Practices, establishing a marketing strategy, guidance for new product development, etc. Likewise, we expect that volunteers will not share proprietary information about our clients outside of PFS or your volunteer working group. If you have any questions or concerns about sharing information please reach out to anyone at PFS and we can address your concerns directly or connect you with a PFS champion at your company who can help you navigate those issues.
Everyone at PFS is ready to help you in any way! Please reach out to any PFS staff member on your team or contact us at [email protected]
