The African Union Development Agency invites applicants who are citizens of African Union Member States for the post of Principal Programme Officer, Food Safety Systems.

Under the supervision of the Director, Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability, the Principal Programme Officer Food Safety will provide strategic and technical leadership for the implementation of the European Union–funded projects UP-RISE (EU–AU Partnership for Resilient, Inclusive and Safe Food Systems for Everyone) and Food Safety for Africa (FS4Africa), implemented under the Directorate of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability (DAFSES).

Required Skills and Competencies

  1. Strong technical understanding of food safety systems, agricultural policy, and regulatory frameworks, with experience coordinating multi-country programmes.
  2. Proven ability to manage partnerships and stakeholder engagement with governments, regional bodies, and development partners.
  3. Excellent analytical, communication, and reporting skills, with capacity to translate technical findings into policy and practical solutions.
  4. Demonstrated skills in project planning, supervision, and results-based management within complex institutional environments.
  5. High standards of professionalism, integrity, and teamwork, with commitment to inclusive and sustainable food systems development.

Education and Experience:

A Master’s degree in Food and Nutrition Security, Food Policy, Food Science, Food Safety, Agriculture, and minimum of eight (8) years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in food and nutrition security, food safety, and food systems of which three (3) year are at supervisory level within public sector institutions, international organisations, or similar bodies at national, regional, or continental levels.

Or

A Bachelor’s degree in Food and Nutrition Security, Food Policy, Food Science, Food Safety, Agriculture, with twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience in food and nutrition security, food safety, and food systems, of which seven (7) years are at a specialist/expert level within public sector institutions, international organisations, or similar bodies at national, regional, or continental levels.

  • Proven experience in designing and implementing multi-country programmes, policy harmonisation, and regulatory system strengthening related to food safety or agricultural development.
  • Experience in working with governments, regional economic communities, and development partners, providing technical and strategic support on food safety and food systems transformation.
  • Experience managing donor-funded projects, including planning, reporting, and coordination of diverse stakeholder networks.
  • Expertise in continental frameworks and strategies, such as CAADP, the Food Safety Strategy for Africa, and Agenda 2063, is an advantage.

Application: To apply, please submit the following:

  1. A motivation letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency.
  2. A detailed and updated curriculum vitae (CV), not exceeding five (5) pages and indicating your nationality, age and gender.
  3. Three (3) referees with good knowledge of the candidate’s work, furnishing full contact details, telephone, fax and e-mail addresses.
  4. Certified copies of degrees and diplomas.

Remuneration:

  1. Indicative basic salary of US$48,131.20 per annum plus other entitlements e.g., Post Adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance ($24,561.84 per annum), gratuity (15% of gross salary) in conformity with the rules and procedures applicable to internationally recruited staff of the African Union.

Applications must be received no later than Monday, 09 March 2026.

Click below to register and apply:

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

If you face challenges during profile creation or application, log your problem to 

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.