Job Description
Vacancy announcement: ACRIF seeks a Consultants – Food Safety Policy Expert, Toxicologist, and Agriculture Expert (3 National Positions) for their operations in Somaliland. This Food Security & Livelihoods sector position calls for a professional with 7 - 8 years of demonstrated expertise. Interested applicants should submit their applications before Apr, 01. 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 === Skills & Qualifications === Required Qualifications and Experience 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. --- About Somaliland --- Somaliland is a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa with a relatively stable political environment and growing economy. Employment opportunities are concentrated in the main cities of Hargeisa, Burao, and Berbera, spanning government, NGOs, telecoms, and the private sector. Ereyada Soomaaliga (Somali Keywords): La-talin • Shaqo Cusub • Amniga Cuntada • Amniga • Shaqo Soomaaliya
Qualifications & Requirements
Required Qualifications and Experience 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.
How to Apply
Application Process Interested candidates are invited to submit: Technical Proposal, including: Understanding of the assignment Proposed methodology and approach Workplan and timeline Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experience Proposed Daily Fee Rate Submission Email:
[email protected] Subject Line: Application_Food_Safety_Policy_Consultants_ACRIF Deadline: 1st April, 2026 Evaluation Criteria Applications will be assessed based on: Qualifications and relevant experience – 40% Technical proposal and methodology – 50% Financial proposal (cost-effectiveness) – 10% Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Apply on
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