Emergency Nutrition Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization Of the United Nations


Food and Agriculture Organization Of the United Nations_FAO (1)

Achieving food security for all is at the heart of FAO’s efforts – to make sure people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. Our three main goals are: the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty and the driving forward of economic and social progress for all; and, the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, including land, water, air, climate and genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations.

  • Job Type: Full Time
  • Qualification: MBA/MSc/MA
  • Experience: 5 years
  • Location: Borno
  • City: Maiduguri
  • Job Field: NGO/Non-Profit  , Project Management 

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

Program Design and Implementation:

  • 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.

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.

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.

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.

Coordination and Representation:

  • Represent FAO in relevant coordination forums, such as nutrition cluster meetings.
  • Foster strong partnerships with government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders.
  • 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

Method of Application

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