Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide leadership and support in policy development for the Meat Inspection program. To develop and implement regulatory program policy in support of meat inspection, food safety, related projects and issues management with the Ontario government, broader public and private sectors. To assist industry in understanding and meeting regulatory requirements.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Coordinate research, analysis and communications for meat inspection programs and food safety acting as a regulatory resource specialist on the meat sector and food safety issues.

2. Advises on technical standards to be incorporated into legislation and regulations as related to implementation of meat inspection, further processing and national food safety standards. Develops recommendations and presents potential impacts and consequences of standards on the meat and food sectors.

3. Provides technical expertise for industry in interpretation of meat inspection and food safety related legislation at all levels.

4. Liaises with meat inspection managers and staff, regional veterinarians, food scientists and industry food safety experts to provide guidance in the development and implementation of HACCP, GMPs and other food safety and quality assurance processes for the meat and food processing sectors related to meat inspection and further processing.

5. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of existing agri-food related legislation, policies, procedures, trends and developments provincially, federally and internationally that relate to meat inspection, food safety and veterinary services. Work closely/network with stakeholders on matters of meat inspection, further processing inspection and food safety.

6. Provides ongoing technical support to meat inspection and further processing inspection staff including providing technical skills based and knowledge intensive training by fielding/soliciting questions, conducting research and providing answers, preparing help and referencing materials for food and meat industry on regulations, providing scientific resources, information and materials.

7. Participates as the project leader or member of various multidisciplinary working groups to contribute expertise to assist in the development of regulations, standards, procedures and programs. Contributes to the formation, revision and improvement of the Ministrys meat inspection, further processing inspection and food safety strategy, policies, objectives and activities.

8. Prepares and presents speeches and/or papers at conferences, meetings, in-services, industry association gatherings or at public meetings.

9. Assists in meat inspection, further processing inspection and food safety policy development and recommends changes to regulations through ongoing collaboration with staff within the Food Safety and Environment Division, contributing expertise, preparing reports, recommendations and supporting rationale.

10. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of all aspects of labeling requirements as per applicable legislation such as the Food and Drugs Act.

11. Will support other program areas as required.

Knowledge :

Position requires in-depth knowledge of domestic and international food related legislation and the ability to interpret this complex legislation and explain it to the food and meat industry in practical terms. Good knowledge of HACCP programs and systems complimented by applied knowledge of food production and the meat processing industry. Good knowledge of agriculture and food science to understand the scientific impetus of implementing new food safety standards vis-à-vis the economic or social implications on the food processing industry to comply with changes in regulations. Good knowledge of the principles of risk control or risk management. Knowledge of all aspects of labelling requirements of the Food and Drug Act and applicable legislation to act as a Ministry resource on food and drug labelling issues and regulatory requirements. Strong written and oral communication skills are needed to communicate information to Branch staff, legal advisors, other professionals and food industry clients.

Knowledge of adult learning principles required to deliver training options and information sessions to meet both short and long term program objectives. Well developed delivery and facilitation skills required to present educational information, training materials and information sessions in an effective manner. Good negotiation skills to work with industry clients to identify regulatory needs and proactively develop and implement compliance programs. Strong advisory skills are required to act as an effective resource to other professionals and food industry clients. Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain effective collaborative relationships with Ministry staff and develop strong working partnerships with external contacts. Working knowledge of computer applications for basic statistical analysis, routine database management, computer based research and word processing, and electronic communications including the use of the internet.

Judgement :

Under the general direction of the Manager, Program Operations, and working within established practices, policies and standards, the position exercises judgement in providing authoritative advice and direction on regulatory matters affecting food and meat. As new standards are impacting upon the industry, the position exercises judgement in demonstrating leadership and advising industry to increase their understanding and provide the needed technical support to assist them in making the necessary changes. Judgement is exercised in transferring knowledge and expertise to program managers and staff and providing the tools and resources on an ongoing basis as developments occur that enable staff to address the implementation concerns of the meat and food processing industries.

Accountability - Programs :

The position is directly responsible for providing expert advice (including the interpretation and enforcement of regulations) program managers and staff and industry on regulatory programs impacting upon the food and meat industry. Position is accountable to work proactively with industry partners to implement changes to comply with new standards, both provincially and nationally.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Failure to ensure regulations have an adequate scientific base and provide a framework for industry to control risks could create legal liabilities for the ministry. Failure to provide credible advisory services to industry partners to help them manage in a new regulatory environment could result in financial losses to industry, wastage of public funds, damage to the Ministrys relationship with industry, erosion of public confidence in the food supply and loss of credibility of the program, Ministry and the government.

Contact - Internal :

Regular and ongoing contact with the Manager, Program Operations, General Manager, Regional Managers, Area Managers, field staff, Food Scientists, Enforcement Staff, legal advisors and other Branch colleagues to exchange information and collaborate on projects. Frequent contact with colleagues in other Ministry Branches and Divisions.

Contact - External :

Regular contact with licensed operators, veterinarians, federal government counterparts such as Health Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Contact with legal advisors. Regular contact with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Ontario Public Health Agency, Ontario Independent Meat Processors partner Ministries across the OPS.

Regular contact with stakeholders in organizations and industry sectors related to food processing and food safety for consultation purposes.