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 that effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people across the globe. 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 peace.

Job Overview:
The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer plays a crucial role in WFP Yemen’s supply chain, ensuring that food safety standards and policies are integrated throughout the entire process from design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design to final distribution. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to manage quality risks and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The officer will support the implementation of WFP's corporate food safety and quality assurance approach, which is essential for meeting the operational needs of the Yemen Country Office. The role involves collecting, analyzing, and reporting information relevant to food safety initiatives, and working closely with different departments to enhance the overall effectiveness of food assistance delivery. The officer will also be responsible for strengthening the capacity of local food producers and ensuring that food safety and quality are prioritized in all operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Providing technical inputs for the implementation of policies and procedures that align WFP’s food safety and quality assurance approach with supply chain strategies.
• Drafting specific inputs related to the design and implementation of food assistance programs, ensuring food safety and quality are embedded in all operations.
• Implementing corporate food safety incident management protocols, assisting with investigations, and sharing lessons learned to prevent future occurrences.
• Organizing field operations systems to prevent and mitigate food safety issues, including drafting product specifications and communicating with regulatory authorities.
• Liaising with supply chain colleagues to maintain food safety and quality throughout the supply chain.
• Collaborating with UN agencies, NGOs, and governments to compile relevant data for operational collaboration.
• Participating in research related to food safety and quality assurance, including sample collections and data analysis.
• Supporting the capacity building of local food producers and enhancing food control systems.
• Assisting with initiatives aimed at improving food systems and nutrition interventions. 1
• Collecting and organizing data to support report preparation for planning and decision-making. 1
• Acting in an emergency response capacity as required to meet food assistance needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Food Technology, Food Sciences, Nutrition, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience is acceptable. The position requires a total of 5 years of relevant experience, including at least 1 year of professional experience specifically in food safety and quality. Experience in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management is desirable. Candidates should have knowledge of the food safety and quality regulatory environment in Yemen and experience with food safety protocols. Skills in data collection and analysis, as well as experience in collaborative team environments, are also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in Food Technology, Food Sciences, Nutrition, or a related field. Alternatively, candidates with a first university degree and two additional years of relevant work experience will also be considered. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of food safety and quality assurance in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, which includes at least 1 year of professional experience specifically focused on food safety and quality. Candidates should have a strong background in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management, as these areas are integral to the role. Experience in collaborative environments and the ability to work under pressure in emergency situations are also important.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Arabic are essential for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract at the NOA level, with a duration of 12 months, renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The role is full-time and based in Aden, Yemen. WFP 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.