Food Safety Specialist

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

The FAO Representation in Georgia (FEGEO) is a multi-accreditation office of the Organization with a non-residential FAO Representative (FAOR). FEGEO is leading FAO's response to the national priorities related to food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO's priority activities in in the country. Within this context, strengthening government sector and private sector food safety and quality capacities is a priority. FAO Georgia formulates and implements the programme drawing on technical expertise from its Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia and Headquarters as well closely working with partners in the private sector, academia and the Civil Society. FEGEO has an increasing portfolio of projects, with a significant component of EU funded projects, implemented with a large team of national and international staff, and several offices throughout the country. FAO's main areas of work, based on the Country Programming Framework, are focused on technical assistance, in the fields of nutrition, value chain development, food safety and environment, among others. The EU funded projects in Georgia, mainly under the ENPARD programme, focus on supporting the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture (MEPA), which includes the National Food Agency as well as direct support to farmers, cooperatives and SMEs in the sector of food and agriculture to promote a more inclusive, sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural sector.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will work under the overall responsibility of the FAO Representative for Georgia and the direct supervision of the FAO Programme Coordinator and in close collaboration with the rest of the staff of the ENPARD Programme and FAO Georgia staff.

Technical Focus

The incumbent will lead the technical support in food safety for the implementation of the ENPARD Programme in Georgia, work in a multi-disciplinary team in Georgia, and support the coordination with relevant technical officers of FAO in Headquarters and REU Office.

Tasks and responsibilities

Effective and efficient coordination, food safety technical and policy expertise, as well as provision of the operational support to deliver the project activities, communicate with the government authorities and build capacities with regard to food safety and food control in accordance with the project and government needs.

The Specialist will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Plans, leads and coordinates implementation of the ENPARD Programme, to strengthen the Georgian food control system in accordance with the food safety risk analysis paradigm, and EU accession requirements. • Advises on approach to implement the project activities and action plan consistent with food safety principles and good practice, • Communicates with food safety competent authorities to ensure the project activities are suitable to the local context and to foster buy-in from all relevant stakeholders; • Participates in, and supports technical multi-disciplinary teams of national and international experts for the implementation of this plan; • Briefs experts contributing to the project workplan, and provides technical review of assessment reports, training materials and products • Develops and delivers training materials, technical reports and presentations required for the implementation of the Programme; • Liaises with the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) in FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, and other FAO technical officers in headquarters and REU to obtain technical inputs and technical clearances on technical reports and presentations. • Supports and builds capacity for the rest of the FAO ENPARD project team on food safety considerations to ensure timely and consistent implementation of the Project's workplan. This includes training, coaching and mentoring. • Contributes to FAO's monitoring and reporting tasks on project activities delivery, to demonstrate progress, identify any bottlenecks for corrective action and adjustments to the workplan. • Drafts policy proposals as well as provides technical specialist and/or policy advice and expertise, in collaboration with and under the guidance of the LTO and other relevant FAO technical officers. • Responds to requests from the donor, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture and provides technical advice and support. • Promotes linkages, dialogues and technical cooperation with all relevant stakeholders in Georgia, including Government institutions, donors, private-sector companies and Civil Society organizations, and participates Performs any other related duties • Participates in technical platforms and coordination fora, meetings and conferences for the benefit of the Programme's targeted population. • Performs any other related duties

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in food science, food technology, veterinary public health, agriculture, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology or a related field ; • Five years of relevant experience in advising on, implementing and managing, food safety control programmes or food safety policy targeting public and or private sectors; • Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the FAO languages (Spanish, French, Chinese, Arabic, Russian). For PSA, working knowledge of English.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Excellent organizing and time-management skills • Working experience on the implementation of EU food safety regulations and EU aquis