IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

• FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
• Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values
• FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination　　
• All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the Organization.

FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to our strategic objectives and operations.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through 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.

Organizational Setting

The Secretariat of the Joint FAO/World Health Organization (WHO) Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), which is the executive organ of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, is located in the Joint FAO/WHO Centre (Codex Food Standards and Zoonotic diseases) in FAO Headquarters, Rome. The Secretariat is under the programmatic responsibility of the relevant Deputy Director-General and Assistant Director-General of FAO and WHO respectively, while administratively under the supervision of the FAO Deputy Director-General of the Natural Resources and Sustainable Production Stream.

The Secretariat is administered in accordance with the rules and regulations of FAO. It services the sessions of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies and acts as liaison between the Commission and interested sectors of FAO and WHO as well as the World Trade Organization (WTO), United Nations and other international governmental and non-governmental organizations concerned with the safety, quality and trade aspects of food standards.

The position is located in the Joint FAO/WHO Centre (CJWC) at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

Reporting Lines

The Senior Food Standards Officer reports to the Secretary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and supervises professional and support staff and affiliate workforce.

Technical Focus

This Senior Food Standards Officer role combines technical expertise in food safety and quality and standard setting with leadership, negotiation and management responsibilities. The incumbent will represent the Codex Secretariat in high-level multilateral settings, requiring technical insight, sound judgment, diplomatic skills, and professional presence to engage effectively with 189 Members and over 240 Observers and international partners. The role demands the ability to lead with confidence, foster collaboration and consensus, and ensure delivery of Codex standards and related texts in line with the Codex Strategic Plan.

Key Results

Provide technical guidance and leadership for the management of the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission to ensure effective delivery in line with the Codex Strategic Plan and its goals and outcomes. Foster internal and external work relations (FAO, WHO, Codex Members and Observer Organizations), in particular with regards to assuring that all Members can equally contribute to and have access to Codex work results and promotes recognition and use of Codex standards.

Key Functions

Technical leadership, coordination and implementation

  • Provides strategic direction and technical guidance for the work of Codex Subsidiary bodies and in particular when dealing with new issues and challenges.

  • Leads the Codex Secretariat teams supporting selected technical Codex subsidiary bodies and provides procedural guidance as well as options to Members to facilitate standards development and support consensus building.

  • Leads the preparation, quality assurance, and timely publication of reports, working papers, and standards, related to meetings of the CAC and its Executive Committee and subsidiary bodies.

  • Works closely with Food Standards Officers and team members, leading the work of other subsidiary bodies, and facilitates exchange of information between different subsidiary bodies and ensure consistency of approach across these bodies.

  • Leads assessment of emerging technical and policy and procedural issues relevant to Codex work and develops working papers as required.

  • Reviews and advises on proposals for new Codex standard setting work.

  • Contributes to the development and monitoring of the Codex Strategic Plan.

Strategic Leadership. Negotiation - Management

  • Provides strategic advice and direction for the planning and implementation of Codex sessions and subsidiary bodies (approximately 15-20 per year) and directs support to the Codex Alimentarius Commission and its Executive Committee.

  • Supervises and mentors staff, fostering a culture of team-work, collaboration and continuous improvement.

  • Coordinates daily matters during the absence of the Codex Secretary when required.

Representation - Partnerships

  • Represents the Codex Secretariat at international and national meetings, expert consultations, and multilateral fora.

  • Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with FAO, WHO, WTO, and other relevant organizations.

  • Advocates for Codex work globally and support Members in engaging effectively in Codex processes.

  • Leads andor participates in resource management and mobilization activities.

Communication and Engagement

  • Fosters and ensures effective exchange of information between the Codex Secretariat and Members and Observers of the Commission.

  • Promotes recognition of Codex standards within the evolving global context with the goal of enhancing and demonstrating the impact of CACs work.

  • Leads, coordinates and engages in outreach efforts to support optimal engagement in Codex work.

  • Supports strengthening of, and advances innovation in Codex work management systems and practices.

  • Performs other duties as required.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

  • Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in one of the following: food science, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, agricultural or veterinary science; international food law; public health; or related subjects relevant to the work of the Codex Secretariat.

  • Ten years of relevant experience in the development and/or application of science-based food safety and quality standards, and/or food safety/quality related public policy, or food control.

  • Working knowledge (proficiency - level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (intermediate proficiency - level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish).

Competencies

  • Results Focus

  • Leading, Engaging and Empowering

  • Communication

  • Partnering and Advocating

  • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

  • Strategic Thinking

Technical/Functional Skills

  • Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.

  • Knowledge of the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission is a strong asset.

  • Extent of experience and technical knowledge in one of more of the food safety and quality standard setting areas covered by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

  • Demonstrated evidence of sound judgment, and the ability to facilitate consensus building, promote collaboration and inclusiveness and lead with confidence in multilateral and/or multisectoral environments.

  • Demonstrated experience in analysis of technical and policy issues, related to food safety, quality and standards and identification and presentation of solutions.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with both internal and external collaborators in different contexts.

  • Extent of experience in intergovernmental, governmental or non-governmental organization settings at the international level and intergovernmental negotiations and multilateral fora related to food safety and trade.


_________________________________________________________________

FAO staff are expected to adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency.

_________________________________________________________________

GENERAL INFORMATION

  • Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds
  • FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
  • Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered. For information on UN salaries, allowances and benefits, click on the following link: https://commonsystem.org/cp/default.asp
Other benefits, subject to eligibility, include:
• Dependency allowances
• Rental subsidy
• Education grant for children
• Home leave travel
• 30 working days of annual leave per year
• Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund
• International health insurance; optional life insurance
• Disability protection
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity within its workforce. FAO applies measures in which all staff members contribute equally and in full to the work and development of the Organization. This includes:
• elements of family-friendly policies
• flexible working arrangements
• standards of conduct.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/. These qualifications should be in alignment with the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) mappings.
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.

If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp

FAO IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT

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.