National Specialist on Food Safety Systems and One Health Approach at FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization: (Deadline 10 February 2024)

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (“FAO” or “Organization”) is an intergovernmental organization with more than 194 member nations. Since its inception, FAO has worked to alleviate poverty and hunger by promoting agricultural development, improved nutrition, and the pursuit of food security – defined as the access of all people at all times to the food they need for an active and healthy life. To achieve its goals, FAO cooperates with thousands of partners worldwide, from farmers’ groups to traders, from non-governmental organizations to other UN agencies, from development banks to agribusiness firms (further and more detailed information on FAO can be found on the internet site: http://www.fao.org).
The main aim of FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments in developing policies, programs, and projects to achieve security and reduce hunger and malnutrition to help develop the agricultural, fisheries, and forest sectors, and use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

The National specialist will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Rwanda, direct supervision of the Assistant FAOR/Programme in close collaboration with the National Project Manager and the FAO project Lead Technical Officer (LTO); who would support the project implementation from the FAO Sub-regional Office for Eastern Africa (SFE).

Technical Focus

The technical focus of the work of the national specialist is to assess the existing gaps in the national food safety system using One Health approach. The findings will assist in the development of the national food safety system guideline using One health approach strategy. He/she will also build the capacity of different stakeholders in the food safety system using a One Health approach.

Tasks and Responsibilities

•    Collect relevant information on key stakeholder perceptions of National One Health platform to improve Food Safety system in Rwanda.
•    Using data collected from the relevant stakeholders, prepare a technical report on the current status, the existing gaps and propose recommendations towards improving the food safety system in Rwanda with consideration of One Health approach.
•    Support in organizing a validation workshop gathering different and relevant stakeholders to present to them the findings of the gap analysis completed and prepare the workshop report.
•    Basing on the stakeholders’ inputs on the report, prepare a final gap analysis report and submit it officially to FAO office for its endorsement by the Lead Technical officer and the AFAOR/Programme
•    Develop a brief report on views of the National One Health platform to improve Food Safety system in Rwanda.
•    As necessary, provide support to the national government focal points to ensure that the relevant stakeholders are aware of the One Health approach.
•    Conduct two professional trainings on role of multisectoral and multidisciplinary stakeholders in improving Food Safety through an integrated and holistic strategy known as a One Health Approach in which potential solutions are viewed and delivered more holistically.
•    Draft a clear strategic orientation and guidance to National One Health Platform to achieve above mentioned targets,
•    Develop a draft food safety system strategic guideline for Rwanda while considering One Health approach.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

•    Master’s degree holder with minimum 5 years’ experience in Agricultural Economics; Economics, master’s degree in food science and technology, Food Safety, Food Microbiology.
•    Minimum 3 years of experience in the area of food safety system analysis and research.
•    Working knowledge of English.
•    National of Rwanda or resident in the country with a legal work permit.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Solid understanding of national food system control, One Health approach and stakeholder engagement particularly
•    Knowledge and understanding of the national food control system.
•    Working experience and records in conducting similar assignments with practical knowledge and management of the national food control system
•    Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise content in English.
•    Ability to interact, communicate and work on meaningful contribution to complex development planning with multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders including Governments, private sector, civil society, consumers, and producers (involving youth and women farmer’s cooperatives)
•    Experience in SWOT / Gaps analysis on development issues such as food safety, food security or agriculture/rural development
•    Experience in coordinating or facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogue or policy process.
•    Teamwork and results oriented.
•    Ability to work under pressure and meet agreed deadlines.
•    Understanding of the functioning of UN agencies, especially with FAO working area or international development partners/organizations, is an asset.