Team Leader- Improvement of legislation, control and awareness in food safety, animal health and welfare and phytosanitary in Ukraine (ILCA III)

Background and Rationale:

The project aims to support the government of Ukraine in the adoption of EU acquis in the fields of food safety, animal health and welfare, and phytosanitary sectors. It will contribute to raising the capacities of both the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food (MAPF) and the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP) in designing and implementing key reforms in these sectors. The project seeks to enhance the functionality of Ukraine’s services, control, and infrastructure system through gradual alignment with relevant EU and other international standards. It will continue supporting the approximation of Ukrainian legislation with EU legislation in sanitary and phytosanitary areas, build the risk assessment and control capacities of competent authorities, and contribute to the digitalization of its services.

Objectives:

The main objectives are to enhance the functionality of food safety, animal health, and welfare services, as well as the control system. This will be achieved by gradually aligning with EU and other international standards, ensuring health guarantees for animals in different regions of the country, and implementing a comprehensive state prophylactic program against specific infectious diseases and zoonoses.

Tasks of the Expert:

  • Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the project to ensure successful delivery of objectives.
  • Oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of all project activities.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for the Government of Ukraine, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, etc.
  • Foster strong relationships and effective communication with EU representatives, local authorities, and project partners.
  • Provide expert guidance and support in aligning Ukrainian legislation, policies, and institutions with EU acquis in agriculture, rural development, fisheries, and aquaculture.
  • Oversee the preparation of comprehensive project reports, including progress updates, technical documentation, and final deliverables.
  • Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and reporting requirements.
  • Manage the project budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.
  • Design and implement training programs, workshops, and knowledge transfer initiatives to enhance the capacities of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and its executive agencies.
  • Support the digitalization of agricultural services, including the development and integration of the State Agrarian Register and related systems.
Qualifications: 
  • At least a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in food safety or sciences, veterinary medicine or science, phytosanitary, or a directly related discipline.
  • Postgraduate qualification in quality assurance and/or food safety management and/or auditing would be an asset (e.g., ISO22000, ISO9000, HACCP).
  • Advanced English language skills of at least level C1 (understanding, speaking, writing) required. Language skills in Ukrainian or Russian of at least B2 (understanding, speaking, writing) will be considered an asset.
  • At least 10 years of professional experience relating to food safety, implementation of veterinary activities, legislation or projects, or activities in the phytosanitary or plant health sector. Professional experience working at the highest levels of government or in support of central competent authorities will be considered an asset.
  • Proven management experience as Team Leader (or equivalent) in at least 2 technical assistance or consultancy projects, each assignment of minimum 12 months’ duration.
  • At least 3 years of professional experience in an EU candidate country in support of the approximation or implementation of EU acquis in the SPS sectors.
  • Relevant recent experience (within the past ten years) in an EU member state or EU candidate country in support of the development or implementation of SPS policy or related public administration reform will be considered an asset.
Start / Duration: 
  • Start Date: October 2025
  • Duration: 40 months

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