Nutrition and Food Systems Officer (School Food and Nutrition)

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is an agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established in 1945, FAO has a mission to help eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 12,000 employees. FAO's Food and Nutrition Division (ESN) focuses on providing technical expertise and normative guidance to support member countries in improving access to and consumption of healthy diets, thereby raising levels of nutrition globally.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition and Food Systems Officer (School Food and Nutrition) position is crucial for enhancing the nutritional quality of school meals and promoting healthy eating habits among children. The officer will work under the guidance of the Director of ESN and will report directly to the Senior Nutrition Officer. The role involves contributing to the design, implementation, and monitoring of school food and nutrition programs, with a specific focus on ensuring that school meals are nutritionally adequate, culturally appropriate, and sustainable. The incumbent will provide technical support to FAO country offices and partners, aiming to improve nutrition outcomes through school meals programs. This position also emphasizes the importance of evidence generation, capacity development, and intersectoral collaboration, aligning with FAO's strategic objectives and global commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Nutrition and Food Systems Officer include researching and analyzing agricultural, economic, trade, market, social, environmental, and nutrition-related data to provide technical and policy-related information. The officer will produce various technical reports and contribute to divisional publications and web pages. They will also provide technical support for studies and assessments, participate in the development of analytical tools and methodologies, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, the officer will organize training workshops and seminars, promote knowledge sharing at international meetings, and participate in resource mobilization activities. Specific functions include supporting senior officers in providing technical assistance to countries, integrating local food procurement with nutrition education, developing global and national tools for school-based interventions, and monitoring the impact of school meals on nutrition and local food systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in nutrition, dietetics, food science, public health, or a related field. They should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in nutrition programs. Proficiency in English (level C) and intermediate knowledge of another FAO official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is required. The role demands strong 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 related to nutrition, dietetics, food science, or public health. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of nutrition programs and their implementation in school settings.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience in nutrition programs, with a strong emphasis on school-based interventions. Experience in generating, analyzing, and reporting on food and nutrition data in school settings is crucial. Familiarity with FAO's partner institutions and interagency coordination is also desirable, along with a record of publication in peer-reviewed journals related to school food and nutrition.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is proficiency in English (level C). Additionally, candidates must have intermediate knowledge (level B) of another official FAO language, which could be Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish. This multilingual capability is important for effective communication and collaboration in a diverse international environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is based at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy. The role is full-time and involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and academia. The officer will be expected to participate in global and regional forums, promoting coordinated action for improving nutrition outcomes. The position may involve travel to support field projects and training initiatives. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with FAO's policies and regulations.