Job Description
We are delighted to be recruiting a Technical Executive, Chemical Safety on behalf of our client the Food Safety Authority of Ireland on a fixed term 11 month contract JOB ENVIRONMENT The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is a statutory, independent and science-based national agency, dedicated to protecting consumers' health and interests by leading a collaborative food safety community to continuously raise food standards and create a culture of compliance. Core FSAI objectives are to ensure, through regulation and engagement, that food produced, consumed, distributed or marketed in Ireland is safe and meets EU standards. To this end, the FSAI oversees the enforcement of food law through an inspection service that is operated to agreed high standards by various State agencies. Consumers are placed at the centre of all its activities and have a fundamental right to safe food and not to be misled about the food they purchase or eat. JOB PURPOSE The job holder will be responsible for assisting the Chief Specialist Chemical Safety in providing advice to the FSAI, Government Departments and the food industry on potential hazards to health from chemical contaminants and regulated products in food. To assist in the preparation of risk assessments, monitoring programmes, guidance documents and evaluating food additives in notified products and other activities in the chemical safety area including assisting the work of the Scientific Committee as appropriate. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Work under the guidance of the Senior Technical Executive to provide support to the Chief Specialist in Chemical Safety and assist in any activities of the chemical safety team. Assess compliance of notified products with additives and contaminants legislation. Develop appropriate guidance documents, training materials and other sources of information on chemicals in food for the food industry and enforcement officers in Official Agencies Provide technical support to the FSAI Scientific Committee as directed by the Chief Specialist Chemical Safety Contribute to chemical safety risk assessment to support food incident management activities of the Authority. Contribute to the Authority's Chemical Safety monitoring activities. Provide technical support to the FSAI advice line in the area of Chemical Safety. Participate in meetings between FSAI and Official Agencies. Conduct scientific literature reviews. Represent FSAI at national and EU technical and legislation meetings and global standards development meetings. Participate in cross divisional projects within FSAI as required. Keep up to date with developments in own area of specialisation to ensure that functions are discharged to optimum effectiveness. Carry out activities in conformance with FSAI policies and procedures. Participate in groups set up by the FSAI under the broader corporate governance remit of the Authority. Carry out such other duties as assigned and ensure maintenance of confidentiality. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE The following requirements are essential to the role: An honours degree in toxicology or a chemical safety related discipline e.g., food science, food chemistry, human nutrition. Experience of collating, summarising and critically evaluating scientific data Must be computer literate. The standard business software in the FSAI is Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise and Microsoft Office 365. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proven track record in report writing. Good appreciation and understanding of the role of the FSAI. The following requirements would be an advantage: Related post graduate qualification and/or relevant on-the job training. Specific experience in toxicological risk assessment and/or exposure assessment. Basic understanding of food law in Ireland as it pertains to chemical safety. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES Team Leadership Works with the team to facilitate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing and performance issues if they arise Provides clear information and advice as to what is required of the team Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives Leads the team by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required Places high importance on staff development, training and maximising skills & capacity of team Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change Judgment, Analysis and Decision Making Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources, whether financial, numerical or otherwise weighing up a range of critical factors Takes account of any broader issues, agendas, sensitivities and related implications when making decisions Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions Uses judgement to make sound decisions with a well reasoned rationale and stands by these Puts forward solutions to address problems Management and Delivery of Results Takes responsibility and is accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives Successfully manages a range of different projects and work activities at the same time Structures and organises their own and others work effectively Is logical and pragmatic in approach, delivering the best possible results with the resources available Delegates work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is required Proactively identifies areas for improvement and develops practical suggestions for their implementation Demonstrates enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively Applies appropriate systems/ processes to enable quality checking of all activities and outputs Practices and promotes a strong focus on delivering high quality customer service, for internal and external customers Interpersonal and Communication skills Builds and maintains contact with colleagues and other stakeholders to assist in performing role Acts as an effective link between staff and senior management Encourages open and constructive discussions around work issues Projects conviction, gaining buy-in by outlining relevant information and selling the benefits Treats others with diplomacy, tact, courtesy and respect, even in challenging circumstances Presents information clearly, concisely and confidently when speaking and in writing Collaborates and supports colleagues to achieve organisational goal Specialist knowledge, Expertise and Self Development Has a clear understanding of the roles, objectives and targets of self and team and how they fit into the work of the unit and Department/ Organisation and effectively communicates this to others Has high levels of expertise and broad Public Sector knowledge relevant to his/her area of work Focuses on self development, striving to improve performance Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values Strives to perform at a high level, investing significant energy to achieve agreed objectives Demonstrates resilience in the face of challenging circumstances and high demands Is personally trustworthy and can be relied upon Ensures that customers are at the heart of all services provided Upholds high standards of honesty, ethics and integrity This job description is subject to change from time to time, in line with the FSAI's work requirements. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging The FSAI is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunities. The FSAI's vision is to be a leader in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) in the Irish public sector. The FSAI and its staff is committed to: Treating all people equally and respectfully Being equitable and fair by working to attract and develop a diverse workforce and ensuring that individuals feel valued in their workplace. Being inclusive and seeking out and learning from multiple perspectives. FSAI STRATEGY AND VALUES This FSAI's current strategy sets outs our vision, mission, values, strategic goals and objectives for the period 2019 - 2023. Our vision of safe and trustworthy food for everyone and our mission of protecting consumers and raising compliance through partnership, science and food law enforcement is fulfilled through working closely with all our stakeholders. The following corporate values and behaviours underpin the working environment at the Food Safety Authority of Ireland and assist us in delivering on our strategy: Teamwork: We develop and inspire people to build a better organisation by collaborating with colleagues, both internally and externally, in a way that is aligned to and promotes our core values. Integrity: We are honest, open and independent in all we do. Respect: We act with respect and personal responsibility. Passion: We are passionate about protecting consumers. Transparency: We conduct our work activities with openness and through open and clear channels of communications to promote great awareness of what we do. Collaboration: We recognise and value our partners. More information can be found at SALARY As per the current Government pay policy, the starting pay for this position will be at the minimum point of the pay scale for the position (first point on scale). If you are currently a serving civil or public servant, your entry point to the pay scale may be higher based on your current salary. The salary for this position is as follows: €41,695 on a pro rata basis Please note the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. LOCATION The FSAI office is located in The Exchange, George's Dock, IFSC, Dublin D01 P2V6. There is a hybrid work model in place with two days attendance per week required. ANNUAL LEAVE Annual leave is 29 days per year, pro rata. APPLICATIONS Please submit your application before 5pm on Monday 23rd of September 2024. FSAI INTERVEIW DATES It is anticipated that FSAI will meet shortlisted applicants on Monday, 7th and Tuesday, 8th of October 2024. Skills: Chemical Safety Evaluatiing Data Compliance Benefits: Work From Home