Job Opportunity: Food Safety and Quality Officer
Organization: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Primary Location: Accra, Ghana
Employment Type: Full-Time

Company Profile

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. FAO works with governments, development partners, and stakeholders to strengthen food systems, enhance food safety and quality, and support inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems transformation worldwide.

Position Overview

FAO is seeking a highly qualified and results-oriented Food Safety and Quality Officer to support the development, implementation, and strengthening of food safety and quality systems in Ghana and the wider region. The role focuses on providing technical expertise, policy advice, and capacity development to enhance national food control systems and promote safe, nutritious, and sustainable food systems in line with international standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Responsibilities

• Advise national institutions and stakeholders on the design, implementation, and strengthening of food safety and quality programs.

• Support the development and implementation of public-sector food control policies and regulatory frameworks.

• Provide technical assistance on food safety and quality management systems, including HACCP, ISO standards, and related quality assurance systems.

• Contribute to agri-food systems development, including value chains, food processing, and post-harvest management.

• Plan and deliver capacity-building activities and training for government institutions, private sector actors, and other stakeholders.

• Conduct diagnostic missions and assessments to identify gaps and propose improvements in food safety and quality systems.

• Support work related to Codex Alimentarius standards and their implementation at national and regional levels.

• Contribute to research, technical reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products related to food safety, quality, and agri-food systems transformation.

• Support project formulation, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, including resource mobilization and operational delivery.

• Collaborate effectively with FAO country, regional, and headquarters teams as well as external partners.

Minimum Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in chemistry, biochemistry, food science, food technology, pharmacology/toxicology, veterinary science, public health, food microbiology, or a related field.

• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional experience in advising on and implementing food safety programs and public-sector food control policies.

• Working knowledge (proficiency – level C) of English and intermediate knowledge (level B) of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Competencies

• Results Focus

• Teamwork

• Communication

• Building Effective Relationships

• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical and Functional Skills

• Relevant work experience in food safety and quality management, including HACCP, ISO standards, and quality management systems.

• Demonstrated experience across food systems, including value chain development, food processing, and post-harvest management.

• Proven experience in capacity building and stakeholder training in food safety, quality, and food systems.

• Strong understanding of Codex Alimentarius, SDGs, and agri-food systems transformation.

• Ability to conduct diagnostic missions and provide targeted technical assistance.

• Experience in research, technical writing, and policy development related to food safety and agri-food systems.

• Experience in project formulation, implementation, and resource management, with the ability to meet deadlines effectively.

• Work experience in the Africa region is an advantage.

• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and deliver results in a dynamic environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications

Application Deadline: 18th February 2026

FAO is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.