Emergency Nutrition Specialist
Emergency Nutrition Specialist
Location
Full job description
- FAO is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, background and culture
- Qualified female applicants, qualified nationals of non-and under-represented Members and person with disabilities are encouraged to apply
- Everyone who works for FAO is required to adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professional conduct, and to uphold FAO’s values
- FAO, as a Specialized Agency of the United Nations, has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that is incompatible with its status, objectives and mandate, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
- All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks
- All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality
Organizational Setting
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is seeking a qualified Nutrition Specialist to support its emergency nutrition interventions in northeast and northwest Nigeria. These regions have been severely impacted by conflict, displacement, and food insecurity, leading to significant nutritional challenges. The Nutrition Specialist will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and monitoring nutrition programs to address acute malnutrition and enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations.
Key Results
To provide leadership and technical expertise in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of emergency nutrition programs to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable populations in emergency hotspot locations.
Reporting Lines
The job holders report to the Emergency Programme Specialist, Coordinator and (OiC) Head of Sub-Office in Maiduguri.
Technical Focus
- Overall skills will centre around ensuring optimal nutrition practices and outcomes
- Nutrition in emergencies – treatment and prevention of acute malnutrition in emergencies
- Nutrition sensitive and nutrition specific interventions and activities
- Developing and managing nutrition programs and initiatives.
- Developing and implementing Tom-Brown to malnourished individuals especially children, pregnant and lactating mothers
Tasks and responsibilities
- Develop and implement emergency nutrition programs in alignment with FAO guidelines and standards.
- Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps and prioritize interventions.
- Coordinate with local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure integrated program delivery.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Establish and manage robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track program progress and impact.
- Conduct regular field visits to monitor the quality of program implementation.
- Compile and analyse data to inform program adjustments and improvements.
3. Capacity Building:
- Provide training and technical support to local staff and partners on emergency nutrition best practices.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among program teams.
4. Reporting and Documentation:
- Prepare timely and accurate reports on program activities, outcomes, and challenges.
- Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to inform future programming.
5. Coordination and Representation:
- Represent FAO in relevant coordination forums, such as nutrition cluster meetings.
- Foster strong partnerships with government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders.
6. Conduct other responsibilities which may be assigned by the supervisor
CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING
Minimum Requirements
- Advanced university degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or any other related fields.
- A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in emergency nutrition programming, preferably in conflict-affected settings.
- Working knowledge of English, and other local languages is required.
FAO Core Competencies
- Results Focus
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Building Effective Relationships
- Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement
Technical/Functional Skills
- Demonstrated experience in program design, implementation, and monitoring in humanitarian contexts.
- Experience working with UN agencies, INGOs, or government bodies in similar roles.
- Proven ability to manage and coordinate complex programs with multiple stakeholders.
- Experience in preventive services for acute malnutrition at community level using community participatory approach
- Knowledge of local solutions to prevent and reduce child wasting through food-based approach is an added advantage
- In-depth knowledge of international and national emergency nutrition principles, standards, and protocols and their applications
- Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct nutritional assessments
- Proficiency in project management cycle, including planning, implementation, and monitoring
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective coordination and capacity building
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and software
- FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
- Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
- Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
- For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
FAO seeks gender, geographical and linguistic diversity in its staff and international consultants in order to best serve FAO Members in all regions.
HOW TO APPLY
- To apply, visit the recruitment website at Jobs at FAO and complete your online profile. We strongly recommend that your profile is accurate, complete and includes your employment records, academic qualifications, and language skills
- Candidates are requested to attach a letter of motivation to the online profile
- Once your profile is completed, please apply, and submit your application
- Candidates may be requested to provide performance assessments and authorization to conduct verification checks of past and present work, character, education, military and police records to ascertain any and all information which may be pertinent to the employment qualifications
- Incomplete applications will not be considered
- Personal information provided on your application may be shared within FAO and with other companies acting on FAO’s behalf to provide employment support services such as pre-screening of applications, assessment tests, background checks and other related services. You will be asked to provide your consent before submitting your application. You may withdraw consent at any time, by withdrawing your application, in such case FAO will no longer be able to consider your application
- Only applications received through the FAO recruitment portal will be considered
- Your application will be screened based on the information provided in your online profile
- We encourage applicants to submit the application well before the deadline date.
If you need help or have queries, please create a one-time registration with FAO’s client support team for further assistance: https://fao.service-now.com/csp
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