Job description

We are delighted to be recruiting a Technical Executive, Food Reformulation Task Force, on behalf of our client the Food Safety Authority on a contract basis until the 31st of December 2025

Title Technical Executive, Food Reformulaion Task Force

Duration Fixed Term (immediate start to 31 December 2025)

Reports to Food Reformulation Task Force Manager, or other designated person

Salary Point 1 of the Technical Executive salary scale i.e €43,195 on a pro rata basis

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.

The FSAI has signed a Service Level Agreement with the Department of Health to establish a Food Reformulation Task Force within the Authority. The purpose of this Task Force is to implement A Roadmap for Food Product Reformulation in Ireland developed by the Department of Health’s Obesity Plan Implementation and Oversight Group.

JOB PURPOSE

The key purpose of this role is to support in the delivery of specific projects related to the work of the Food Reformulation Task Force and support in the development of technical information and documentation for stakeholder engagement activities.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Complete food product monitoring activities such as food label data collection and related activities such as data entry, validation and analysis.
• Support in the completion of specific projects related to food reformulation target setting, including data modelling, and the development of related reports for publication.
• Support in the development of technical information and documentation for food reformulation stakeholder engagement activities, such as meetings, events and emails.
• Support in the implementation of food reformulation monitoring and stakeholder management related projects as assigned.
• Deliver scientific presentations as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• An honours science degree, or equivalent, with experience in at least one of the following areas: Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science, Public Health Nutrition, Culinary Science or other relevant scientific disciplines.
• A minimum of two years’ relevant post graduate work experience or a relevant post graduate qualification (minimum MSc)
• Must have a high level of computer proficiency – the standard business software in the FSAI is Microsoft Windows 10 Enterprise and Microsoft Office 365.
• Experience of collating, summarising and critically evaluating scientific data is strongly preferred
• Must have a level of proficiency in using SPSS or R Studio
• Must have strong Excel skills including the use of data analysis functions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proven track record in report writing.
• Must have a good appreciation and understanding of the role of the Food Reformulation Task Force and the work of the FSAI.
• A related post graduate qualification and/or relevant on-the job training would be an advantage.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Team Leadership

• Works with the team to faciliate high performance, developing clear and realistic objectives and addressing issues if they arise
• Strives to develop and implement new ways of working effectively to meet objectives.
• Is flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change.

Analysis and Decision Making

• Gathers and analyses information from relevant sources to assist with risk assessment and risk management decisions.
• Takes account of any broader issues and related implications when making decisions.
• Uses previous knowledge and experience in order to guide decisions.
• Makes 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.
• 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.

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.

Closing date for applications for this role is Thursday the 17th of July 2025 at 5pm