Nutrition Technician

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO's mission is 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. With 195 Members, including 194 countries and the European Union, FAO operates in over 130 countries worldwide. The organization works through its Country Offices, which provide policy advice and support to countries in the areas mandated by FAO, facilitating partnerships and resources to deliver technical assistance and develop capacities while adhering to international standards of accountability. FAO's strategic framework aims to transform agrifood systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable, contributing to better production, nutrition, environment, and life, leaving no one behind.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition Technician position is primarily focused on conducting dietary assessments and anthropometric measurements to evaluate the nutritional status of target communities. The role involves maintaining accurate data on food intake, dietary habits, and nutritional health indicators, with the ultimate goal of improving the nutritional status of communities and dietary practices. The Nutrition Technician will work under the supervision of the FAO Representative in Nepal and the Project Team Leader, receiving technical guidance from the Cluster Nutrition Specialist. This position requires a proactive approach to community engagement, facilitating the formation of nutrition groups, and implementing nutrition-related programs such as Nutrition Field Schools and Home Nutrition Gardens. The technician will also be responsible for data collection and reporting, ensuring that the project meets its objectives and adheres to established guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Nutrition Technician will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Forming and identifying new nutrition groups and selecting existing groups (mother groups).
• Conducting group-level orientations and meetings to sensitize participants on project activities as guided by the Project Coordination Unit (PCU).
• Facilitating the formation and registration of groups in rural municipalities and providing support for group strengthening.
• Planning and implementing Nutrition Field Schools (NFS) and Home Nutrition Gardens (HNG) in targeted municipalities.
• Supporting nutrition groups in adopting social and behavior change communication (BCC) practices.
• Assisting nutrition groups in developing proposals and business plans to access small grants from the project.
• Preparing and submitting monthly work plans to the Cluster Nutrition Specialist and PCU.
• Collecting and reporting field-level data required for the Project Management Information System (PMIS) on a monthly basis.
• Monitoring and supervising nutrition-related activities and preparing monthly progress reports. 1
• Coordinating with PCUs for the distribution of inputs and tools for implementing NFS and HNG. 1
• Implementing awareness-raising activities on environmental and social issues. 1
• Monitoring compliance with environmental and social management plans. 1
• Reporting on the use of funds disbursed to beneficiary groups and the progress of business plans and small grant programs. 1
• Supporting the identification of beneficiaries and the formation of nutrition groups in new rural municipalities for project interventions. 1
• Undertaking other project-related tasks as assigned by the PCU chief and staff.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or Technical Diploma equivalent to SLC, with a focus on health education or nutrition-related fields. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of working experience in development projects, social mobilization, or awareness activities. A working knowledge of English and Nepali is essential, and candidates must be nationals of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. FAO core competencies such as results focus, teamwork, communication, building effective relationships, and knowledge sharing are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma or Technical Diploma in health education or a nutrition-related field. Candidates must have qualifications recognized by accredited institutions listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant working experience in development projects, particularly in social mobilization or awareness activities. Experience in conducting dietary assessments and working with community groups is highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Nepali is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages will be considered an advantage, enhancing communication with community members.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The position may involve full-time engagement, and candidates are encouraged to visit the FAO employment website for additional opportunities.