Food Safety Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF) is part of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Established to provide strategic leadership in food safety and sustainable agrifood systems, the division plays a crucial role in supporting member countries in enhancing food safety measures. The FAO operates globally, with a mission to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agricultural practices. The division collaborates closely with various technical units and decentralized offices to integrate scientific and economic analyses into policy guidance and investment strategies. The FAO's strategic framework for 2022-2031 emphasizes the importance of food safety as a priority area, reflecting its commitment to improving food systems worldwide. The organization employs a diverse workforce and operates in numerous countries, making it a key player in global security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Food Safety Officer position is integral to the Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role focuses on the effective management of food safety and official food control measures, aiming to enhance food safety at national, regional, and global levels. The officer will provide comprehensive technical and policy expertise to support the planning, development, and implementation of divisional programs and projects related to food safety and food controls. This includes developing methodologies, tools, and systems to monitor and evaluate food safety initiatives. The officer will also conduct research and data analysis to support the creation of technical standards and policy proposals, ensuring that FAO's objectives are met. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including member countries, to promote best practices and facilitate knowledge sharing in food safety.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Food Safety Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: leading components of multidisciplinary teams and participating in organization-wide committees and project teams; developing technical frameworks and methodologies for monitoring and reporting on food safety programs; conducting research and data collection to support the development of technical standards and innovative strategies; responding to requests for technical assistance from member countries; providing technical backstopping for capacity development activities; promoting international cooperation and advocating for best practices in food safety; representing FAO at international meetings and conferences; assessing national food control systems to identify capacity development needs; guiding the formulation and implementation of national and regional projects; developing training materials and conducting training programs; analyzing country-specific food safety requirements; providing technical advice to decentralized offices; and maintaining collaboration with other FAO units and relevant institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in food science, food technology, veterinary public health, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in advising on, implementing, and managing food control programs and public sector policies for food safety. Proficiency in English (level C) is required, along with intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official FAO language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Candidates should demonstrate strong competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Food Safety Officer position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or its equivalent, in fields related to food safety and public health. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food safety systems and the regulatory frameworks that govern them. Candidates should have a solid grounding in scientific principles related to food technology, microbiology, and public health to effectively contribute to the division's objectives.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have at least seven years of relevant experience in the field of food safety and food control. This experience should encompass advising on and managing food control programs, as well as public sector policies related to food safety. Experience in multiple locations or areas of work, particularly in field positions, is highly valued. Candidates should have a proven track record of implementing food control capacity development programs and providing technical and policy advice in national and regional contexts, particularly in developing countries and countries in transition.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge of English at proficiency level C. Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official FAO language, which could be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and may enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. While the job description does not specify a deadline for applications, it is important for candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure consideration. The role is full-time and may involve international travel for meetings and capacity development activities. The FAO offers competitive compensation and benefits, including opportunities for professional development and training.