Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer Verified listing

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the supervision of the Head of Supply Chain, the incumbent will contribute to the implementation of the corporate FSQA approach to meet country operational needs for a successful implementation of the meals programme by conducting technical analysis and develop reports on information to contribute to the implementation of WFP food safety and quality initiatives, policies and procedures. He/she will actively engage with supply chain and programme functions to improve the integrated approach that supports WFP’s strategic objectives in food assistance.

The incumbent will also lead the FSQA Unit for the Pakistan Country Office.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Perform technical analysis and reporting to contribute to the implementation of policies and procedures that align WFP’s FSQA approach to FSQA and supply chain strategies, and support compliance with FSQA regulations.
• Draft technical guidance and inputs related to the design and implementation of WFP food assistance programmes, ensuring that food safety and quality is embedded in all food- related WFP operations.
• Prepare documentation for risk and incident management, conduct investigations to support rapid response to food safety concerns, and share lessons learned to reduce re- occurrences.
• Support the establishment of field operations systems for the prevention and mitigation of FSQA issues, including drafting product specifications, supporting engagement with regulatory authorities and implementing risk-based systems for supplier assessment and compliance testing.
• Provide relevant technical analysis and inputs to supply chain colleagues to support an integrated approach to food assistance that maintains, monitors and verifies food safety and quality throughout the WFP supply chain.
• Engage with stakeholders across UN agencies, NGOs, governments, and the private sector to identify, gather, compile and exchange relevant data that facilitates operational collaboration.
• Support WFP’s involvement in research related to FSQA assurance, packaging, and principles, enabling the organization to provide safe, quality foods and achieve desired programme impacts. This includes coordinating sample collections, conducting data analysis, compiling literature, and organizing consultations.
• Support WFP staff, partners, and governments by providing technical inputs to build the capacity of local food producers. This may include contributing to quality assurance in food production, supporting in the establishment of food processing facilities, supporting the identification of food processing machinery needs, and compiling information for product stability studies in line with regulations.
• Provide operational support to country operations to build the capacity of local food and food control systems. This may include supporting quality assurance in food production, laboratory testing, inspection, and strengthening local food standards and control systems.
• When required by operational structures exceptionally, staffing limitations hinder full segregation of duties between FSQA management and capacity building, provide operational support for FSQA-embedded initiatives in COs, such as strengthening food systems or improving food diversity for nutrition interventions, under the guidance of Global HQ FSQA.
• Collate and analyze data to prepare reports that inform risk management, planning, and decision-making, contributing to a knowledge base that supports improvements in FSQA and overall Supply Chain.
• Guide and support junior staff, acting as a point of referral and assisting them with more complex analysis and queries.
• Act in an assigned emergency response capacity as required to meet emergency food assistance needs.
• Other responsibilities assigned by the supervisor, within the job level and expertise.

Education:    

Advanced university degree in Food Technology, Health Sciences, Food Control, Nutrition or other related field, or First University degree with two additional years of related work experience.

Experience:  

Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in Food Safety and Quality and/or experience in procurement, logistics, and/or supply chain management with additional relevant training in food safety and quality.

Desired experience for entry into the role

• Experience implementing food science related tools and protocols.
• Experience working with data-related concepts and tools and leveraging data-driven insights for improved decision-making and business outcomes.
• Experience working with teams across different functional areas.
• Experience operating in emergency contexts or time sensitive operations.

Language:     

Fluency in English language and Urdu. Knowledge of an additional local language is an advantage.