Senior Regulatory Food Specialist

Role Description The Senior Regulatory Food Specialist is a part-time, remote role responsible for ensuring that food-related programs, services, and initiatives comply with relevant local and international food safety, nutrition, and regulatory standards. This role includes developing and reviewing guidelines for food preparation and service in youth-focused programs, particularly where food and beverage offerings support health, well-being, and sexual and reproductive health initiatives. The specialist will advise on menu planning, safe cooking practices, and food handling protocols, and will collaborate with program teams to integrate regulatory-compliant food components into trainings, events, and community outreach. Day-to-day tasks involve researching regulatory frameworks, drafting standard operating procedures, conducting risk assessments, and providing capacity-building support to staff, volunteers, and partners on food safety and hygiene. The role also includes preparing documentation for compliance audits, supporting partnerships with food service providers, and communicating clear, accessible recommendations that align with the organization’s holistic, youth-centered mission.

Qualifications

• Food Preparation and Cooking skills for developing safe, nutritious, and practical food guidelines for youth-oriented programs.
• Experience in Food & Beverage and Food Service operations, including knowledge of hygiene standards, food handling protocols, and service workflows.
• Strong Communication skills to translate regulatory requirements into clear guidance for staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Demonstrated expertise in food safety, regulatory compliance, and relevant national and international food standards.
• Experience working with youth-focused, community-based, or non-profit initiatives, preferably in health, nutrition, or social justice contexts.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment, manage multiple projects, and collaborate across diverse and multicultural teams.
• Relevant academic background in food science, nutrition, public health, hospitality management, or a related field is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with African regional regulatory frameworks and a commitment to equitable, inclusive, and rights-based approaches to youth empowerment.