Job Purpose

The job holder is responsible for implementing WFP food safety and quality (FSQA) policies, procedures, and initiatives.

They work in close collaboration with Supply Chain and Programme functions to ensure an integrated approach that supports WFP strategic objectives in food assistance.

Key Accountabilities

1. Implementation of FSQA policies

• Adapt and implement WFP FSQA policies and procedures.

• Ensure alignment with internal WFP strategies and national regulations.

2. Technical support to programmes

• Provide technical guidance to the Ethiopia Country Office (ETCO) in integrating food safety and quality into food assistance programmes.

• Ensure FSQA is embedded across all food-related operations.

3. Risk and incident management

• Implement field protocols for food safety risk and incident management.

• Ensure rapid response to food safety issues in operations.

4. Quality assurance systems

• Establish and support FSQA prevention and mitigation systems.

• Develop product specifications.

• Support engagement with national and regional food authorities.

• Implement risk-based supplier assessment and compliance systems.

5. Supply chain coordination

• Collaborate with supply chain functions to develop SOPs, tools, and protocols.

• Monitor and verify food safety and quality across the supply chain.

6. Partnerships and stakeholder engagement

• Build relationships with UN agencies, NGOs, governments, and the private sector.

• Promote adoption of industry best practices.

7. Research and innovation

• Coordinate WFP involvement in FSQA-related research, including packaging and food safety principles.

8. Technical support to governments and producers

• Support capacity building of local food producers.

• Assist in developing food processing systems and infrastructure.

• Support product stability studies and compliance with regulations.

9. Strengthening national food systems

• Support national food quality infrastructure including:

• Standards agencies

• Control systems

• Laboratories

• Certification and inspection bodies

• Support food fortification initiatives.

10. Operational FSQA support

• When required, support FSQA-integrated initiatives in country offices in collaboration with WFP HQ.

11. Reporting and data management

• Prepare accurate and timely reports and data analysis.

• Contribute to FSQA knowledge management and decision-making.

12. Cross-functional collaboration

• Facilitate collaboration across supply chain functions.

• Promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

13. Team management

• Guide and support a small team.

• Provide coaching, training, and performance support.

14. Emergency response

• Act in an assigned emergency response capacity when required.

15. Other duties

• Perform any other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in:

• Food Technology

• Health Sciences

• Food Control

• Nutrition

• or a related field

OR

• First university degree with two additional years of relevant experience.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in:

• Food Safety and Quality, or

• Supply chain, procurement, logistics, with additional FSQA training

Desired Experience and Skills

• Experience in food assistance programme implementation

• Experience preparing reports and presentations for senior stakeholders

• Experience working across multiple functions and stakeholders

• Experience in emergency or humanitarian contexts

• Experience in monitoring food safety and quality risks

• Strong negotiation skills with regulatory authorities

• Strong knowledge of food import/export requirements and compliance

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required.