Packaging Solutions 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 and employs thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting peace. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for positions within its ranks. WFP is committed to creating a healthy and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive and contribute to the organization's mission.

Job Overview:
The Packaging Solutions Officer position at WFP is a critical role that involves leading research, development, and operational packaging initiatives on a global scale. This position is responsible for providing specialized technical support and troubleshooting to field operations and manufacturers, ensuring that packaging solutions are safe, effective, and innovative for humanitarian supply chains. The officer will drive improvements in packaging sustainability, develop and maintain specifications, and represent WFP in technical partnerships and inter-agency forums. The role requires a proactive approach to packaging development, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and operational efficiency. The Packaging Solutions Officer will work closely with various stakeholders to promote packaging improvements that withstand supply chain conditions and ensure food safety for beneficiaries. This position is essential for maintaining the integrity of food products and minimizing operational risks and losses.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Packaging Solutions Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: creating, updating, and maintaining packaging specifications to ensure compliance with WFP standards; providing packaging development and troubleshooting support to field operations and food manufacturers; acting as a technical support resource for packaging-related issues; leading all Research & Development (R&D) and operational packaging workstreams at Headquarters; promoting packaging improvements within WFP’s portfolio; developing performance parameters for packaging integrity; visiting and supporting manufacturers to troubleshoot and improve packaging; leading technical partnerships related to packaging; co-leading supply chain improvement projects linked to packaging; managing knowledge initiatives related to packaging; and leading sustainability initiatives to evaluate and improve packaging materials used in humanitarian supply chains.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Packaging Solutions Officer position must possess a strong set of qualifications, including an advanced university degree in Packaging Technology, Packaging Engineering, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with additional years of relevant work experience and/or training may be acceptable. The candidate should have at least 8 years of progressively responsible work experience in flexible packaging and/or multiple materials, with proven project management experience being critical. Experience in Packaging R&D and operations within the food industry and humanitarian food packaging is required. Additionally, candidates should have a sound theoretical understanding of food technology, particularly in packaging, and the ability to conduct financial and risk analysis related to packaging.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Packaging Technology, Packaging Engineering, or a related field. Candidates with a first university degree and additional relevant work experience or training may also be considered. The emphasis is on having a solid foundation in packaging principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the food industry and humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The level of experience required for the Packaging Solutions Officer position is significant, with a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of flexible packaging and/or multiple materials. Candidates should have a proven track record in project management and experience in Packaging R&D and operations, particularly within the food industry and humanitarian contexts. This experience is crucial for effectively leading packaging initiatives and ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English (level C) is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language of WFP. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge (level B) of a second official UN language, which may include Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish, or Portuguese. Proficiency in these languages is beneficial for effective communication within the diverse and multicultural environment of WFP.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an International Professional role and is open to candidates of all nationalities. Mobility is a core contractual requirement for WFP, although this position is classified as 'non-rotational,' meaning incumbents will not be subject to regular reassignment unless the position is reclassified. The selected candidates will be employed on a fixed-term contract with a probationary period of one year. WFP offers an attractive compensation and benefits package in line with ICSC standards, including basic salary, post adjustment, relocation entitlement, visa, travel and shipment allowances, 30 days of annual leave, home leave, an education grant for dependent children, a pension plan, and medical insurance. Candidates will be required to relocate to Rome, Italy, to take up this assignment.