Management System Specialist

Organizational Setting:

The Food Technology Laboratory (FTL) was set up in line with the policy of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (MOAIFS) to be the body ensuring the highest standards of food safety and consumer protection and facilitating growth in the sector. The Bio-Molecular Laboratory (BML) is one of the laboratories falling under the FTL and designated to play a frontline role in molecular analytical activities of food and animal feeding stuffs in Mauritius. Additionally, the BML was assigned by the MOAIFS to be the Official Laboratory to carry out Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) testing in Mauritius.

FAO Representative in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles

Reporting Lines:

Under the direct managerial and administrative leadership of the FAO Representative in Mauritius as the Budget Holder, the technical supervision of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and in close collaboration with the national team.

Technical Focus:

Food technology

Tasks and responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Mauritius (Budget Holder), the technical supervision of the Food Safety and Quality Officer, FAORAF, and in close consultation the National Project Coordinator (NPC), the incumbent will undertake the following activities to provide technical and functional support to the project TCP/MAR/3901:

• Create a detailed implementation plan for the various activities for the implementation of ISO 17025:2017, upgrading of the laboratory facilities and training prior to the start of the project (including the resource requirements, responsibilities and time factor); • Work in collaboration with the International Consultant (Molecular testing) to advise on the general set up of the Bio-molecular laboratory and provide recommendations and assistance for the upgrading of the existing facilities; • Carry out a gap analysis, advise and assist in the implementation of each clause of the ISO 17025:2017 standard at the Bio-Molecular Laboratory; • Drafting of quality and technical manuals, worksheets, procedures for waste management, SOPs and forms; • Advise on how to proceed with validation of methods, measurement uncertainty determination, assuring quality of test results for molecular tests, participation in interlaboratory comparisons and proficiency testing schemes and metrological traceability; • Establish key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness and performance of the management system; • Provide training on internal audit and risk assessment; • Conduct an internal audit to assess the effectiveness of the management system; • Assist in identifying risks and opportunities related to the management system and to develop risk mitigation and management strategies; • Assist in the preparation for accreditation and provide on-going support until the successful accreditation of the GMO tests, pathogen testing and species identification (meat and fish); • Conduct a meeting with management/top management to communicate the importance of the management system and the roles and responsibilities of those involved in the system; • Day-to-day management for the effective implementation of the relevant project outputs; • Provide regular/weekly update and advise the National Project Coordinator, the local FAO representative as well as other personnel from the Ministry of Agro-Industry & Food Security on the project activities;(for Consultants only). • Any other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in management systems or other equivalent and relevant qualification; • At least 5 years of work experience at implementing ISO17025:2017 in laboratories involved in molecular testing; • Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of French; for PSA, working knowledge of English is sufficient..

Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Self-driven, team player, patient, self-confident, reliable and empathetic; • Demonstrated organisational, communication and organizational skills; • Quality of oral and written communication skills in English and French.

Selection Criteria

• With proven experience of having successfully led to the accreditation of a laboratory involved in GMO testing or/and any other molecular diagnostics;