Consultant, Food Safety Unit

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Monday 28 Nov 2022 at 22:59 UTC

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1. Purpose of the consultancy

The purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical support to the implementation and monitoring of the Regional Framework for Action on Food Safety in the Western Pacific with focus on country support and regional guidance.

2. Background

The Regional Framework for Action on Food Safety in the Western Pacific was endorsed by the Western Pacific Regional Committee in 2017. The framework provides strategic guidance and a stepwise approach to strengthen national food safety systems.

Food safety systems in the Western Pacific Region are at various stages of development, and countries have different means to address food safety issues. Hence, efforts to strengthen food safety must be tailored to specific country needs and priorities, and the correct timing for interventions must consider political momentum, resource availability, country commitments, and public support.

Recognizing the diversity of food safety systems across the Western Pacific Region, the Regional Framework for Action on Food Safety in the Western Pacific promotes a stepwise approach to guide the strategic actions of Member States to strengthen food safety systems. The stepwise approach aims to guide national food safety authorities to establish and strengthen food safety systems as comprehensive and unified entities consisting of interacting and interdependent components. The stepwise approach can help countries to prioritize interventions as well as to improve the effectiveness of investments in food safety systems.

The Western Pacific Region is vulnerable to disasters and emergencies. Food safety incidents and emergencies are diverse and may be defined and responded to differently according to the capacity of a country’s food safety system. National food safety systems are critical to manage food safety incidents and emergencies and it is important that food safety authorities identify their specific role and responsibility in the investigation and response to food safety incidents and emergencies and collaboration with partners accordingly.

3. Planned timelines Start date: 28 November 2022 End date: 31 March 2023

4. Work to be performed Method(s) to carry out the activity

The assignment will include desk research and consultation with relevant stakeholders (Codex, Quadripartite Alliance, WHO Collaborative Centers. ) in terms of reviewing existing structures, national policy frameworks, appropriate tools and guidance available to support national authorities in the Western Pacific to achieve the deliverables. The Regional Framework for Action on Food Safety in the Western Pacific, For the Future - Towards the Healthiest and Safest Region, and the Asia-Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies (APSED III) should also be used as reference. Under the supervision of the Food Safety Technical Officer (FOS/DSE), the consultant will be responsible for delivering the following:

Output 1: Multisectoral roadmap for Safer Traditional Food Markets in Asia Pacific Region

Deliverable 1.1: finalize draft document and assist on the consultation with Temporary Advisors Deliverable 1.2: compilation of feedback received from Temporary Advisors and finalization of the draft document Deliverable 1.3: Support the informal consultation on the Multisectoral roadmap for Safer Traditional Food Markets in Asia Pacific Region Deliverable 1.4: Compilation of feedback received from Member States and finalization of the document

Output 2: Third Biregional Advocacy Meeting on Risk Mitigation in Traditional Food Markets in the Asia Pacific Region Deliverable 2.1: Liaise with countries to support updating the country dashboards of the regional online listening tool.

Output 3: Meeting on the Regional framework for action on food safety with focus in the Pacific Island Countries: Deliverable 3.1: Support the organization of the above meeting Deliverable 3.2: Participate on the execution of the event Deliverable 3.3: Develop the final meeting report of the event

Output 4: Food Safety Communication Materials Deliverable 4.1: World Food Safety Day 2023 communications materials: Participation in meetings related to the organization of the World Food Safety Day 2023 Deliverable 4.2: Food Safety during Emergencies: support finalization of materials

Output 5: Other activities related to the Food Safety Unit as requested

Output 6: Other activities related to the DSE for emergency support as requested

5. Qualifications, experience, skills, language

Education: Essential Minimum first university degree in food safety, food science, food technology, agriculture, public health or related field from an accredited/recognized institute. Desirable: An advanced university degree (Master's level or above) or specialization or training in food safety, or food science or other related.

Experience: Essential: At least 05 years of experience in the field of food safety, combined at the national and international levels in supporting strengthening of food safety systems, particularly working with traditional food markets. Desirable: Experience in developing countries. Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies, non-governmental agencies or humanitarian organizations.

Technical skills and knowledge (1) Experience in project management (2) Knowledge on international food safety requirements and recommendations including Codex Alimentarius (3) Ability to work with minimal daily supervision and exercise sound judgment in organizing activities and meeting deadlines.

Language Written and spoken fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of another WHO official language would be an asset.

6. Competencies • Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond • Communication • Ensuring the effective use of resources • Creating an empowering and motivating environment • Teamwork • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

7. Place of assignment WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO), Manila, Philippines.

8. Medical clearance The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

9. Travel The consultant is expected to travel to Manila, Philippines, for the duration of the contract. All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance. Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

10. Additional Information

WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: who.int