Policy and Regulatory Affairs Manager

Project/Proposal Summary:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress Cambodia HortSafe project is a five-year $15M project funded by the USDA. HortSafe will strengthen Cambodia’s food system and increase productivity in fresh fruit and vegetable value chains in key horticultural production and tourism geographies across the country through the implementation of four key activities:

1. Capacity Building – Government Institutions to strengthen food safety standards and control systems

2. Capacity Building – Enhance Laboratory technical capacity in testing, inspection and certification

3. Training – Improve post-harvest handling and processing

4. Capacity Building – Increase food safety awareness and food compliance

Position Summary:

Under the leadership of the Chief of Party, the Policy and Regulatory Affairs Manager will be responsible for supporting Cambodian Competent Authorities (Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries and Ministry of Health) to finalize Food Safety Policy and subsequent technical regulations to reduce trade barriers and promote improved food safety practices and compliance. This position will review proposed law and regulations and provide feedback based on international food laws, standards and best practices. The Policy and Regulatory Affairs Advisor provides proposed technical regulations to public and private sectors to promote feedback and stakeholder buy-in and supports the coordination of and participating in workshops as necessary. The Policy and Regulatory Affairs Advisor will be responsible for monitoring the progress of Competent Authorities development of food policies and recommend actions for support as required to the Chief of Party.

Reporting and Supervisory Responsibilities: The Policy and Regulatory Affairs Advisor reports to the Chief of Party and will oversee the Government Capacity Building Associate and Tourism Regulatory Affairs Associate.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead and advise on strategy and approaches and on key decisions, plans and adaptations towards working collaboratively with the Government of Cambodia
• Represent the project in high-level meetings and events and communicate goals and objectives.
• Manage relationships with Government stakeholders.
• Present project objectives and workplans with Government agencies to get buy-in and approvals for project activities, proposals, legislative documents and administrative reforms.
• Identify and serve as the lead facilitator of technical assistance activities which will build the capacity of Competent Authorities and related food safety sector stakeholders in promoting improved policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Coordinate with Competent Authorities, international experts and other
• Cambodian Ministries to support the finalization of Cambodia’s updated food safety policy.
• Support Competent Authorities to prioritize technical regulations and develop a standardized process map for the complete promulgation process.
• Support Competent Authorities to develop technical content to communicate the proposed Food Safety Policy and forthcoming technical regulations to public and private sector stakeholders.
• Provide technical input into the development of project annual work plans and ensure achievement of project goals and targets.
• Participate in regular project management communications (teleconference, written monthly status updates, etc.) with Venture37 HQ.
• Ensure project activities comply with Venture37 policies.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief of Party.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of seven years of experience in food policy and/or trade law.
• Bachelor’s degree in law, trade or equivalent fields.
• Demonstrated ability to adaptively manage technical implementation of project activities.
• Applied experience in food law and/or trade in Cambodia
• Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor tasks.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment and as a good communicator.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in taking initiative and resolving difficulties.
• Fluent in spoken and written English and Khmer.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Prior experience on a development program.
• Experience working with and knowledge of food safety regimes throughout Southeast Asia; experience and knowledge of the food safety sector and food safety regime in the United States preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of the food safety sector in Cambodia; demonstrated knowledge of relevant Competent Authorities preferred.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred.

This position is contingent upon USDA approval.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted.

Land O’Lakes never requests money or payment from candidates for any position type. Please report any such requests to Land O’Lakes.

Land O’Lakes Venture37 is an equal opportunity employer and an organization striving to help global communities thrive through agriculture. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status, among other factors. Our culture values a diversity of voices. So bring us your unique experiences, your workstyle, and your dreams — they’ll only make us stronger.