Scientist SPS (Food safety) CABI

Job Summary

Contract: Initial 3 years, renewable based on needs, funds, and performance

About the Role: CABI is hiring a motivated SPS-Food Safety Expert to join our interdisciplinary team in Southern Africa. The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and implementing sustainable agriculture and trade projects, focusing on food safety in national and international markets. Based in Lusaka, Zambia, the position involves collaboration with various stakeholders and extensive travel within the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to trade and value chain project development
• Support the implementation of projects with SPS elements, especially in food safety
• Provide SPS expertise through consultancy services
• Collaborate with in-country partners for SPS capacity development
• Communicate project results through high-quality written outputs and presentations
• Explore new areas of engagement in SPS aligned with CABI’s Strategic plan
• Lead technical reporting on assigned SPS projects and consultancies
• Collaborate with CABI staff on other themes
• Adhere to CABI policies and procedures

About You:

• Post-graduate degree in a relevant agricultural or biological discipline related to food safety
• Experience in agricultural development in Africa with practical application of SPS measures
• Project management experience, including writing progress and donor reports
• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders in agriculture, research, and phytosanitary services
• Familiarity with EU regulations, Codex Alimentarius, and WTO Agreement on SPS
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Knowledge of addressing SPS non-compliance issues and technical report writing
• Analytical capability for accurate interpretation and reporting of information
• Practical knowledge of laboratory analyses and tests for determining health risks in food