Senior Food Standards Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Joint FAO/World Health Organization (WHO) Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which serves as the executive organ of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. The Codex Secretariat is located at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The organization is dedicated to ensuring food safety and quality standards globally, and it operates under the programmatic responsibility of the relevant director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director-General and Assistant Director-General of FAO and WHO respectively. The Codex Secretariat plays a crucial role in liaising between the Commission and various sectors of FAO, WHO, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and other international organizations concerned with food standards. The organization is committed to promoting safe food practices and enhancing international food trade through the establishment of harmonized food standards.

Job Overview:
The Senior Food Standards Officer position is a leadership role that combines technical expertise in food safety and quality with management responsibilities. The incumbent will be responsible for representing the Codex Secretariat in high-level multilateral settings, which requires a blend of technical insight, sound judgment, and diplomatic skills. The role involves engaging with 189 Members and over 240 Observers and international partners, necessitating the ability to foster collaboration and consensus. The Senior Food Standards Officer will provide technical guidance and leadership for the management of the Codex Alimentarius Commission's work, ensuring effective delivery in alignment with the Codex Strategic Plan. This position is pivotal in ensuring that all Members can contribute to and access Codex work results, thereby promoting the recognition and use of Codex standards globally.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Food Standards Officer include providing strategic direction and technical guidance for the work of Codex subsidiary bodies, particularly in addressing new issues and challenges. The officer will lead the Codex Secretariat teams that support selected technical Codex subsidiary bodies, offering procedural guidance and options to Members to facilitate standards development and consensus building. Responsibilities also include overseeing the preparation, quality assurance, and timely publication of reports, working papers, and standards related to meetings of the CAC and its Executive Committee. The officer will work closely with Food Standards Officers and team members to ensure consistency across different subsidiary bodies and will assess emerging technical and policy issues relevant to Codex work. Additionally, the officer will represent the Codex Secretariat at international and national meetings, build strategic partnerships, and advocate for Codex work globally. The role also involves fostering effective communication and engagement with Members and Observers of the Commission, promoting the recognition of Codex standards, and supporting outreach efforts to enhance engagement in Codex work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as food science, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, agricultural or veterinary science, international food law, public health, or related subjects relevant to the Codex Secretariat's work. A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in the development and/or application of science-based food safety and quality standards, or food safety/quality related public policy, is required. Additionally, candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a master’s degree or equivalent, in relevant fields such as food science, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, agricultural or veterinary science, international food law, or public health. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food safety and quality standards and their implications on public health and international trade.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant experience in the field of food safety and quality standards. This experience should encompass the development and application of science-based standards, as well as involvement in food safety or quality-related public policy. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in diverse environments, particularly in intergovernmental, governmental, or non-governmental organizations at the international level, and should be familiar with intergovernmental negotiations and multilateral fora related to food safety and trade.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English, which is essential for effective communication in this role. Additionally, an intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is required. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and can enhance the candidate's ability to engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO Headquarters. It is a full-time role that involves significant responsibilities in leadership, negotiation, and management within the context of international food safety standards. The role may require travel for representation at international meetings and consultations. The Codex Alimentarius Commission operates in a dynamic environment, and the Senior Food Standards Officer will be expected to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities in the field of food safety and quality.