Food Safety in Agrifood Systems Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an international organization that leads global efforts to defeat hunger and achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to eradicate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, and to promote sustainable agricultural practices. With a workforce of over 12,000 employees, FAO operates in more than 130 countries, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to develop policies and programs that enhance food security and nutrition. The organization focuses on sustainable agrifood systems, food safety, and quality, aligning its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Food Safety in Agrifood Systems Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the development of methodologies, tools, and normative products related to food safety and quality. This position is integral to the Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division (ESF) of FAO, which aims to align agrifood systems with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The specialist will provide technical assistance to member countries, focusing on achieving SDGs such as No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, and Responsible Consumption and Production. The role involves conducting analyses on technical and policy matters, preparing technical documents, and supporting the organization of technical meetings and workshops. The specialist will also contribute to communications and resource mobilization efforts related to food safety and quality, ensuring that FAO's standards and guidelines are adhered to throughout the process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Food Safety in Agrifood Systems Specialist include:

• Supporting knowledge exchange activities, networking, and partnerships to enhance food safety and quality projects.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of field projects aimed at delivering global public goods on food safety and quality.
• Conducting analyses on technical and policy matters to inform decision-making on complex food safety and quality issues.
• Preparing and editing technical documents and guidance on food safety and quality management systems.
• Organizing internal and external technical meetings, expert consultations, and workshops.
• Contributing to the Division’s communications and resource mobilization efforts.
• Providing technical support to member countries in developing national food safety and quality standards.
• Conducting diagnostic missions to assess food safety and quality aspects in agrifood systems.
• Developing and delivering training programs on food safety and quality management systems for various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Food Safety in Agrifood Systems Specialist position include:

• A Master’s or advanced degree in Agronomy, Food Science, Food Safety, Agrifood Systems, Agricultural Food Science and Technology, or a related field.
• A minimum of one to four years of relevant experience for Category C and five to nine years for Category B in areas such as Food Science and Technology, Food Safety, and quality management.
• A solid understanding of agrifood systems transformation.
• Working knowledge of English is mandatory, and limited knowledge of another UN official language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s or advanced degree in relevant fields such as Agronomy, Food Science, Food Safety, Agrifood Systems, or Agricultural Food Science and Technology. This educational background is essential to ensure that the specialist has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to food safety and quality management in agrifood systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one to four years of relevant experience for Category C and five to nine years for Category B. This experience should be in areas such as Food Science and Technology, Food Safety, and quality management, with a strong understanding of agrifood systems transformation. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in capacity building and training for stakeholders in food safety and quality management.

Languages:
A working knowledge of English is a requirement for this position. Additionally, limited knowledge of one of the other UN official languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve working in multiple locations, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel as part of their duties. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited internationally or nationally, depending on the specific needs of FAO. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with FAO's policies and standards, and further details regarding contract duration and seniority level will be provided during the recruitment process.