Técnico de Alimentos

The Food Technologist supports and contributes to projects and programs with a focus on food technology and safety interventions. The role involves data collection, risk analysis, and supporting the implementation of food safety and quality initiatives in collaboration with supply chain and program functions.

Responsibilities

• Support data collection and documentation for registering potential food suppliers, especially small producer cooperatives, to WFP's shortlist.
• Develop, collect, analyze technical data (laboratory analysis, technical specifications, etc.) and contribute to reports related to food quality and safety for various WFP operations.
• Establish risk-based control measures and prepare evidence-based recommendations to combat and reduce food product losses and quality and safety issues.
• Support investigations related to food safety incidents, document and share lessons learned, and participate as a member of the Food Incident Management Committee.
• Contribute to the development and/or application of protocols and tools related to food quality, ensuring alignment with WFP procurement and supply chain strategies, policies, and plans.
• Ensure purchased foods meet WFP specifications and inspection companies adhere to work scope requirements.
• Support Supply Chain during food delivery by accompanying inspection companies according to corporate quality and safety standards.
• Support the implementation of the Local and Regional Food Procurement Policy (LRFPP) for small producers, developing tools, materials, and methodologies to build supplier capacity.
• Support office projects related to food quality in various food assistance programs, ensuring compliance with corporate food quality and safety standards.
• Support capacity building of food suppliers, office staff, and WFP implementing partners for efficient and effective food assistance delivery (e.g., training material design and review).
• Identify and establish productive relationships with supply chain colleagues and other relevant units to support integrated food assistance.
• Follow emergency preparedness practices to ensure rapid response and deployment of food and resources in crisis-affected areas, including managing Early Release of food.
• Stay updated on advances and cutting-edge research in food safety and quality and food product optimization to incorporate best industry practices into the supply chain.

Requirements

• Professional degree in food engineering, food sciences, food control, food safety or related fields with postgraduate studies in areas related to the position.
• At least 6 years of experience in food quality assurance in supervisory/management roles with progressively increasing responsibilities in food quality.
• Professional training and practical experience in applying advanced quality management and food safety systems.
• Professional experience auditing management systems for the food industry (IFS / BRC / FSSC 22000, etc.).
• Experience implementing food quality and safety control protocols.
• Experience working with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and ease in using new corporate systems.
• Strong analytical, networking, and coordination skills with excellent written and oral communication.
• Knowledge of the local market, suppliers, especially food and supply chains.
• Ability to prepare reports or standard documents.
• Basic knowledge of competitive buying and selling processes of products and goods.
• Communication skills, initiative, innovation, teamwork, and ability to work under pressure.
• Tact and courtesy in exchanging information with a wide variety of people.
• Spanish native language.
• English is an advantage, preferably advanced.

Skills

• Food Quality Assurance
• Food Control Systems
• Quality Management
• Food Industry Auditing
• IFS Auditing
• BRC Auditing
• FSSC 22000
• Food Safety Control
• Food Technology
• Data Collection
• Risk Analysis
• Report Preparation
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Supply Chain Process Knowledge
• Food Supply Chain
• Competitive Buying
• Food Supplier Management

Languages

Spanish, English