Food Safety and Quality Intern at World Food Programme (WFP)

The following are some of the existing skills and those desired to augment the team’s capacity:

• Food Safety and Quality Management Systems implementation in food processing and supply chain
• Supplier Quality Assurance & evaluation
• FSQ Lead auditing skills against global food safety standards
• Incident management and root cause analysis methodologies
• Food technology e.g., food fortification, food processing technologies, sampling and testing methods
• Continuous improvement tools, e.g. Statistical process control, Total Quality Management in Supply Chain

The opportunity will provide the identified intern with hands-on experience and professional exposure that can lead to a future career in the Food safety and Quality field within WFP or elsewhere including private sector.

During the training period, the intern will also support the very lean FSQ team with activities stipulated in the work plan around the RBN FSQ priorities. 

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled with at least two years undergraduate studies completed, or recently graduated (within the last year) in Food Science and Technology, Biochemistry/Chemistry, Biology/Microbiology, Chemical Engineering or other applicable course with interest in food quality as a career, or
• Currently enrolled or recent graduate of an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) 
• Fluent in English (both oral and written) is a must; knowledge of a second UN language, preferably French, would be an asset.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft applications (word, Excel, PowerPoint) 
• Experience in google suite applications will be an asset

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

• Random review of commodity inspection reports to establish compliance to contractual requirements (FSQ components), identifying testing/inspection gaps and gaps in testing methodologies which will ensure Inspection Company adhere to the validated testing methods.
• Supporting in food quality incidents investigations by ensuring all information needed from the field (CO) is available for the RB FSQAO/FT and HQ to respond accordingly
• Food inspection data collation and analysis, generation of quality trackers for different commodities which will also become basis for supplier performance evaluation
• Food quality deviations tracking together with corrective actions status to inform continual improvement status by suppliers in managing processes.
• Collating all corrective and preventive actions from food incidents, supplier audits, food non-conformities to ensure tracking of root cause analysis and CAPA closure
• Coordinating Compliance Testing process to ensure samples are submitted to the contracted Laboratory and results update timely in the system.
• Responding to urgent CO needs and liaising with FSQAO/FT if need be where escalation is required e.g verifying specifications, reviewing food quality reports, verifying if local regulatory requirements exist or are updated for particular commodities, applicable food standards etc.
• Prepare monthly incidents & corrective actions status, Food Release Status Report and any other reports as may be advised from time to time for all commodities in collaboration with the technical team.
• Collating information on emerging food safety risks, food safety and quality related intelligence/information from media, journals etc. and researching on actions to verify and mitigate.
• Providing any technical guidance/support when called upon by any other unit.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Adaptability and ability to work in team environment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Prioritization and organizational skills
• Data analysis skills
• Clear concise reporting skills
• Task execution and follow through skills with relevant documentation