Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of achieving Zero Hunger. WFP is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, reflecting its significant contributions to humanitarian efforts globally. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that its workforce reflects the communities it serves, and promotes a healthy work environment where all employees can thrive and contribute effectively to the mission of the organization.

Job Overview:
The Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Officer position is crucial for the World Food Programme's mission to deliver food assistance effectively. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that food safety and quality standards are met throughout the supply chain. This role involves assessing and monitoring food safety and quality, contributing to the improvement of WFP's food basket, and implementing quality management practices. The FSQ Officer will work closely with various stakeholders, including WFP staff, partners, and local authorities, to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and to enhance the overall quality of food assistance provided. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying potential risks and implementing strategies to mitigate them, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive safe and nutritious food. The FSQ Officer will also play a key role in capacity building, training staff and partners on food safety protocols and best practices, thereby strengthening the overall food safety framework within WFP operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Officer include but are not limited to:

• Collating and analyzing data to prepare reports on food quality and safety, contributing to risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Defining quality control points and parameters, and developing implementation plans and related records.
• Establishing hygiene practices related to product handling, personnel, cleaning, and pest control.
• Reviewing infrastructure and proposing necessary improvements to meet required standards.
• Strengthening the capacity of WFP staff and partners in food safety and quality management and the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assessing the availability of food safety and quality-related services, such as pest control and laboratory services.
• Liaising with local authorities regarding legal and regulatory requirements related to food safety.
• Implementing the Food Incident Management Protocol in various contexts within the country.
• Analyzing feedback from beneficiaries regarding food safety and quality. 1
• Preparing evidence-based recommendations for senior staff on control measures to reduce food commodity losses and address food quality and safety issues. 1
• Supporting investigation exercises in the event of food safety incidents to document lessons learned and prevent recurrence. 1
• Assisting project teams with food technology aspects of food assistance programs, ensuring compliance with WFP regulations. 1
• Contributing to the development and implementation of protocols and tools related to food technology issues. 1
• Building productive relationships with supply chain colleagues to support an integrated approach to food assistance. 1
• Performing other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in Food Sciences and Technology, Food Engineering, or a related field, or a first university degree in the domain with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training.
• Professional training and hands-on experience in Quality and Food Safety Management systems implementation and systems audit, preferably ISO 22000 or FSSC 2200
• Strong analytical, networking, and coordination skills, with excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Proven ability to negotiate with various stakeholders in the supply chain, both internally and externally.
• Leadership skills, with the ability to work within and lead a team, and a strong drive for results while being culturally sensitive.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Food Sciences and Technology, Food Engineering, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree in the domain along with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be acceptable. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage food safety and quality within the WFP framework.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least eight years of experience working in a well-established food manufacturing setup, specifically in Quality Assurance. This experience should include a strong background in food safety management systems and quality control processes, demonstrating the ability to implement and audit these systems effectively. The candidate should also have experience in capacity building and training, as well as a proven track record of working collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, with a proficiency level of C. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external partners. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bujumbura, Burundi, and is a full-time role. The World Food Programme is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and ensures that all employment decisions are made based on merit and individual qualifications. The selected candidate will undergo rigorous reference and background checks as part of the hiring process.