INTRODUCTION 

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) was launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. GAIN is a global, Swiss-based foundation that mobilizes public-private partnerships and provides financial and technical support to deliver nutritious foods to those people most at risk of malnutrition. 

One of our programs in Ethiopia is supporting food fortification. Food fortification is one of the key strategies endorsed by the Government of Ethiopia to reduce micronutrient deficiencies. As part of fortification program GAIN also provide support for strengthening the capacity of the laboratories.

Laboratory testing is an important function for both quality and regulatory monitoring of foods.  Food testing relies upon scientific principles to determine the nutritional content and other quality and safety parameters against the standard. It provides analytical data on the quality and safety of fortified foods and their production processes to support regulatory and quality monitoring. This in turn supports the supply of quality, safe foods in the country.  

GAIN is looking for trainers to conduct training on the new standard for Laboratory competence (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) to selected Fortified food product testing laboratories

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The major objective of the training of the laboratories is enhance the knowledge of the ISO/IEC 17025 :2017 and implement the system in their respective laboratory to be accredited in micronutrient (vitamins and Minerals) testing in food products.

SCOPE OF THE WORK 

The Training organization will report to GAIN, under an agreed work plan, to undertake tasks that will include, the following:  

1.     Develop training manual on introduction to ISO/IEC 17025:2017, requirements of the standard. The course materials should be presented using a combination of interactive discussions and lectures supplemented with individual and group exercises and role-playing scenarios.

2.     Provide training to the participants based on the prepared manual including practical demonstration.

3.     Conduct pre and post assessment of trainers’ knowledge on ISO/IEC 17025:

4.     Write up a detailed training report and submit to GAIN along with training manuals/tools.

TRAINING APPROACH 

GAIN requires the training to be relevant and practical to participants conducting further training in Ethiopia.

The trainers will ensure that participants demonstrate practical competence in the skills being delivered through this training programme. The use of a diverse set of education approaches and interactive tools is required to fully engage all participants.

All participants completing the course of training will receive a certificate of training and be provided with the training materials needed to conduct further training to laboratory staff.

NUMBER OF TRAINEES, DURATION AND LOCATION OF TRAINING

Trainees are participants from  Food testing laboratories.

      Total number:             20-25 participants

      Duration:                     The training will take 3 days

      Training dates:              Date to be determined

      Location of the training: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Learning Outcome

After successful completion of the course, the participant will be able to: 

o   Understand ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements and the changes being made to ISO/IEC 17025.

o   Describe the process-based approach of the Standard;
Explain new concepts in 17025:2017 such as:

•    Continual Improvement (using PDCA and KPIs);
•    Verification and Validation;
•     Decision Rules;
•     Principles of Impartiality; and
•     Risk Based Thinking

o   Plan the steps required in implementing these changes

o   Perform a review of their existing Quality Management System to ensure all changes are included

o   Add the required changes to their existing internal/external audit checklists.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRMENTS 

The Candidate trainers should at least meet the following:

o   Experience in provide training on ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for testing laboratories

o   Expertise in designing and using participatory and adult education approaches in delivering training

o   Experience in laboratory accreditation is preferred

o   Number of trainers should be minimum two

o   Demonstrate knowledge and experience in the new ISO/IEC 17025:2017