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International Consultant on Laboratories for the Safety of Food Products of Animal Origin

In 2005 in the context of the new European Neighbourhood Policy, the Republic of Moldova and the European Union signed an agreement: EU-Moldova Action Plan (EUMAP) for a period of 3 years, where a series of actions were included in order to intensify cooperation between the two parties. At the end of the period of the Action Plan, the European Council adopted a decision in February 2008 regarding an availability of the EU in principle to initiate new negotiations with the Republic of Moldova with the aim of signing of a new agreement.
The Project also aims to contribute to the development of the capacities of the MFAEI and the Negotiation Team, comprising representatives from the MAFI for European Integration, with immediate focus on the negotiation and post-negotiation phase of the Association Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova and implicitly its implementation. A key recommendation of the European Commission and a precondition for the commencement of the DCFTA negotiations is the drafting and commencement of implementation of a comprehensive food safety strategy.
The Food Safety Strategy for the Republic of Moldova was approved by the Government of Moldova in August 2011 http://www.maia.gov.md/doc.php?l=ro&idc=44&id=14401. An essential part of the institutional reorganisation foreseen in the strategy is the rationalisation of the system of laboratories required in the field of health of animals and plants and food safety and quality. In order for this reorganisation to take place in line with the timetable foreseen in the strategy and accompanying implementation plan, it is essential that the assessment of their current capacity and function be made by the end of 2011.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Project will contract an International Consultant to consult the MAFI on the functionality and capacity assessment of the laboratories for safety of food products of animal origin and for the elaboration of proposals for their strengthening and rationalization.
Key activities:
  • Assess and prepare a report on the current function and current capacity (technical, infrastructure, procedural, methodological, and personnel etc) of selected representative of laboratories for food products of animal origin safety (minimum 7), on the basis of documents and of site visits. The list of laboratories will be provided to the expert at the beginning of the mission;
  • Prepare a scheme of the laboratory requirements in the field of safety of food products;
  • Prepare, on the basis of the above analysis, proposals for each laboratory for the function or its redundancy in the future rationalized laboratory system;
  • Prepare, on the basis of the above analysis, an assessment of the needs and the approximate cost (infrastructure, technical, procedural, methodological and personnel etc.) in order for it to be able to perform it proposed role in the new system;
  • Prepare the outline technical specifications of key equipment required for each laboratory in order for it to be able to perform it proposed role in the system;
  • Present and discuss conclusions and recommendations with key stakeholders.
Documents to be included when submitting the proposals:
  • Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:
  • Proposal: explaining why they are the most suitable for the work;
  • Financial proposal;
  • Personal CV including past experience in similar projects and at least 3 references.
Financial Proposal: The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount. Payments are based upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR.
Evaluation
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following:
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
  • Minimum 7 years of working experience in the area of expertise;
  • Deep knowledge of various EU Member States systems of laboratories in the field of food products of animal origin safety;
  • Knowledge of the EU legislation and best practice relating to laboratories in the field of food products of animal origin safety;
  • Experience of working within and or reorganising an EU member state laboratory system.

Competencies

  • Similar experience in assisting government institutions within projects funded by international organizations;
  • Qualification and/or proven skills in project coordination, credibility in dealings with governmental officials, strong team leadership abilities and communication skills;
  • Excellent analytical and communication skills;
  • Fluency in written and spoken English, knowledge of Romanian or Russian would be an advantage.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic Qualifications:
  • Relevant higher education qualification or equivalent working experience in the sector;
  • Deep knowledge of various EU Member States systems of laboratories for safety of food products of animal origin;
  • Knowledge of the EU legislation and best practice relating to laboratories for safety of food products of animal origin;
  • Experience of working within and or reorganising an EU member state laboratory system.
Experience:
  • Minimum 7 years of working experience in the area of expertise;
  • Experience of working within and or reorganising an EU member state laboratory system;
  • Knowledge of and experience in the region of Central and Eastern Europe (experience in countries of transitional economy would be an asset).

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

International Consultant on Laboratories for the Safety of Food Products of Animal Origin