International Specialist on Dairy Quality and Controls, Home Based
Organization: FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Country: Home-based
Closing date: Friday, 19 February 2021
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST - VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT : 2100392
International Specialist on Dairy Quality and Controls
Job Posting: 05/Feb/2021
Closure Date: 19/Feb/2021, 10:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit : REU
Job Type: Non-staff opportunities
Type of Requisition : Consultant / PSA (Personal Services Agreement)
Grade Level : N/A
Primary Location: Home-Based
Duration : Up to 25 days on WAE basis until 31 May 2021 with possibility of extension
Post Number : N/A
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device
FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender and nationality
People with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
The incumbent may be re-assigned to different activities and/or duty stations depending on the evolving needs of the Organization
Organizational Settings
The Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (REU) is responsible for leading FAO’s response to regional priorities for food security, agriculture and rural development through the identification, planning and implementation of FAO’s priority activities in the region. It ensures a multidisciplinary approach to programmes, identifies priority areas of action for the Organization in the Region and, in collaboration with departments and divisions at Headquarters, develops, promotes and oversees FAO’s strategic response to regional priorities. REU also advises on the incorporation of regional priorities into the Organization’s Programme of Work and Budget and implements approved programmes and projects in the region, monitors the level of programme implementation and draws attention to problems and deficiencies. The Regional Office supports regional policy dialogue on food security, agriculture and rural development issues, facilitates the emergence of regional partnerships, and supports capacity development and resource mobilization for food security, agriculture and rural development in the region.
Reporting Lines
Under the overall supervision of the Assistant Director General/Regional Representative and the Budget Holder, the direct guidance of the REU Food Safety and Consumer Protection Officer, and work closely with the designated authorities representing the Government of North Macedonia. The National Consultant will work in a team consisting of FAO officers, Officials from MAFWE and other key government agencies, and national consultants.
Technical Focus
North Macedonia - along with other Western Balkans countries - was identified as a potential candidate for EU membership during the Thessaloniki European Council Summit in 2003. Both the Stabilization and Association Agreement (2004) and the Association Partnership (2008) were signed between the EU and North Macedonia, with the objective of improving food safety and quality in the country through the harmonization of food safety and quality standards and supporting their effective implementation. Improving food quality and safety standards and their implementation is also highlighted as a priority in the National Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (NSARD 2014-2020), as part of the overall goal to increase the competitiveness of small and medium-sized farmers and agri-food enterprises. The project should focus on quality and safety aspects of the dairy sector, which are an integral part of compliance with EU-CMO regulations and value chain development. The dairy sector was identified as a possible priority sector, and special focus should be given to improving capacities at the level of primary production. Farmers need support on which quality standards they need to meet, this information should be delivered through tailor-made guidelines and trainings. At the same time, there is a need to work with competent authorities on the setting of appropriate standards and controls, and in particular the establishment of a milk payment scheme linking quality to price.
Tasks and Responsibilities
The Consultant will support the implementation of quality and safety standards in line with the Common Market Organization (CMO) principles in the dairy sector, and in accordance with the project work plan, the consultant will undertake the following tasks: - Work closely and provide technical input to discussions with MAFWE, other government key partners, the Standing Committee on Milk and the team of experts contributing to the project; - Review available background reports which analyse the current system of milk payment scheme in North Macedonia, to gain knowledge of the specific needs and challenges; - Provide practical advice in establishing procedures for implementing an integrated milk payment control system, taking account of: o Policy interventions needed in order to enable the improvements in the milk payment scheme and actual implementation (working closely with the NPC, MAFWE and NCs); o Key solutions and recommendations to improve the government institutional set-up or controls; o The specific needs and challenges of farmers and dairy processors or private sector - in order to ensure the success of the milk payment scheme. - Support the implementation of on line meetings, and discussions on the proposed milk payment scheme including drafting agendas, background materials and presentations for workshops (at least 2) to validate and roll-out the improvements to the milk payment scheme; - Provide specific advice on other procedures required for implementation of milk trace and tracking system, software programs, templates for keeping records (farm, dairy, laboratory, authorized institution), their networking and communication; - Review the outlines for three codes of practice, make adjustments and contribute to the drafting; - Participate in on line meetings and discussions as needed throughout the assignment.
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
University degree in veterinary sciences, agricultural engineer, food science, or related field (Masters/PhD is advantage)
At least 12 years of relevant practical experience in dairy sector, including food safety and quality controls Working knowledge of English and limited knowledge of one of the other FAO languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) for Consultants. Working knowledge of English for PSAs. FAO Core Competencies
Results Focus
Teamwork
Communication
Building Effective Relationships
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
Practical experience in the introduction of an integrated milk control system and milk payment schemes
Tags capacity development central asia competitiveness consumer protection continuous improvement food safety food security knowledge sharing programme implementation quality control resource mobilization rural development safety standards trainings transparency value chain
Legislation and regulations to support the milk payment scheme
Dairy systems and controls in the EU, including the systems of milk payment schemes
Ability to plan work, organize technical work and support work of multi-disciplinary teams
Extent of knowledge of the socio-economic conditions and dairy sector in North Macedonia or Western Balkans
Demonstrated analytical, negotiating and advisory skills
Computer literacy with spreadsheets, databases and electronic programmes is an asset
Specific experience of CMO systems and milk payment schemes
Experience in advising senior management of Ministries with responsibility for official food safety and quality control is required
Computer literacy with spreadsheets, databases and electronic programmes is required
Quality of both oral and written communication skills
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and Integrity and Transparency
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FAO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, processing)
Please note that FAO will only consider academic credentials or degrees obtained from an educational institution recognized in the IAU/UNESCO list If you are in possession of language certificate/s from UN accredited external providers and/or FAO language official examinations (LPE, ILE, LRT), please attach the certificate/s when submitting the application.
For more information, visit the FAO employment website
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only applications received through the recruitment portal will be considered.
We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline
If you need help please contact: Careers@fao.org
