Senior Nutrition Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and various stakeholders to support national nutrition priorities. The organization is dedicated to addressing all forms of malnutrition, including dietary risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. WHO's mission is to reduce health disparities and ensure access to adequate nutrition for all, particularly vulnerable populations such as women and children. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, poverty, education, and gender equality.

Job Overview:
The Senior Nutrition Officer (SNO) will provide techno-managerial support to WHO's nutrition initiatives in India, focusing on strengthening evidence-based programming and reporting for donor partners. The SNO will coordinate trans-fat surveillance, lead knowledge management activities related to nutrition programs, and develop data collection tools and training materials for program staff and partners. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including state and central agencies, to ensure effective implementation of nutrition strategies. The SNO will also be responsible for drafting donor reports, synthesizing findings for program learning, and participating in field visits for assessments and monitoring implementation quality. This position is crucial for advancing WHO's nutrition agenda in India and ensuring alignment with international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate trans-fat surveillance to harmonize protocols and ensure proper data capture and reporting.
• Lead knowledge management activities related to nutrition programs, including monitoring, evaluation, and technical documentation.
• Develop data collection tools and training materials for program staff and partners.
• Review tools and methodologies for data collection and behavior change communication to ensure alignment with WHO and partner agency standards.
• Oversee implementation of data collection activities across field sites and supervise staff in the process.
• Draft, consolidate, and finalize donor reports, synthesizing findings for program learning and dissemination.
• Participate in and organize field visits for assessment, tool validation, and monitoring implementation quality.
• Liaise with partners and support collaborative activities.
• Perform other project management and technical tasks as assigned by supervisors. 1
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by the supervisor(s) from time to time.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a Master’s degree in Nutrition, MBBS, or MPH from a recognized institution. Desirable qualifications include a Ph.D. in nutrition. Candidates must demonstrate skills in developing data tools, staff training, and monitoring field implementation. Proficiency in computer applications and the ability to analyze health and nutrition data are essential. Excellent communication and presentation skills, along with strong analytical and interpersonal abilities, are required. Knowledge of Hindi is also desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Nutrition, MBBS, or MPH from an accredited institution. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from recognized institutions, as listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). A Ph.D. in nutrition is considered a desirable qualification.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of professional experience working at the national and state levels on the development and implementation of nutrition-related programs and operational research. Experience in liaising with various stakeholders for program implementation is essential. Desirable experience includes a thorough understanding of national and state policies and programs on health and nutrition, as well as working with donor agencies. Candidates with five or more years of work experience in the public health sector, prior experience in project/program management, and reporting for donor-funded health/nutrition initiatives will be preferred. Experience in supporting technical training and data collection on infant and young child nutrition (IYCN) and dietary risk factors for NCDs is also advantageous.

Languages:
Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is mandatory. A working knowledge of at least one other national language is considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in New Delhi and offers a monthly remuneration of INR 218,855, taxable as per Indian laws. The appointment will be through a Special Services Agreement (SSA) and is extendable subject to satisfactory performance and continuing need for the function. The role may require some travel, potentially up to five days a month, to various states and districts. This vacancy notice may be used to fill similar positions at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test and interviews may be used as a form of screening. Candidates must provide scanned copies of required degrees and certificates in advance if retained for an interview. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all members of the workforce are expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards.