Packaging Specialist Consultant at World Food Programme (WFP)

The packaging requirements for grain and pulses is significantly different than those used for fortified pastes such as the lipid-based nutrient supplements and dietary supplements like micronutrient powders. With this diversification, increasingly various packaging solutions will be necessary to protect the food. The humanitarian food supply chain is long and challenging, and therefore packaging plays a critical role in protecting food safety, maintaining food quality, facilitating storage and handling while seeking at reducing the impact on the environment to a minimum.

Purpose of assignment: Operational position to support head quarter and regional bureaux to improve all aspects of packaging used or needed in the humanitarian food supply chain to ensure a higher degree of safety for consumers, better food quality throughout the product shelf-life and lowered environmental impact.

ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Ensure good implementation of projects aiming at improving packaging quality, safeguard of food safety and quality supply chain efficiency, sustainability
• Ensure good practices in terms of storage and transport are implemented in WFP and partners warehouses
• Lead assessments and trials for new packaging with suppliers and warehouses
• Work closely with food manufacturers and packaging suppliers to help them meeting WFP requirements
• Manage food incidents related to packaging
• Support in reviewing WFP manuals and documents related to packaging
• Transitioning packaging specifications into the specifications module of FOSTER, WFP's quality management system
• Support the development of packaging training for internal use
• Support packaging compliance tests initiative
• Support on other tasks as required and other regional bureaux (80% Regional Bureau East Africa and 20% other Regional Bureaux)

DELIVERABLES AT THE END OF THE CONTRACT:  

• Work on projects that will demonstrate the impact of improvement on WFP operations. 
• Packaging specifications available into the specifications module of FOSTER, WFP's quality management system.
• Food packaging incidents addressed and closed.
• Food manufacturers and packaging suppliers enhanced.
• Other as necessary

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

• Advance University Degree in packaging technology, packaging engineering or other related field or First University degree with an additional years of related work experience and/or training/courses.

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of work experience, preferably in the area of flexible packaging and/or multiple materials. 
• Proven project management experience is required.
• Experience in R&D or factory within the food industry is highly desirable.

Knowledge and Skills:

• sound theoretical understanding of food technology, especially in the field of packaging
• good understanding of food packaging requirements and supply chain practices
• good communication skills with the ability to persuade, influence and adapt communication style to different situations and individuals

Languages:

• Fluency (level C) in oral and written English 

Deadline for applications: 13 June 2022