Scientist – Sanitary & Phytosanitary ( Food safety)

By sharing knowledge and science, CABI tackles global issues like poverty, hunger, education, equality, sustainability, climate change, and biodiversity. We do this by helping farmers grow more and lose less of what they produce, combating threats to agriculture and the environment from pests and diseases, protecting natural habitats from invasive species, and improving access to scientific knowledge.

CABI is an international, inter-governmental, not-for-profit organization that improves people’s lives worldwide by providing information and applying scientific expertise to solve problems in agriculture and the environment. Our approach involves putting information, skills, and tools into people’s hands. CABI’s 48 Member Countries guide and influence our work which is delivered by scientific staff based in our global network of centres.

CABI is committed to making a difference and playing its part in creating a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future.

You can learn more at:www.cabi.org

THE ROLE:

CABI seeks to recruit a highly motivated SPS – Food Safety Expert to join an established interdisciplinary team dedicated to the development of sustainable agriculture and trade in Southern Africa. The successful candidate will contribute to developing and implementing projects and programmes with food safety components in the context of national and international trade and market access for agricultural products. The successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of trade-related projects at CABI’s Southern Africa. The position is based in Lusaka, Zambia but involves travel within Zambia and the Southern Africa region. The position will be offered for an initial contract of 3 years, renewable subject to continued needs, available funds, and performance.

Key Accountabilities:

The candidate will work closely with the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS), Value Chains, and Trade teams in CABI and relevant stakeholders. The candidate will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Contribute to the development of trade and value chain projects;
• Provide support to the implementation of projects with SPS elements particularly in the area of food safety;
• Provide expertise in SPS consultancy services of CABI;
• Support collaboration with in-country partner institutions in SPS capacity development and technical assistance;
• Communicate project results through high-quality written outputs including papers for scientific audiences and presentations, documenting and analysing achievements and lessons learned, targeting national, regional, and international audiences;
• Explore new areas of engagement in SPS areas that are in line with the CABI’s Strategic plan;
• Leading technical reporting on the assigned SPS projects and consultancies
• Work and collaborate with CABI staff on other themes;
• Adhere to CABI policies and procedures, including HR procedures, health and safety requirements, financial and project management procedures, and IPR procedures;
• Any other duties as required.

ABOUT YOU:

• Post-graduate degree in a relevant agricultural or biological discipline related to food safety or related fields
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in agricultural development work in Africa, with practical application of SPS measures
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders in the agricultural field including research, food safety, and phytosanitary services
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including writing progress and donor reports
• Experience in working with senior government officials and donor organizations to present technical reports and project outputs is desirable
• Evidence of successful completion of short courses in SPS or food safety will be an added advantage

Knowledge and Skills

• Working knowledge of good practices that prevent/limit health risks in food
• Good understanding of food safety in the context of the provisions of the WTO Agreement on the Application of SPS
• Practical knowledge of the application of SPS standards especially those of Codex Alimentarius in food systems
• Knowledge of SPS capacity assessment tools for food safety in relation to Food Laws and regulations and their relevance to the African landscape and context
• Awareness of the requirements of EU regulations relating to food safety Knowledge of risks that require determination through laboratory analyses and tests
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Knowledge of addressing SPS non-compliance issues and technical report writing
• Understanding of agricultural development policies in Africa particularly the aspects relating to reducing crop losses through extension-focused interventions
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including elements of ICT
• Analytical capability for accurate interpretation and reporting of information from various sources, including those on calls for proposals and special donor requirements
• Project management skills, including aspects of budgeting and financial reporting

Personal attributes

• Self-motivated, adaptable, well organised and able to work with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize among multiple competing requests;
• Results focus on work planning, execution of tasks, and reporting
• Strategic focus, corporate orientation, creative and innovative in approaching assigned duties
• Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines
• Capacity to build effective relationships with programme stakeholders
• Ability to work with diverse nationalities
• Deliver quality results that are action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes;
• continuously seek to learn, share knowledge, and innovate;

ROLE DETAILS:

Grade: HAY Band 5

Reporting to: Regional Director- Southern Africa

Contract Duration: The position is on a 3-year contract, renewable.

Peers: Project Scientists, Scientist- SPS

Direct reports: Tbd

NOTE

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. It is expected that the post holder and CABI will adopt a flexible attitude and accept that the duties may have to be varied according to circumstances, in particular changing corporate requirements and individual development needs.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We aim to recruit and retain passionate people who have the necessary skills, knowledge, and commitment to help us achieve our mission. Our benefits are designed to make our lives easier, improve our work-life balance, save money and safeguard our well-being. They include:

• Competitive salary
• Defined contribution pension scheme with employee contribution that CABI will double-match up to 10% of gross salary
• 30 days of annual leave (including public holidays)
• An Employee Assistance Programme, with a full calendar of health and well-being initiatives
• Life assurance and long service awards
• Flexible working options including family-friendly policies
• Career development opportunities including internal promotions, mentoring, and Development Bursary to visit another CABI office
• A culture committed to being a fully inclusive, enjoyable, and fulfilling place to work.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:

We are a thriving international organisation attracting a diverse range of talented people from around the world. Our staff currently comprises over 30 nationalities and as an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, color, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status. No applicant will be disadvantaged by conditions which cannot be shown to be justified and selection will be based on merit.