Unique Programme Policy Officer

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Description

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THE ROLE

To provide support to policy and programme activities that effectively meet food assistance needs.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, within delegated authority):

• Contribute towards the implementation of protocols and tools relating to food technology issues, including food safety and quality, food product optimization and food fortification ensuring alignment with WFP procurement and supply chain strategy, policies, and plans.
• Contribute towards the implementation of protocols and tools that enable rapid response to situations with food safety concerns in accordance with WFP corporate Food Incident Management guidelines.
• Provide technical guidance and support to WFP Gambia Country Office in the design and implementation of food assistance programmes and initiatives i.e., Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF), food fortification initiatives, cash-based interventions, institutional capacity strengthening, Nutrition, emergency preparedness and response (EPR), etc.
• Support the technical screening, validation, monitoring and performance evaluation of food suppliers, retailers, and quality service providers. Ensure service providers are aware of and comply with WFP requirements and scope of work. 5) Work in close collaboration with counterparts in key supply chain functions to establish standard operation procedures, protocols and tools that maintain, monitor, and verify food safety and quality along the WFP supply chain.
• Work in collaboration with counterparts in UN agencies, government, NGOs, and the private sector to enhance WFP capacity to contribute effectively to levels of undernutrition.
• Support the capacity building of WFP staff and partners including farmers/farmers organizations, food processors, suppliers, quality service providers, food quality control services (i.e., food safety agency and food technology services). Focus on key areas of food technology, such as quality control, food processing, loss prevention and mitigation, to build local capacity for efficient and effective delivery of food assistance to beneficiaries.
• Keep updated on emerging developments and cutting-edge research in the areas of food safety and quality and/or product innovations to capitalize on opportunities for integrating industry standards and best practices effectively.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports to inform food safety risk assessment and management, and to contribute to comprehensive visibility of food technology activities and informed decision-making and ensure consistency of information disseminated to stakeholders.
• Support the strengthening of national food fortification initiatives by developing action plans, protocols, and guidelines aligned with Scaling up Nutrition (SUN) Movement and international standards, utilizing a food system strengthening approach.
• Other tasks as required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Education:  Advanced university degree/Post-graduate degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Nutrition, or Public Health.

Experience: 

• A minimum of 1 year of relevant postgraduate professional experience; preferably related to food safety and quality and/or Food Technology/R&D.
• Experience in capacity development especially of private sector or government counterparts on aspects related to food safety and quality, value chain approach, food fortification, local production.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Food safety, quality control and assurance in processing including HACCP, GHP, GMP, GAP.
• Knowledge of food safety and quality management systems (e.g. ISO, BRC, IFS, GFS etc.).
• Collaborative spirit: able to liaise with a wide range of people at all levels and across different cultures and to act with credibility and diplomacy.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team in a multi-cultural context.
• Strong drive, self-motivated, and able to work with autonomy.
• Communication: Ability to communicate orally and in writing, and to engage with various stakeholders from different sectors, levels, and backgrounds including, local authorities and the private sector.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook).

Language:

• Fluency (level C) in English language and the duty station’s language, if different.

Source: https://wd3.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/wfp/job_openings/job/Banjul-Gambia-The_Republic-Of-Th/Unique-Programme-Policy-Officer—Food-Technologist-NOA_JR106152

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