Food Standards Officer (Data Management)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Joint FAO/World Health Organization (WHO) Codex Alimentarius Commission, which serves as the executive organ of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme. This organization is dedicated to ensuring food safety and quality standards globally. It operates under the programmatic responsibility of the relevant director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director-General and Assistant Director-General of FAO and WHO, respectively. The Codex Secretariat is located at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy, and is administered according to FAO's rules and regulations. The organization collaborates with various international governmental and non-governmental organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), to address food standards' safety, quality, and trade aspects. The Codex Alimentarius Commission plays a crucial role in setting international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice to protect consumer health and ensure fair trade practices in the food sector.

Job Overview:
The Food Standards Officer (Data Management) position is integral to the effective implementation of Codex meetings and the dissemination of information that supports the work of the Codex Secretariat. The role involves the collection and analysis of relevant technical, social, economic, environmental, and institutional data to support various program projects, products, and services. The officer will be responsible for updating databases and web pages, participating in multi-disciplinary project teams, and collaborating in the development of training tools and materials. This position requires a proactive approach to improving work methods and systems, ensuring that the Codex databases are current and that technical papers and meeting reports are prepared accurately. The officer will also attend relevant meetings on behalf of the Codex Secretariat and contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of the Codex Strategic Plan implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Food Standards Officer (Data Management) include:

• Collecting and analyzing relevant information, data, and statistics to support program projects and services.
• Providing technical input for plans and reports and editing/revising technical/scientific documents.
• Participating in the development of improved work methods, tools, and systems.
• Updating Codex databases on pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues, food additives, and other areas.
• Supporting the preparation of technical papers and meeting reports for Codex subsidiary bodies.
• Contributing to the adoption of new technologies for data management and collection.
• Attending relevant meetings on behalf of the Codex Secretariat and providing information and assistance to partners.
• Collating statistical information on Codex work to support monitoring and evaluation efforts.
• Supporting capacity development in response to requests from governments or other interested parties regarding food standards. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, veterinary or public health, science data management and/or analysis, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have three years of relevant experience in supporting the development and application of food standards or food control work at national and/or international levels. A working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree or equivalent, in fields such as food science, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, veterinary or public health, or science data management and analysis. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of food standards and safety.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience in supporting the development and application of food standards or food control work at both national and international levels. Experience in an international standard-setting environment is particularly valuable, as is a demonstrated understanding of the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is a working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English. Additionally, candidates should have intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language, which can be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. Proficiency in multiple languages is advantageous and may enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Rome, Italy, at the FAO headquarters. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be assessed against various competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing. The position may involve collaboration with international teams and requires a commitment to continuous improvement and technical skill development. The specific contract duration and seniority level have not been detailed in the job posting.