Job Description

Consultants (3 National Positions) – Food Safety Policy Expert, Toxicologist, and Agriculture Expert

Organization: African Children’s Rights Foundation (ACRIF)

Position: External Consultant (National – Food Safety Consultants)

Assignment: Development of Food Safety Policy and Quality Standards Guidelines

Location: Somaliland

Duration: Approximately 20 working days (within an agreed timeframe)

Application Deadline: 1st April

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Background

The African Children’s Rights Foundation (ACRIF) is a national child rights organization established in 2008 and headquartered in Hargeisa, Somaliland. ACRIF works to advance children’s rights and promote equality for girls and boys through integrated development and humanitarian programming. ACRIF implements programs in nutrition, food security, and resilience, with a strong focus on improving food systems and promoting safe, nutritious food for vulnerable populations.

Food safety remains a critical challenge in Somaliland, with gaps in standards, regulatory frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms. Exposure to unsafe food, contaminants, and poor handling practices poses significant risks to public health, particularly for children and vulnerable groups. To address these challenges, ACRIF is seeking a qualified toxicology and food safety expert to support the development of context-appropriate food safety policy for Somaliland.

Objective of the Consultancy

The objective of this consultancy is to develop comprehensive, context-specific food safety Policy for Somaliland, grounded in toxicological risk assessment principles and aligned with international best practices and standards (including Codex Alimentarius, WHO, and FAO frameworks).

The assignment will aim to:

·         Identify and analyze key food safety hazards, including chemical, biological, and physical risks across the food value chain.

·         Provide guidance on risk management, monitoring, and compliance mechanisms to strengthen food safety systems

·         Support the development of a harmonized and evidence-based food safety policy and quality standards.

Scope of Work

The consultants will undertake the following tasks:

Desk Review

• Review existing national policies, regulations, and frameworks related to food safety
• Analyze relevant international standards and guidelines (e.g., Codex Alimentarius, WHO/FAO standards)
• Identify key food safety risks and toxicological hazards relevant to Somaliland.

Hazard and Risk Analysis

• Identify and assess chemical, biological, and physical hazards in food systems
• Analyze risks related to contaminants, pesticides, food additives, and environmental exposure
• Provide guidance on acceptable limits and safety thresholds based on international standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Consult with relevant stakeholders, including:
• Government authorities
• Civil society organizations
• Food producers, processors, and vendors
• Gather insights on current practices, gaps, and needs

Development of Policy and Standards

• Develop Food Safety Policy and Quality Standards, including:
• Food Safety Policy
• Standards for food handling, storage, processing, and distribution
• Guidance on monitoring, compliance, and enforcement
• Practical recommendations tailored to local context

Validation and Finalization

• Facilitate a validation workshop with key stakeholders
• Revise and finalize the policy and standards based on feedback

Key Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver:

1. Inception Report outlining methodology, workplan, and approach
2. Desk Review Report
3. Draft Food Safety Policy and Quality Standards
4. Validation Workshop Report
5. Final Food Safety Policy and Quality Standards, incorporating stakeholder feedback

Duration and Timeframe

The consultancy will be conducted over approximately 20 working days, within an agreed implementation period.

Experiences and Qualifications

Education

• Advanced degree in Toxicology, Food Science, Public Health or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in food safety, toxicology, or public health
• Demonstrated experience in developing food safety policy or regulatory frameworks
• Familiarity with international food safety standards (e.g., Codex Alimentarius, WHO, FAO)
• Experience working in low-resource or developing country contexts is an advantage

Skills

• Strong analytical and technical writing skills
• Ability to translate scientific concepts into practical guidelines
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills
• Strong understanding of local food systems and public health challenge.

Administrative and Reporting Arrangements

The consultants will work under the supervision of ACRIF’s Director of Program and will coordinate with relevant stakeholders throughout the assignment.

Skills Required

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