Consultant for Feasibility of Meat Decontamination in Vietnam

Job Posting Organization:
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a global research organization established in 1975, dedicated to providing research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI operates in over 40 countries and employs more than 300 staff members, including researchers, policy analysts, and support staff. The organization focuses on improving food systems and agricultural policies through rigorous research and collaboration with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in addressing the pressing issue of microbiological contamination in the pork supply chain in Vietnam, where pork constitutes a significant portion of meat consumption. The consultant's primary responsibilities will include conducting a comprehensive desk review and rapid field assessment of various decontamination agents, facilitating an expert consultation to guide further testing, and assessing the acceptability of these agents among consumers and stakeholders. This position requires a deep understanding of food safety regulations, practical application in slaughterhouse settings, and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of decontamination measures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a structured desk review to identify and evaluate candidate decontamination agents, focusing on their legal status, efficacy, and appropriateness for the Vietnamese context.
• Review relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, including food safety legislation and veterinary regulations.
• Analyze domestic and international scientific literature on the efficacy of candidate agents, documenting key parameters such as concentration, contact time, and application methods.
• Collect primary data through interviews and observations at selected slaughterhouses and markets to verify current practices.
• Organize and facilitate an expert consultation meeting to discuss findings and prioritize agents for further investigation.
• Conduct qualitative stakeholder acceptability studies through key informant interviews with various actors in the pork supply chain.
• Document all findings and produce comprehensive reports summarizing the research and consultation outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a graduate degree, preferably a PhD, in a food safety-related discipline. They should have experience conducting research in traditional markets in Vietnam and demonstrate familiarity with food safety regulatory bodies in the country. Strong analytical skills, the ability to synthesize complex information, and excellent communication skills are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A graduate degree in food safety, food science, public health, or a related field is required. A PhD is preferred, as it indicates a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant discipline.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in conducting research related to food safety, particularly in traditional market settings. Familiarity with the regulatory landscape in Vietnam and previous work with food safety authorities will be advantageous. Experience in stakeholder engagement and qualitative research methods is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in Vietnamese is mandatory, as the consultant will be interacting with local stakeholders and conducting interviews. Proficiency in English is also required to facilitate communication with international teams and to produce reports and documentation in English.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to be part-time and may involve travel within Vietnam to various slaughterhouses and markets. The contract duration will be determined based on the project timeline, with an anticipated completion date aligned with the deliverables outlined. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and benefits may include reimbursement for travel expenses and a small stipend for participant compensation during interviews.