National Codex Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, make agriculture, forestry, and fisheries more productive and sustainable, reduce rural poverty, and enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific (SAP) supports member countries in the Pacific region, which includes the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. The organization is committed to developing and implementing strategies that address subregional agriculture, food, nutrition, and rural development priorities, and it collaborates with various regional organizations to achieve these goals. FAO SAP operates under the umbrella of FAO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) located in Bangkok, and it employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to improving food security and agricultural practices across the Pacific.

Job Overview:
The National Codex Specialist position is crucial for enhancing national Codex capacities in the Pacific region, specifically in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. The role involves providing support to an FAO international consultant in executing project activities aimed at strengthening national Codex structures and processes. This includes organizing workshops and meetings with stakeholders, preparing reports on project work, and ensuring that national food safety and trade objectives are met. The specialist will work closely with various government institutions and partners, contributing to the development of the National Codex Procedural Manual and promoting Codex information materials. The position requires a proactive approach to advocacy and awareness-raising activities related to Codex work, ensuring that relevant stakeholders are informed and engaged in food safety initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Codex Specialist will assist the FAO international consultant in completing several key project activities, which include: supporting advocacy efforts and workshops to raise awareness of Codex work among national policymakers; developing Information Education and Communication (IEC) materials on Codex work for stakeholders in health, agriculture, marine, and trade sectors; coordinating Codex awareness activities during national and international celebrations such as World Food Safety Day; organizing training workshops as required by project activities; and developing the National Codex Procedural Manual and a National Codex website. The specialist will also be responsible for collecting data and information from relevant sources, reviewing and assessing this information, and providing support for stakeholder workshops and consultations as per the agreed work schedule.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Food Security, Nutrition, Agriculture, or a related field. Additionally, they should have a minimum of five years of experience in food safety and food standard regulation practices, which includes developing training materials, writing reports, and conducting workshops. A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory, and candidates must be nationals of or residents in one of the specified Pacific Island countries with a valid work permit.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Food Security, Nutrition, Agriculture, or a closely related discipline. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food safety and national food control systems, as well as the Codex standards that govern food safety practices.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least five years of relevant experience in food safety and food standard regulation practices. This experience should encompass the development and preparation of training and guideline materials, as well as the ability to conduct training workshops and write comprehensive reports. Experience working in the Pacific Islands or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) contexts is considered a strong asset, as it provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in these regions.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English at level C is mandatory for this position. This proficiency is necessary for effective communication, report writing, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Pacific region may be considered an advantage, enhancing the ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is funded under a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP/SAP/4008) and is focused on strengthening national Codex structures and processes. The role is based in multiple locations across the Pacific region, and candidates should be prepared to work in various settings. The position may involve a mix of full-time and part-time commitments, depending on project needs and timelines. Compensation and benefits details are not specified in the job ad, but candidates can expect to work within a multidisciplinary team and engage with various stakeholders in the field of food safety and nutrition.