Organizational Setting:
The Food Technology Laboratory (FTL) was set up in line with the policy of the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (MOAIFS) to be the body ensuring the highest standards of food safety and consumer protection and facilitating growth in the sector. The Bio-Molecular Laboratory (BML) is one of the laboratories falling under the FTL and designated to play a frontline role in molecular analytical activities of food and animal feeding stuffs in Mauritius. Additionally, the BML was assigned by the MOAIFS to be the Official Laboratory to carry out Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) testing in Mauritius.
FAO Representative in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles.
Reporting Lines:
Under the direct managerial and administrative leadership of the FAO Representative in Mauritius as the Budget Holder, the technical supervision of the Legal Officer (LEGN) and in close collaboration with the national team.
Technical Focus:
Legal framework for food technology.
Tasks and responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Mauritius (Budget Holder), the technical supervision of the Legal Officer (LEGN), and in close collaboration with the National Project Coordinator (NPC), and the Ministry of Agro-Industry & Food Security the consultant will undertake the following activities to provide technical and functional support to the project TCP/MAR/3901:
• Work in collaboration with the State Law Office of Mauritius to provide the legal recognition for the Bio-Molecular Laboratory for GMO testing to achieve its objectives for molecular testing of foods and feeds (including GMO testing)(for Consultants only);
• Review the legal framework and existing draft legal instrument to assess how GMO testing is currently addressed in the existing legislation, identify gaps and provide appropriate recommendations.
• Advise and assist in the planning the workshops, consultative and validation meetings.
• Participate consultative meetings with stakeholders to discuss findings and recommendations from the legal review (for Consultants only).
• Assess the comments from the stakeholders meeting and revise the draft legal instrument accordingly.
• Conduct a national validation workshop to present and discuss the draft bill.
• Incorporate comments, inputs and recommendations from the stakeholders in the validation workshop into the draft legal instrument to produce a final document with explanatory notes to submit through the FAO to the Government of Mauritius for adoption.
• Provide regular/weekly updates and advice to the National Project Coordinator, the local FAO representative as well as other personnel from the Ministry of Agro-Industry & Food Security regarding the project activities.
• Perform any other related duties as required.
CANDIDATES WILL BE EVALUATED IN RELATION TO THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
• At least a university degree in law or other equivalent and relevant qualification from an accredited law institution.
• The candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in legal analysis and research and legal drafting in biosafety law or related areas.
• For Consultants working knowledge of English and French.
• For PSA working knowledge of English.
Core Competencies
• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
• Relevance of qualification
• Extent of relevant working experience and legal experience on biosafety and GMO issues.
• Personal skills: Self-driven, team player, patient, self-confident, reliable and empathetic.
• Demonstrated organisational, communication and organizational skills.
• Quality of oral and written communication skills in English and French.
• Committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards and confidentiality in all legal matters
• The candidate should be able to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, including scientists, policymakers, and government officials.
Please note that all candidates should adhere to FAO Values of Commitment to FAO, Respect for All and transparency.
HOW TO APPLY
• To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
• Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
• Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
• Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
• Incomplete applications will not be considered
• Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case, FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
• Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
• Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
• We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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