Vacancy Notice No: WPRO/10/TASR37
Title: TechnicalOfficer (Food Safety)
Grade: P4
Contract type: Temporary Appointment under Staff Rule 420.4
Duration of contract: Twelve months
Application Deadline: 22 October 2010
Duty Station: Manila Philippines
Organization unit: WPRO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WP/RGO) /
WP/DSE Health Security and Emergencies (WP/DSE)
Food Safety
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
To contribute to the promotion of food safety programmes in the Western Pacific Region through technical collaboration with national counterparts in the organization and effective implementation of national food safety activities/issues such as:
- national food laws, regulations and standards;
- health authorities' participation in the work of the Codex Alimentarius Commission;
- risk analysis;
- foodborne disease surveillance, national contaminant monitoring, food analysis and conducting total diet studies;
- food safety education and community-based programmes applying the healthy settings approach;
- national food control efforts aimed at industry taking up greater responsibility in assuring the safety of the food produced, processed and handled (including the application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point [HACCP] system).
- inspection programmes and practices;
- evaluation and application of new technologies applied to food; and
- assessing the capacity of countries and areas to prepare for, respond to, and share information on food safety emergencies, including food contamination and foodborne disease outbreaks of international public health significance.
Description of duties:
Under the supervision of the Team Leader (Food Safety) and with the guidance of the Coordinator, Health Security and Emergencies (HES), the incumbent will perform the following functions:
A. Assist the Director, Health Security and Emergencies (DSE), in implementing the regional food safety programme during the period that the Team Leader in Food Safety is absent.
B. Under the supervision of the Team Leader in Food Safety:
(1) Support the development of a Regional Strategy for Food Safety (2011-2015);
(2) Contribute to the integration of the work of the food safety programme into the work of the recently established area of work on Health Security and Emergencies;
(3) Provide technical advice to countries on the development of food safety emergency response plans and food recall protocols in the Region;
(4) Provide technical advice to countries on risk-based food inspection; and
(5) Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Main achievements include: Review and revise the Western Pacific regional food safety strategy to more optimally integrate with the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED), 2010; assist countries to establish food safety emergency response plans and food recall protocols; and build the capacity of countries in core areas of food control.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Degree in medicine, veterinary science, food science, agriculture, environmental health, public health or related area from a recognized university with postgraduate degree in veterinary science, food science and technology including biotechnology, food legislation, public health or related area is essential. : Post graduate training in food safety related areas such as food auditing, risk assessment, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point systems, food legislation or similar areas of relevance to national food safety programmes is desirable.
Skills:
Good knowledge on the epidemiology of foodborne illnesses and their risk factors; of the components of effective national food safety programmes; and of international standard setting and risk reduction strategies in relation to food safety and foodborne diseases, including zoonoses. Technical and managerial competence in national and/or international programmes addressing food safety. Skills in basic computer applications. Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
Experience:
Seven years of experience in managing food safety at national and international levels with at least two years experience in addressing food safety in a developing country context and at least two years experience at an international level is essential. Experience in working on food emergency response plans and food recall protocols is desirable.
Languages:
Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English. Working knowledge of French is an advantage.
Annual salary: (Net of tax)
USD 66 482 at single rate
USD 71 393 with primary dependants
Post Adjustment: 44.7 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable WHO to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit WHO's e-Recruitment website at: www.who.int/employment. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.
All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.
WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
Apply Now at https://erecruit.who.int/public/hrd-cl-vac-view.asp?o_c=1000&jobinfo_uid_c=23610&vaclng=en