Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer

Note:

This position will be filled on a rolling basis and is contingent upon donor funding.  All the positions will be filled on a priority basis and applications will be closed as soon as positions are filled. Every application fitting the job description will be thoroughly evaluated.

SIF is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The Hiring is subject to donor funding.

The candidate who tries to influence the recruitment process will be automatically disqualified. SIF reserves the right to check criminal records according to the current law.

The SIF has a zero-tolerance policy towards any type of fraud, corruption, moral harassment, abuse or violence of any kind whatsoever and more generally any violation of legislation, regulations or its code of conduct.

SIF respects the humanitarian principle of "Not harm" and ensures child security as a primary consideration. Hiring is subject to donor funding.

Introduction:

• The Food Safety and Quality Assurance Officer is responsible for ensuring the meals cooked and breads baked at the central kitchen meet the highest standards of food safety and quality. This role includes monitoring kitchen cleanliness, overseeing food preparation processes, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations, and maintaining high-quality standards for all food products.

Main Responsibilities:

Food Safety and Quality Assurance:

• Monitor food preparation processes to ensure adherence to food safety standards and regulations.
• Conduct regular inspections of the central kitchen, including equipment and food storage areas.
• Ensure all food handling and preparation activities are conducted in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Oversee the quality control of raw ingredients and finished products.
• Implement and maintain food safety protocols, including HACCP and GMP.
• Conduct routine food safety audits and inspections, preparing detailed reports on findings and corrective actions.
• Train kitchen staff on food safety standards, hygiene practices, and quality control procedures.

Quality Control:

• Ensure all meals and baked goods meet the nutritional and quality standards set by SIF and WFP.
• Develop and implement quality control procedures for each stage of food production.
• Monitor taste, texture, and appearance of meals and baked goods to ensure consistency and high quality.
• Address any quality issues with the head cook and supporting cooks, implementing corrective actions.
• Maintain detailed records of quality control activities and food safety incidents.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation plans to assess the impact of food safety and quality assurance activities.
• Collect and analyze data on food safety and quality assurance activities.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on activities, progress, achievements, and challenges.
• Use data to improve and adapt food safety and quality assurance strategies.

Coordination and Communication:

• Coordinate with WFP, the education department, and other relevant technical line departments on related activities.
• Maintain regular communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders.

Position Type/Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position with 48 working hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Languages:

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency in local languages (e.g., Urdu, Pashto, Brahui, Balochi) is highly desirable. Knowledge: 
• Strong understanding of food safety and quality assurance principles and methodologies.
• Familiarity with public health, nutrition, and hygiene promotion.
• Knowledge of the operational and logistical aspects of food production and distribution.
• Awareness of the socio-economic and cultural context of Balochistan.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Effective problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to addressing issues.

Proficient in using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software for project management and reporting.

     Accountability

• Reports Directly To: Program Operations Manager (School Meal Program)
• Works Directly With: Senior Project Officer (Implementation)

        Competencies  

• Leadership and Management: Ability to assist in leading and managing a team, fostering teamwork, and supporting staff development.
• Analytical Skills: Capacity to analyze program performance, identify challenges, and propose solutions.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and coordinate with various stakeholders.
• Problem Solving: Effective problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to addressing issues.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Adaptability: Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances in a dynamic work environment.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrated ability to work in a culturally diverse setting and with marginalized communities.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant software for project management and reporting.
• Respect and promote SIF values and mandate, and report to the line manager any non-respect of SIF’s policies amongst the teams or partners.
• Address needs and requests in a professional way.
• Always interact with children in presence of their parents or caregivers.
• Always respect beneficiaries’ confidentiality.
• Report any incident or act that causes harm to beneficiaries or to others.
• Aware of child protection/safeguarding concept.
• to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different cultural backgrounds.
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills.
• Rigorous and polite.