Consultant – Risk-based food inspection

Background

Inspection is at the heart of enforcement in food safety regulatory systems. The shift of the modern food safety conception from “reactive” to “preventive”, has led governments world-wide moving towards risk-based approaches to food control. Food safety is a shared responsibility across sectors and stakeholders. Food business operators have the responsibility for ensuring the safety of the food supply, while the role of governments is to verify that businesses comply with rules and regulations. Consumers are responsible for applying good practices in the preparation and consumption of food. In a risk-based food inspection system, priority is given to food products, processes and businesses posing the highest risk for public health and non-compliance. In many countries, the shift to risk-based food inspection may require significant changes to food inspection practices. Risk-based food inspection systems consist of up-to-date food safety policy and legislation, food business registries, documented procedures for risk categorization of food products and businesses, an inspection record system, adequate tools and equipment, guidelines, documented and coordinated food inspection plans. Risk-based food inspection systems require competent food inspectors that are able to work with food businesses in assessing their food control measures in place and provide simple advice.

In Viet Nam, food safety is of great and increasing importance to consumers and policymakers alike. Media reports, scientific literature, official communications and consumer complaints demonstrate that food safety is perceived as a major concern by consumers, industry and the government in Vietnam and there is emerging evidence that a relatively large share of food in Vietnam may be considered unsafe according to widely accepted food safety norms and standards . Food safety issues are the result of both widespread soil and water pollution— the legacy of industrial development of past decades -and poor practices by agricultural producers, food business operators and consumers.

In response to these issues, the government of Vietnam has identified risk-based food inspection as a priority for strengthening the national food safety system. As a result, Viet Nam Food Administration (VFA) has requested WHO to support a review of the current food inspection system in the country, including procedures and practices for planning and implementation of inspection activities. Based on the review, a set of prioritized recommendations for strengthening the system for risk-based food inspection system should be provided.

Purpose/Specific Objective of the Activity

To work with WHO, Ministry of Health (MoH), and development partners to review the food inspection system in Viet Nam including current practices and approaches for planning and implementing inspection activities, and to provide prioritized recommendations for strengthening risk-based food inspection practices and procedures, including development of training materials for food safety inspectors.

Description of activities to be carried out

Work with MoH, in coordination with Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development, and Ministry of Industry and Trade to review current procedures and practices related to food inspection in Viet Nam.

Assess the extent to which the current arrangements, procedures and practices for food inspection effectively ensure consistent and impartial implementation of applicable legal requirements for food safety and make prioritized recommendations for improvements.

Work with MOH, in coordination with the above mentioned two ministries to review and revise training materials for food safety inspectors at provincial, district and commune levels in Viet Nam.

Method(s) to carry out the activity

Desk research in terms of reviewing the legal framework for food safety and compliance and enforcement guidelines in Vietnam.

Field research in terms of conducting in-depth and group interviews as well as observations of practices and procedures for food inspection in Vietnam.

Education

University degree in public health, food safety, environmental health, agriculture or related field.

Experience

Demonstrated expertise and experience in food safety and risk-based food safety inspection

Skills

Experiences in an international setting, particularly in Asia would be advantage. 

Ability to work independently and in a team

Languages

Excellent English communication skills, both speaking and writing

Additional information:

Competencies

-           Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

-           Ability to plan and prioritize challenging workloads.

-           Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.

-           Fostering integration and teamwork

Please submit following documents to the Supply Officer (WPRO) at wprosao@who.int by 7 July 2017. Please use Tender Notice No. 58946 as subject to all submissions. Contract start date on 13 August 2017 with duration of 1 month.

• Expression of interest (cover letter) that includes proposed consultancy fee (per day) and availability
• WHO personal history form or CV

Please note that the application may be closed before the indicated closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. Only the successful candidates will be contacted