Call for expression of interest

The Advisory Committee is one of the advisory structures within safefood.  It complements the Advisory Board and, like the Advisory Board, is appointed by the North-South Ministerial Council (NSMC).

Section 11.6 of Annex 2, Part 2 of the governing legislation provides that: "NSMC will appoint an Advisory Committee including scientific experts and representatives of broader food safety interests”.

The current safefood Advisory Committee’s term expired on 31 December 2009. We are now seeking expressions of interest for potential members of our next advisory committee with North-South representation for a variety of disciplines in the area of food, health and communication.

Criteria for eligibility

safefood is looking for individuals with the following skills, knowledge and attributes:

• The ability to interpret information and communicate effectively 
• Good judgement, a high level of integrity and responsibility
• The capacity to think and act both strategically and analytically
• Appreciation of the role of a Committee member of a major public organisation and the associated collective responsibilities

Candidates will be expected to have substantial experience in at least one of the disciplines below. The examples given are by way of illustration and are not exhaustive.

• Science
  (e.g. microbiology, chemistry, medicine, epidemiology, veterinary, nutrition, food science)
  
• Food Chain Regulation
  (e.g. enforcement, quality assurance, review)
  
• Diet and Nutrition
  (e.g. research, public health nutrition, community nutrition)
  
• Education
  (agri-food or food-related)
  
• Food Related Behaviour and Food and Health Communication
  (e.g. behavioural & social sciences, marketing, PR/media, consumer research)
  
• Community / Consumer representatives
  (e.g. community food initiatives, food industry, members of public health agencies, representatives of consumers)

Selection of potential members

Applications meeting the eligibility requirements above will be submitted to a comparative evaluation carried out by safefood.  An evaluation panel will carry out an assessment based on meeting the following criteria:

• Proven experience in providing and guiding strategic direction in their related discipline
• A minimum of three years experience in their chosen field of expertise
• Demonstrated ability for collaborative problem solving
• Leadership positions in professional associations or experience on other committees
• A demonstrated interest in the development of food safety promotion, public health nutrition, understanding food behaviour or food and health communications.

Potential members will be selected to represent a variety and balance of the disciplines outlined above. In case of equal excellence the need to ensure gender and geographical balance shall represent a further criterion. Applicants meeting the requirements for membership but who are not designated may be placed on a reserve list in case vacancies occur.

The Chief Executive Officer will submit a list of potential members jointly to the Department of Health and Children, and the Department of Health, Social security and Public Safety for consideration.

The Departments will, having considered the safefood submission, make recommendations to the North-South Ministerial Council, which will make the final selection.

Terms of membership

The period of membership will last 2-3 years*, depending on contribution and conduct. Members are appointed on a personal basis. The members shall undertake to act independently and free of external influence. For this purpose, members will be obliged to make a declaration of interests at the beginning of each meeting.

Plenary meetings will take place every six months with smaller sub-groups, formed as required to focus on specific topics, meeting more frequently. Members are not remunerated, but qualify for travelling and subsistence allowances associated with attendance at meetings.

Application process

Please post or e-mail expressions of interest to include:

1) a cover letter outlining how you meet the criteria for assessment listed above, and
2) a C.V.

to:

Dr. Aileen McGloin
safefood
Block B
Abbey Court
Dublin 1

Or SAC@safefood.eu

Please contact Dr. Aileen McGloin with enquiries by email or by phoning +353 1 4480600.  Applications should arrive no later than 5pm Friday, 26 of February 2010.

safefood is committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates irrespective of religious belief, gender, disability, race, political opinion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, members of the travelling community, gender reassignment or family status.

* Some members will remain on the committee for 2 years while others will be members for three. Members are eligible to serve for two terms. This is to allow for continuity of the work of the Advisory Committee.

More information about the safefood Advisory Committee