Food Standards Officer )
Job Description
Job Posting: 30 Apr 2026
Closure Date: 22 May 2026, 9:59:00 PM
Organizational Unit: CJW
Job Type: Staff position; Type of Requisition: Professional
Primary Location: Italy - Rome
Duration: Fixed-term: two years with possibility of extension
Post Number:
CCOG Code: 1I02b
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that Closure Date and Time displayed above are based on date and time settings of your personal device. The length of appointment for internal FAO candidates will be established in accordance with applicable policies pertaining to the extension of appointments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture.
Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non‑and under‑represented Members and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO's values.
FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero‑tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
FAO staff are subject to the authority of the Director‑General, who may assign them to any activities or offices of the Organization.
Organizational Setting
The Secretariat of the Joint FAO/World Health Organization (WHO) Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is located in the Joint FAO/WHO Centre in FAO headquarters. It services the sessions of the Commission and its subsidiary bodies, acting as liaison with WHO, WTO, United Nations, and other stakeholders.
Reporting Lines
The Food Standards Officer reports to the Secretary of the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
Technical Focus
The Food Standards Officer is responsible for planning, preparing, implementing, and following up on the work of specific subsidiary bodies of the Codex Alimentarius Commission to develop food safety and quality standards, ensure fair trade practices, and support related activities.
Key Results
Administration and execution of scientific and technical aspects of the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme.
Key Functions
Lead or support the first officer of various Codex general subject, commodity, and regional subsidiary bodies, preparing agendas, technical documents, and reports.
Monitor progress of the Commission’s standards development and implementation of the Codex Strategic Plan.
Prepare final standards drafted by subsidiary bodies for publication following their adoption by the Commission.
Prepare technical papers and reports for the Commission and its Executive Committee in collaboration with the senior Food Standards Officer.
Represent the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme at meetings with other standard‑setting bodies and organizations.
Participate in international expert bodies convened by FAO and WHO.
Oversee and advise on the review of observer status applications for international organisations in Codex.
Provide technical advice and information on food standards upon request by governments or interested parties.
Contribute to continual improvement of Codex policies and procedures.
Specific Functions
Lead the Codex Secretariat team for at least three subsidiary bodies, ensuring implementation of all planning and procedural requirements.
Work closely with other Food Standards Officers to support subsidiary bodies and facilitate information exchange.
Liaise with FAO/WHO scientific advice bodies to coordinate requests and results.
Act as focal point and coordinate Codex Secretariat engagement in FAO and WHO initiatives and external organisations.
Support development and dissemination of information for delegates through training initiatives and handbook development.
Contribute to communication activities, including interviews, presentations, news item clearance, outreach and training events, and article contributions to the annual CODEX magazine and external publications.
Perform other duties as required.
Candidate Assessment Criteria
Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in food science, public health, biological sciences, veterinary medicine, agricultural science, nutrition, or a related field.
Seven years of relevant experience in the development and application of food standards and food control programmes at national, regional or global level.
Proficiency (level C) in English and intermediate proficiency (level B) in another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
Results Focus.
Team Work.
Communication.
Building effective relationships.
Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.
Work experience in multiple locations or areas, especially in field positions.
Extensive understanding of Codex work and technical knowledge of Codex food safety and quality standards.
Experience analysing technical information, preparing clear reports, and providing solutions.
Experience organising and coordinating meetings, especially at global or regional level.
Experience in intergovernmental and/or cross‑sectoral negotiations and multilateral fora related to food safety and trade.
Diplomatic and effective communication skills for diverse contexts.
General Information
Extension of fixed term appointments is based on certification of performance and availability of funds.
FAO reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit, accredited, has residency or visa requirements, and passes security clearances.
Conditions of Service
A competitive compensation and benefits package.
Dependency allowances.
Rental subsidy.
Education grant for children.
Home leave travel.
30 working days of annual leave per year.
Pension fund entitlements under the UN Joint Staff Pension Fund.
International health insurance; optional life insurance.
Disability protection.
FAO Workplace Culture
FAO encourages a positive workplace culture to increase inclusivity and diversity, including family‑friendly policies, flexible working arrangements, and standards of conduct.
FAO’s commitment to environmental sustainability is integral to strategic objectives and operations.
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