National Food Safety Consultant

This assignment will contribute to the project’s third outcome. Specifically, the LiFSI National Food Safety Consultants are expected to provide tailored upgrading support to the selected Food Business Operators (primary producers, processers, cooperatives and other value chain actors) to support them conform with the requirements of the developed national food safety scheme. Depending on the size, scope and location of the food business operators (FBOs), each Consultant is expected to support 5 FBOs in line with the developed vTPA scheme and respective upgrading roadmaps and in close coordination with the project team. Furthermore, the consultants shall ensure that progress is routinely monitored and reported (e.g. through arranging internal audits) and provide technical support to implement the identified corrective action where appropriate. When ready, the Consultants shall support their assigned FBO’s in applying for and undergoing an actual audit against the developed scheme.

Focus will be on the five value chains supported by the project, namely: rice, cassava, cocoa, coffee and fish value chains. The LiFSI Food Safety Consultants are expected to support the enterprises on a part-time basis for a total duration of 2 years. Successful applicants will receive targeted training designed to enhance relevant skills and build the required capacity. Technical support and supervision from international specialists will be provided when necessary.

All tasks envisaged over the full two‑year duration are captured in this Terms of Reference and outlined in detail in the section below. As contracts will initially be issued for 60 working days over a six‑month period, subject to extension, the accompanying final Terms of Reference will reflect only those tasks corresponding to the initial contract period.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) and the Project Manager and overall guidance by the assigned International Expert (s), the National Food Safety Consultant (s) will be responsible for the performance of the following main duties:

Concrete/measurable

Outputs to be achieved

Expected duration

 (if WAE)

Location

1. Review relevant project information (project document, logical framework, objectives, scope and application of vTPA scheme etc.), and relevant assessments.

Consultant (s) have a good understanding of the project approach and the vTPA scheme.

240 days over a period of 24 months.

Contracts will be issued for a period of 6 months (i.e. 60 days) - with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.

Home based

2. Following a phased training approach, participate in master training courses as delivered by international experts to attain required skills and capacities.

Expert (s) are able to demonstrate that they have the skills and capacities needed to provide tailored upgrading support to selected FBOs.

Monrovia

3. Under the direct supervision of the international expert, support the conduct of baseline assessments and gap analysis of the selected FBO’s to enable the development of detailed upgrading roadmaps and customized action plans for each of the selected food business operators.

Documented upgrading roadmaps and action plans developed.

Home based/Monrovia and selected counties

4. In line with the action plans and detailed roadmaps, develop a comprehensive workplan that includes a training schedule for each food business operator.

Documented work plan complete with timelines and responsibilities for the respective food business operators (FBOs) submitted.

Home based

5. Contribute to the development of relevant training materials, presentations, documents, as well as training assessments.

Training materials, presentations, etc. developed.

Home based

6. Mentor and coach the selected food business operators (FBOs) and provide the technical advice on the required upgrade against the developed roadmaps and action plans.

Confirmation that selected FBOs receive the required technical support – e.g. through surveys and performance reviews.

Monrovia and selected counties

7. Regularly and routinely monitor and report  progress of selected FBOs and provide technical support to implement the identified corrective action.

8. Support the enterprises in applying for an actual audit against the developed scheme.

Selected FBOs apply for audits as evidenced through accepted applications.

9. Regularly report progress, challenges, delays and issues of concern to the Chief Technical Advisor.

Status report available ensuring the Project team has access to current and relevant information about the status of enterprise upgrading.

Home based

10. Prepare and submit a comprehensive final narrative report in line with project templates, including certified timesheet, summary of activities undertaken, key achievements, challenges encountered and future recommendations.

Final report submitted.

Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in agricultural science, agronomy, food safety, quality management, food sciences, engineering and food technology, agro-industries, or other relevant discipline, is required. A first-level university degree with 2+ years of relevant working experience will be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. 

Technical and Functional Experience:

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Core values:
WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key competencies:
WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: [email protected]