Remote Consultancy Opportunity: International Expert on Food Testing Laboratory Management at UNIDO – 2025

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is seeking a qualified International Expert on Food Testing Laboratory Management to support the establishment of the National Agricultural Laboratory (NAL) under the CAPFISH Capture – Post-Harvest Fisheries Development project.

Organisational Overview

UNIDO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalisation, and environmental sustainability. The CAPFISH project, co-funded by the European Union, focuses on developing post-harvest value chains in Cambodia’s fisheries sector, aiming to improve regulatory frameworks, enhance private sector capacity, and increase food safety practices.

Role Summary

The International Expert will provide expert guidance for the establishment of Cambodia’s National Agricultural Laboratory (NAL) in Setbo. The laboratory will be pivotal in supporting Cambodia’s Competent Authority (CA) and local fisheries to meet international food safety standards, especially for export to the European Union.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Review Legal and Strategic Documents: Analyse legal documents and strategic plans related to the NAL’s establishment to understand its legal status, organisational structure, and development strategy.

2. Provide Feedback on Assessment Reports: Offer input on Capacity Needs Assessment and Market Demand Analysis studies evaluating current laboratory capacities and demand for food testing services.

3. Collaborate with Cambodian Stakeholders: Engage with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) management team and NAL laboratory focal points to gather information necessary for developing feasibility studies for the lab’s design and operation.

4. Advise on Lab Design and Operations: Provide strategic input on the laboratory’s design, layout, and operations, ensuring alignment with ISO/IEC 17025 and Codex Alimentarius standards.

5. Plan Laboratory Equipment and Resources: Recommend necessary equipment, human resources, and governance structures for efficient and sustainable lab operations.

6. Reporting and Documentation: Prepare comprehensive reports detailing activities, observations, and recommendations for the NAL’s development, adhering to UNIDO’s reporting guidelines.

7. Additional Tasks: Perform any other tasks related to the establishment and operation of the laboratory as required by the Chief Technical Advisor.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Advanced university degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or a related field.

• Experience: At least 10 years of professional experience in laboratory design, management, and diagnostics. Proven experience in managing food testing laboratories and knowledge of international standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025, Codex Alimentarius).

• Languages: Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required; proficiency in another UN language is desirable.

Core Competencies

• Integrity: Demonstrates honesty, transparency, and impartiality.

• Professionalism: Approaches tasks with competence and responsibility.

• Respect for Diversity: Collaborates effectively across different cultures and perspectives.

• People-Centered Approach: Fosters teamwork and emotional intelligence.

• Results-Oriented: Plans and manages tasks effectively to meet performance standards.

• Communication: Clearly articulates ideas and fosters trust.

• Innovation: Continuously improves, supports innovation, and shares knowledge.

Contract Details

• Duration: 25 working days over a 2-month period.

• Location: Primarily home-based, with the possibility of travel to Cambodia for specific tasks.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their applications via the UNIDO Online Recruitment System. All applications must be submitted by 24 March 2025. Please ensure that your CV and cover letter are uploaded as part of your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration.

APPLY HERE

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