Logistics Officer (Food Safety & Quality) SC8 - Readvertised

WFP’s Food Safety and Quality Unit is focused on embedding a culture of food safety and quality assurance across the organization, from program design across the supply chain to distribution. WFP aims to build trust by adhering to the highest food safety and quality standards and takes immediate action in the event of incidents related to the food that WFP provides. WFP benchmarks its Food Safety and Quality Management System against internationally recognized standards, CODEX Alimentarius, and local and international regulatory requirements. WFP undertakes continuous risk analysis, due diligence, and assurance of food safety and quality throughout its operations and supply chain, enabling WFP to respond with agility and speed to operational needs

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Lead the development, dissemination and implementation of corporate policies, guidelines, and procedures on the WFP approach to food safety and quality matters, ensuring alignment with corporate, regional, and country office priorities.
2. Contribute towards the development and/or implementation of protocols and tools in integrating FSQ into the different WFP operations and programs, ensuring alignment with the existing policies and guidelines
3. Establish risk-based control measures and prepare evidence-based recommendations for the country office to combat and reduce food commodity losses and food quality and safety incidents.
4. Ensure that food procured meets WFP specifications and relevant national standards in Rwanda by establishing robust supplier quality assurance systems.
5. Support the capacity-strengthening interventions of WFP food suppliers, inspection companies, WFP staff, cooperating partners, government agencies etc., for efficient and effective delivery of food assistance to beneficiaries (e.g., through the design, review of training materials and actual training).
6. Build productive relationships and partnerships with counterparts in government agencies and the private sector to enhance WFP capacity to contribute effectively to FSQA awareness and improvement.
7. Identify and build productive relationships with the supply chain, Program, Nutrition, and other relevant units, to support an integrated approach to food assistance.
8. Keep current on emerging developments and cutting-edge research in food safety and quality and/or food product optimization to leverage the opportunities to incorporate industry best practices in the Supply Chain.
9. Collate and analyze relevant process data/information to inform risk management and mitigation and contribute to a WFP-wide view of food technology activities and resourcing.
10. Guide and supervise junior staff, acting as a point of referral and supporting them with more complex analyses and queries.
11. Others, as required from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education:
Advanced university degree in Food Science and Technology, Food Safety and Quality or other related fields, or First University degree with additional training/courses.
Experience:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in progressively increasing responsibilities in the field of food technology and in food quality assurance.

• Experience in food safety audits and Laboratory operations, including training on advanced food test methods, methods/process validation, and food standards.

• Experience in coaching and mentoring junior staff.

• Professional training and hands-on experience in advanced Quality and Food Safety Management systems implementation and systems audit- FSSC 22000, BRC, ISO 22000; ISO 17025 etc.

• Strong analytical, networking, and coordination skills with excellent written and oral communication.

• Ability to negotiate with a variety of actors from the government, private sector and other international and UN agencies

• Leadership, ability to work within and lead a team, strong drive for results.

• Fluency (level C) in the English language.