National Food Safety Consultant

Organizational Context

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization, and environmental sustainability. Its mission is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States, aligned with the 2030 Agenda and SDG-9. UNIDO's Directorate of SDG Innovation and Economic Transformation (IET) focuses on areas like agro-industry, sustainability standards, and climate technologies. The Division of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development (IET/AGR) specifically supports sustainable rural development and modernized agribusiness sectors, addressing food security, poverty alleviation, and climate change.

Job Purpose

To support the Liberian Food Safety Initiative (LiFSI) by enhancing food safety practices and compliance along selected value chains (rice, cassava, cocoa, coffee, fish). The consultant will provide tailored upgrading support to Food Business Operators (FBOs) to help them conform with the national food safety scheme, monitor progress, provide technical assistance for corrective actions, and support FBOs through the audit process.

Responsibilities

Review project documents and the voluntary national 3rd party food safety assurance (vTPA) scheme. Participate in training courses to develop required skills. Conduct baseline assessments and gap analyses of selected FBOs to develop upgrading roadmaps and action plans. Develop comprehensive work plans with training schedules. Contribute to the development of training materials. Mentor and coach FBOs, providing technical advice. Monitor FBO progress and support implementation of corrective actions. Assist enterprises in applying for audits. Report regularly to the Chief Technical Advisor. Prepare a comprehensive final narrative report.

Work Experience

Required: Minimum 3 years of work experience in one of the project's value chains (rice, cassava, cocoa, coffee, fish). Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet use. Desirable: 3+ years of experience in food safety. Experience in training, workshops, or coaching private sector actors. Understanding and working knowledge of HACCP principles. Experience in implementing technical cooperation/development projects. Experience working in Liberia or a similar regional country.

Skills

Ability to provide tailored upgrading support to Food Business Operators. Strong monitoring and reporting skills. Mentoring and coaching capabilities. Understanding of food safety management systems and relevant value chains. Proficiency in relevant software.

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