Food Safety and Quality 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 are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security worldwide. WFP is recognized for its efforts and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its contributions to combating hunger and promoting peace.

Job Overview:
The Food Safety and Quality Officer position at WFP is crucial for ensuring that food safety and quality standards are met in all food-related operations. The role involves providing support for the collection, analysis, and reporting of information relevant to the implementation of WFP's food safety and quality initiatives. The officer will work closely with supply chain and program functions to enhance an integrated approach that aligns with WFP’s strategic objectives in food assistance. This position requires a proactive approach to embedding food safety and quality into all aspects of WFP operations, ensuring compliance with established regulations and standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Food Safety and Quality Officer will be responsible for a variety of key accountabilities, including:

• Providing technical inputs to implement policies and procedures that align WFP’s food safety and quality assurance (FSQA) approach with supply chain strategies.
• Drafting specific inputs for the design and implementation of food assistance programs, ensuring food safety and quality are integral to all operations.
• Participating in the planning, execution, and reporting of food safety and quality programs relevant to the Sierra Leone Country Office.
• Generating and storing knowledge assets related to food safety and quality, including reports and databases.
• Assisting with investigations and documentation for risk and incident management.
• Following FSQA regulations in field operations to prevent and mitigate issues.
• Liaising with counterparts across various sectors to compile relevant data for operational collaboration.
• Participating in FSQA assurance and packaging research.
• Supporting local food producers and strengthening local food control systems. 1
• Collecting and organizing data for reports that inform planning and decision-making. 1
• Acting in an emergency response capacity as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess experience or training in food safety and quality protocols, with exposure to implementing tools or procedures in operational contexts. They should have experience with data collection and analysis, and the ability to work collaboratively in team environments. A strong understanding of emergency or time-sensitive operations is also desirable. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to WFP's values and mission.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is an advanced university degree in Food Technology, Health Sciences, Food Control, Nutrition, or a related field. Alternatively, a first university degree with two additional years of relevant work experience is acceptable. Candidates with postgraduate degrees will be preferred.

Experience:
A minimum of 1 year of relevant experience in food safety and quality is required. Experience in procurement, logistics, and/or supply chain management is desirable, as it contributes to integrated operations within WFP's framework.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with a level C proficiency. Knowledge of the local language in Sierra Leone is an advantage but not required. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms.

Additional Notes:
This position is open only to Sierra Leone nationals, and qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply. The role is full-time, and applicants must submit their applications exclusively through WFP's online recruiting system. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all employment decisions are based on merit and individual qualifications. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.