Senior Food Standards Officer

Rome

Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Location: Rome
Grade: Senior level - P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Nutrition
- Food Security, Livestock and Livelihoods
Closing Date: 2025-04-07

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.

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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 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 One Health). 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 a 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, Codex Alimentarius Commission and acts as direct supervisor to staff and affiliate workforce.

Technical Focus

Provide high-level support and coordination to the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission, its Executive Committee and its subsidiary bodies, in particular regarding the delivery of Codex standards and related texts and formulation of policies, strategies and guidelines related to intergovernmental cooperation in the Codex Alimentarius Commission.

Key Results

Provide leadership for the management of the Codex Secretariat and development of the Codex Alimentarius in line with the relevant Codex Strategic goals and outcomes, and the strengthening of the performance of the Codex Secretariat. Foster internal and external work relations (FAO, WHO, Codex members and Non-Governmental Organizations), in particular with regards to assuring that all Members can equally contribute to and have access to Codex work results.

Key Functions

As First Officer, provides strategic advice and direction and leads the planning and implementation of several subsidiary bodies of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) (approximately 20 per annum) and any related meetings. This includes ensuring the timely preparation, publication and distribution as well as the quality of reports, working papers and other documents such as new work proposals required for the CAC's work. Additionally, ensures the quality of standards or related texts submitted to the Commission for adoption and oversees their subsequent timely publication.
Acts as Second Officer, as needed, and supports the planning, preparation and implementation of subsidiary bodies of the CAC.
Leads the preparation of selected agenda items for meetings of the CAC and its Executive Committee and supports implementation of these sessions.
Undertakes the assessment and analysis of new and emerging technical and policy issues relevant to the work and statutory purpose of the CAC to advise the Codex Secretary and where needed lead the preparation of working papers on such areas for CAC, its Executive Committee or relevant units or bodies of FAO and /or WHO.
Fosters and ensures effective exchange of information between the Codex Secretariat and Members and Observers of the Commission and leads increased collaboration with other standards setting bodies and observers to ensure the recognition of Codex work within the evolving global context enhancing and demonstrating the impact of its work.
Coordinates, provides leadership and participates in cross-divisional projects to support the work of the CAC.
Represents the Codex Secretariat at international and national meetings and fora and expert meetings.
Facilitates and advances effective communication between FAO, WHO and the CAC, advocates strategic partnerships and best practices and develops and negotiates effective working relationships with international and national partners.
Leads, coordinates and engages in outreach efforts, including support to Members to optimally engage in Codex work and supports strengthening of, and advances innovation in Codex work management systems and practices, in cooperation with the relevant offices of FAO and WHO.
Contributes to the development, and continuous implementation and monitoring of the six-year Codex Strategic Plans.
Provides guidance and supervision to professional and administrative staff and affiliate workforce (i.e. consultants, etc.) in the Codex Secretariat.
Assumes the day-to-day responsibilities of the Codex Secretary, when needed, during the absence of the Secretary.
Performs other related duties as required.

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CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

Advanced university degree 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 science-informed food related public policy, including in the area of international standards related to food safety or trade, and/or in food safety regulation or managing food control programmes or related activities.
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.
Extent and relevance of experience in the development and/or application of science-based food safety and quality standards, and/or science-informed food related public policy, especially in the area of international standards related to food safety or trade, and/or in food safety regulation or managing food control programmes or related activities.
Extent and relevance of experience in multilateral fora and intergovernmental negotiations related to food.
Demonstrated experience in analysis of technical issues and challenges related to food safety, quality and standards and identification of solutions.
Extent of knowledge of the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission is considered a strong asset.
Extent and relevance of experience in intergovernmental, governmental or non-governmental organization settings at the international level.

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

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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.
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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/
• 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

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.

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