Nutrition and Food Systems Officer (Healthy Diet Metrics and Analytics)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is a specialized agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. The organization aims to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food and Nutrition Division (ESN) focuses on improving nutrition through technical expertise and normative guidance, supporting member countries in their efforts to enhance access to healthy diets.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition and Food Systems Officer (Healthy Diet Metrics and Analytics) plays a crucial role in the Food and Nutrition Division at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. This position is responsible for providing technical expertise in the area of healthy diet metrics and analytics, enabling member countries and organizations to generate and utilize metrics for decision-making, monitoring, and evaluating policies aimed at improving diet quality. The officer will work closely with the Statistics Division and other UN agencies to advance the development and validation of healthy diet metrics, ensuring that these metrics are integrated into FAO's data platforms and flagship reports. The role requires a strong analytical background, as the officer will be involved in data compilation, analysis, and reporting, as well as capacity development activities to promote the use of these metrics in policy and program decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The officer will conduct research and analysis of various data sets related to agriculture, economics, nutrition, and social factors to support the delivery of FAO's programs and services. Key responsibilities include producing technical reports, providing analytical services for studies and assessments, and participating in the development of improved methodologies and tools for data collection and analysis. The officer will also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, engage in capacity development activities, and promote knowledge sharing at international meetings. Specific functions include supporting the gathering and analysis of dietary data, implementing mechanisms for global reporting of dietary metrics, and contributing to the validation of these metrics. The officer will also consolidate data for FAO reports and contribute written content for publications, ensuring that the information is accessible and useful for policy decisions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in nutritional epidemiology, nutritional sciences, applied human nutrition, biostatistics with a nutrition focus, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant experience in analyzing large datasets related to dietary intake and diet quality metrics is required. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is also necessary. Candidates should demonstrate competencies in results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s degree or equivalent, in fields such as nutritional epidemiology, nutritional sciences, applied human nutrition, or biostatistics with a focus on nutrition. A PhD in a related field is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in analyzing large datasets pertinent to dietary intake and diet quality metrics. Experience in generating, analyzing, consolidating, and reporting on healthy diet data is essential. Additionally, experience in facilitating the use of diet quality data in nutrition policy and program initiatives is highly valued. Work experience in multiple locations or areas, particularly in field positions, is desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a requirement for intermediate knowledge of another official FAO language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This bilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration within the organization and with member countries.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. While the job ad does not specify a deadline for applications, it is important for candidates to check the job posting link for any updates. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates may be recruited internationally, given FAO's global presence. Compensation and benefits details are typically provided upon successful application and may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.