Food Safety and Quality Assurance 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 work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions globally. WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its efforts in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security.

Job Overview:
The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer position is crucial for implementing WFP's food safety and quality initiatives, policies, and procedures. The role involves collaboration with supply chain and program functions to ensure an integrated approach that supports WFP’s strategic objectives in food assistance. The officer will be responsible for adapting and implementing policies to align with WFP’s FSQA approach, providing technical guidance for food assistance programs, and overseeing supplier compliance with food safety standards. This position requires a proactive approach to managing quality risks and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, ultimately safeguarding beneficiary health and enhancing the integrity of food assistance delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adapt and implement policies and procedures to align WFP’s FSQA approach with WFP and supply chain strategies, ensuring compliance with FSQA regulations.
• Provide technical guidance to the country office in designing and implementing food assistance programs, ensuring food safety and quality are embedded in all operations.
• Oversee supplier food safety and quality management, including assessments, audits, and corrective actions.
• Implement field operations protocols for risk and incident management to address food safety concerns promptly.
• Establish systems for preventing and mitigating FSQA issues, including product specifications and engagement with food authorities.
• Collaborate with supply chain functions to create standard operating procedures and tools for monitoring food safety and quality.
• Build relationships with stakeholders across UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to enhance WFP’s operational capacity.
• Coordinate WFP’s involvement in FSQA-related research to ensure safe and quality food delivery.
• Provide technical support to enhance local food systems and build the capacity of food producers. 1
• Guide and support national food quality infrastructure institutions. 1
• Prepare accurate data collection and reporting to inform decision-making and improve WFP’s FSQA approach. 1
• Facilitate collaboration across supply chain functions for operational effectiveness. 1
• Mentor and guide a small team to promote professional development. 1
• Act in emergency response capacities as required. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Food Safety and Quality or Food Control (MSc. or PhD) and hold GFSI recognized auditor certification (e.g., FSSC 22000, BRCGS). They should have a minimum of five years of full-time work experience in the food-chain-related industry, preferably as a Food Safety/Quality manager. Substantial experience in third-party auditing/assessment to standards such as FSSC22000, ISO 22000, BRCGS, HACCP, and ISO9001 is required, along with experience managing food assistance programs and preparing reports for senior leadership.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Food Safety and Quality or Food Control is essential for this position. Candidates should also have relevant certifications in food safety auditing recognized by GFSI, such as FSSC 22000 or BRCGS, which demonstrate their expertise in food safety standards and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of full-time work experience in the food-chain-related industry, with a strong preference for candidates who have served as Food Safety/Quality managers. Experience in third-party auditing and assessment to recognized food safety standards is crucial, as is familiarity with a wide range of food products. Candidates should also have experience in managing food assistance programs and operating in emergency contexts, which is vital for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in French at a native or certified level C is mandatory, including comprehension, fluency, writing, and expression. Proficiency in English at a fluent level C is also required, ensuring effective communication in both languages is essential for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Haiti and is a full-time role. The World Food Programme offers an attractive compensation package and is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive work environment. The organization emphasizes the importance of reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted through WFP's online recruiting system, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further stages of the recruitment process.