International Specialist on Food Safety Innovation

Organizational Setting

The Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO's strategic response to regional priorities. RNE also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. RNE develops and maintains relations with region-wide institutions including the Regional Economic Integration Organizations (REIOs). The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.

Reporting Lines

The International Specialist on Food Safety Innovation reports to Senior Economist, FAO Regional Office for Near East and North Africa.

Technical Focus

Supporting the implementation of a Regional TCP Project on Promoting Food Safety Innovation Hub through South- South and Triangular Cooperation.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Facilitate coordination among relevant existing programmes and initiatives to maximize impact on food safety innovation hub and upscale results on sustainable and inclusive food systems, improved food security, nutrition, and access to market, particularly of small-scale family farmers, in selected value chains. • Advocate strategic partnerships, best practices, and policy dialogue in support of integrated action, enhanced policies and governance arrangements for sustainable and inclusive food systems; • Plan, organize and participate in capacity development activities and training workshops around institutional capacities to strengthen integrated action and implementation, and oversees the development of related materials; • Liaise and Facilitate engagement with civil society, private sector, and research and other partners in the project; • Organize and participate in relevant meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences, advocate strategic partnerships and best practices, increases policy and institutional dialogue as well as develops and negotiate effective collaboration among concerned stakeholders; • Prepare reports on progress achievement and issues related to project implementation; • Support Government institutions to strengthen coordination towards establishment and operationalization of Research Network and Food Safety Innovation Hub; • Design and participate in resource mobilization activities and contribute to the formulation of investment plans; • Perform any other required duties related to project implementation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in social sciences, agriculture, law, development, food sciences or a related field. • At least three years of relevant experience in food safety, innovation and related issues, including at least two years of experience working with national or international policy issues in this area. • Working knowledge (level C) of English and limited knowledge (level B) of one of the other FAO languages: Arabic, French, Spanish, Chinese or Russian (for consultants). Working knowledge of English (for PSA).

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions. • Extent and relevance of experience and knowledge of programme and project management. • Extent and relevance of experience in food safety, innovation and regulatory systems at national and multilateral levels. • Depth of familiarity with FAO's partner institutions (UN, NGOs, donors), and experience with the public sector. • Analytical skills and ability to prepare publications, technical reports and other relevant materials. • Limited knowledge of Arabic and French is an asset