Food Control Policy Expert

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supports the 2030 Agenda through its Strategic Framework, promoting efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems for better production, nutrition, environment, and livelihoods, leaving no one behind. FAO Country Offices provide policy advice, technical assistance, and core services in FAO’s mandated areas. They implement country-specific priorities outlined in their Country Programming Frameworks (CPFs) and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), ensuring efficient operations with adequate human and financial resources.
Eritrea practices a traditional food control system, which relies on end-product inspection rather than structured risk analysis. Responsibility is split among several government institutions, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Marine Resources, Ministry of Trade and Industry/Eritrean Standard Institution, and Ministry of Health, with no formal national food policy guiding coordination. The existing system suffers from fragmentation, weak enforcement, and regulatory gaps, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses, unsafe imports, and reduced consumer confidence.
This assignment aims to develop a National Food Control Policy (NFCP) for Eritrea, establishing a comprehensive, integrated approach across the food supply chain production, processing, distribution, import/export, and retail. The NFCP will align with international standards while considering Eritrea’s socio-economic context and legislative landscape, ultimately supporting public health, trade opportunities, and sustainable production practices.

Reporting Lines

The Food Control Policy Expert will report overall to the FAO Representative to Eritrea and directly to the FAO Food Security and Safety Officer, in coordination with the Assistant FAOR/Programme and the Legal Officer (LEGN). Close collaboration will be maintained with the Regulatory Services Department (RSD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Codex Contact Point.

Technical Focus

•     Assessing the existing food control system, including infrastructure, legislation, regulatory capacity, and enforcement across Eritrea’s food supply chain.
•     Developing a comprehensive NFCP aligned with international best practices, addressing gaps, strengthening stakeholder coordination, and improving food safety governance.
•     Designing a policy implementation plan with monitoring and compliance mechanisms.
•     Facilitating participatory approaches, including stakeholder consultations, workshops, and capacity-building initiatives.

Tasks and responsibilities

Phase I: Diagnostic Assessment & Gap Analysis

•     Conduct a comprehensive assessment of food control infrastructure, regulatory capacity, and enforcement mechanisms across the supply chain.
•     Review national laws, regulations, standards, and previous National Food Control Assessments (e.g., 2025 report).
•     Conduct quantitative analyses of:
o    Foodborne illness trends using epidemiological data
o    Import/export volumes of key commodities and associated risks
o    Production levels of key agricultural and fisheries products
o    Market infrastructure (wholesale, storage, transport)
•     Prepare a detailed SWOT analysis of Eritrea’s food control system.

Phase II: Policy Framework Development & Design

•     Develop a draft NFCP, including:
o    Policy Statement of Intent (vision, goals)
o    Scope & Coverage (production, processing, distribution, import/export, retail)
o    Key Principles & Objectives (HACCP, risk-based approach, food fraud prevention, traceability)
o    Regulatory framework, risk assessment, stakeholder engagement, enforcement, and public education
•     Facilitate stakeholder consultations and workshops to gather feedback and validate the NFCP.
•     Develop training programs and finalize the NFCP with an implementation plan.
•     Provide advice to the Government on laws and regulations aligned with the NFCP.
•     Prepare a summary report with key recommendations for official adoption, including mechanisms for monitoring policy effectiveness and compliance.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

•     Advanced university degree from an institution recognized by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/UNESCO in Food Science, Public Health, Policy Development, or a related field, providing a solid foundation in food systems, public health, and policy formulation. Consultants with a bachelor's degree need two additional years of relevant professional experience.
•     At least five years of relevant professional experience in food policy development, food safety, or supply chain management, with a proven track record of successfully implemented projects.
•     Full proficiency in English.

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

•     Experience in conducting assessments, gap analyses, and developing policy frameworks within multi-sectoral environments.
•     Strong understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks related to food control systems.
•     Ability to navigate complex compliance issues and provide practical, actionable recommendations to government authorities.