Food Standards Specialist

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• 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 member nations, and person 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 our values. FAO has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and FAO, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination
• All selected candidates, therefore, will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
• All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
• The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization

Organizational Setting

The Secretariat of the Joint FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission, which is the executive organ of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, is located in the Joint FAO/WHO Centre (CJW). The Secretariat is under the programmatic responsibility of the relevant Deputy Directors-General, Assistant Directors-General of FAO and WHO as well as the Chief Scientist of FAO, while administratively under the supervision of the FAO Deputy Director-General of Natural Resources and Sustainable Production.

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), other organizations of the United Nations, and other international governmental and non-governmental organizations concerned with the consumer protection, quality and trade aspects of food standards.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall managerial supervision of the Secretary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, incumbents will report to the relevant Food Standards Officer in accordance with the subsidiary bodies/Codex activities, which they are supporting.

Technical Focus

The focus of this position will be to support the preparation and implementation of the activities of the subsidiary bodies of the Codex Alimentarius Commission. As the working mechanisms of the Codex Alimentarius continue to evolve, particularly but not only in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the move to fully virtual working mechanisms, this position will support the execution of the core activities essential to the successful continuation of the Codex Standard setting work.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Support the preparation of meeting documents within the sole competency of the Codex Secretariat;
• Undertake research and/or analyses as required on previous Codex work as well as technical areas of work relevant to the work of Codex Subsidiary Bodies;
• Support the work of electronic working groups, including ensuring timelines are managed;
• Support the organization and implementation of preparatory activities for Codex sessions including webinars, online discussions and other activities aimed at supporting the progression of Codex work;
• Review documents prepared by electronic working groups and support the responsible Officer in their finalization;
• Review and analyse comments received and prepare the compilation of Comments on standards under development to share with Members and Observers;
• Support the preparation of briefing documents;
• Compile and format Conference Room Documents immediately before and during Codex meetings;
• Support the implementation of surveys and data collection from Member countries and the analysis of data relevant to the implementation of Codex activities and use of Codex Standards;
• Assist in updating databases relating to the Codex standards;
• Assist in other tasks as required, ensuring the efficient implementation of the Codex standard setting activities.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree in food science, food safety, food quality, nutrition, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry, veterinary medicine, data analysis, food law, international relations or a related field;
• At least 2 years previous experience in a standard setting organization, relevant national authority , international governmental or non-governmental organization contributing to standard setting;
• Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO official languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian) for Consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSA.SBS.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills

• Strong writing and communication skills in English
• Good analytical skills
• Demonstrated innovative thinking and practical execution;
• Ability to solve problems, use initiative, and manage work under limited supervision;
• Good organizational skills

Additional Selection Criteria

• Knowledge of and familiarity with the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission and its Secretariat.
• Relevant technical experience in food safety, quality and the areas in which Codex establishes standards
• Team player and ability to work well in a multi-cultural environment.

Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency