National Food Safety Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. The FAO Subregional Office for the Pacific (SAP) specifically supports member countries in the Pacific region, including Tonga, in addressing their national priorities in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, agrifood systems, nutrition, and rural development. FAO SAP is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing, and implementing strategies that address subregional agriculture, food, nutrition, and rural development priorities, while also maintaining relations with regional institutions such as the Council of Regional Organizations in the Pacific (CROP).

Job Overview:
The National Food Safety Specialist position is crucial for strengthening the national food control system in Tonga. The role involves identifying food safety challenges and delivering targeted solutions to enhance food safety standards and practices. The Specialist will work closely with an assigned FAO international consultant to complete project activities, which include providing organizational support for workshops and meetings with relevant stakeholders, as well as preparing and submitting reports on project work. This position is funded under a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) aimed at strengthening food control management systems in both Fiji and Tonga. The project focuses on raising awareness and providing practical tools and resources to industry stakeholders, enforcement agencies, and consumers to improve food safety. The Specialist will report to the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific and collaborate with various stakeholders, including government institutions and partners, to ensure the successful implementation of project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Food Safety Specialist will assist the international consultant in completing several key project activities, including:

• Coordinating an assessment/review of the national food control system in Tonga to identify strengths and weaknesses.
• Supporting the preparation of a national food control system assessment report that outlines findings and recommendations.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of a surveillance and monitoring plan to ensure food safety compliance.
• Building a robust food control network in Tonga by increasing engagement in international and national forums related to food safety, trade, and standardization.
• Coordinating both overseas and in-country laboratory training for food safety laboratory personnel to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Food Security, Nutrition, Agriculture, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of relevant experience in food safety and food standard regulation practices is required. This experience should include developing and preparing training and guideline materials, as well as conducting training workshops. Candidates must also have a working knowledge (level C) of English and must be nationals of Tonga or residents of the country with a valid work permit. FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are essential for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the National Food Safety Specialist position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Food Security, Nutrition, Agriculture, or a closely related discipline. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of food safety and national food control systems, which are central to the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the field of food safety and food standard regulation practices. This experience should encompass a variety of responsibilities, including the development and preparation of training materials, conducting workshops, and engaging with stakeholders in the food safety sector. Experience working in the Pacific Islands or Small Island Developing States (SIDS) contexts is considered a strong asset, as it provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities present in these regions.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English (level C) is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for collaboration with stakeholders and reporting on project activities. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) and is focused on strengthening the food safety system in Tonga. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including government institutions and international consultants. Candidates should be prepared to work under pressure and adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context. The position may involve travel for training and workshops, and familiarity with donor-funded projects and reporting requirements is desirable. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to draft clear and concise reports are essential for success in this role.