Packaging Solutions Officer,

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives and building a pathway to peace and prosperity. WFP uses food assistance to support people recovering from conflict, disasters, and climate change impacts. We are committed to a diverse, skilled, and high-performing workforce operating in an inclusive environment, embodying our core values.

Job Purpose

The Packaging Solutions Officer will lead global research, development, and operational packaging initiatives for WFP. This role is crucial for ensuring the integrity and safety of food supplies within challenging humanitarian supply chains. The officer will provide specialized technical support to field operations and manufacturers, driving improvements in packaging design, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Key responsibilities include developing and maintaining packaging specifications, troubleshooting technical issues, leading R&D workstreams, and fostering technical partnerships. The position also involves representing WFP in inter-agency forums and promoting knowledge sharing to enhance packaging quality and reduce operational losses, ultimately ensuring that food assistance remains safe and effective for beneficiaries.

Responsibilities

The Packaging Solutions Officer at the World Food Programme (WFP) is responsible for leading global research, development, and operational packaging initiatives. This role involves providing specialized technical support and troubleshooting to field operations and food manufacturers, ensuring packaging meets WFP's stringent quality and safety standards. Key duties include creating and maintaining packaging specifications, developing innovative and sustainable packaging solutions, and promoting improvements to enhance product integrity and shelf-life within challenging humanitarian supply chain conditions. The officer will also lead packaging development for new projects, establish performance parameters and testing methods, and conduct site visits to manufacturers and operations for guidance and improvement. Furthermore, the position entails leading technical partnerships, contributing to strategy building, and representing WFP in inter-agency forums and humanitarian sector meetings. A significant aspect of the role is knowledge management, including developing and delivering training to build capacity across WFP operations, and spearheading sustainability initiatives related to packaging materials. The officer acts as the primary packaging expert, ensuring effective and safe food assistance reaches millions worldwide.

Work Experience

Requires at least 8 years of progressive work experience in flexible packaging and/or multiple materials. Proven project management experience is critical. Experience in Packaging R&D and operations within the food industry, specifically including humanitarian food packaging, is also necessary.

Skills

Packaging Development, Research and Development (R&D), Technical Support, Troubleshooting, Project Management, Food Safety and Quality Assurance, Supply Chain Management, Sustainability Initiatives, Knowledge Management, Inter-agency Collaboration, Partnership Management, Risk Analysis, Financial Analysis, Communication Skills, Staff Supervision and Coaching

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