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.
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.