Overview
The Senior Food Standards Officer role combines technical expertise in food safety and quality and standard setting with leadership, negotiation and management responsibilities. The incumbent will represent the Codex Secretariat in high-level multilateral settings.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical guidance and leadership for the management of the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
- Foster internal and external work relations.
- Provides strategic direction and technical guidance for the work of Codex Subsidiary bodies.
- Leads the Codex Secretariat teams supporting selected technical Codex subsidiary bodies.
- Leads the preparation, quality assurance, and timely publication of reports, working papers, and standards.
- Works closely with Food Standards Officers and team members.
- Leads assessment of emerging technical and policy and procedural issues relevant to Codex work.
- Reviews and advises on proposals for new Codex standard setting work.
- Contributes to the development and monitoring of the Codex Strategic Plan.
- Provides strategic advice and direction for the planning and implementation of Codex sessions and subsidiary bodies.
- Supervises and mentors staff.
- Coordinates daily matters during the absence of the Codex Secretary.
- Represents the Codex Secretariat at international and national meetings, expert consultations, and multilateral fora.
- Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with FAO, WHO, WTO, and other relevant organizations.
- Advocates for Codex work globally and support Members in engaging effectively in Codex processes.
- Leads and/or participates in resource management and mobilization activities.
- Fosters and ensures effective exchange of information between the Codex Secretariat and Members and Observers of the Commission.
- Promotes recognition of Codex standards within the evolving global context.
- Leads, coordinates and engages in outreach efforts to support optimal engagement in Codex work.
- Supports strengthening of, and advances innovation in Codex work management systems and practices.
- Performs other duties as required.
Required Experience
- Ten years of relevant experience in the development and/or application of science-based food safety and quality standards, and/or food safety/quality related public policy, or food control.
- Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions, is essential.
- Extent of experience and technical knowledge in one of more of the food safety and quality standard setting areas covered by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
- Demonstrated experience in analysis of technical and policy issues, related to food safety, quality and standards and identification and presentation of solutions.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and diplomatically with both internal and external collaborators in different contexts.
- Extent of experience in intergovernmental, governmental or non-governmental organization settings at the international level and intergovernmental negotiations and multilateral fora related to food safety and trade.
Qualifications
• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) 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.
