Emergency Nutrition and Food Security Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. Founded with the belief that a better world is possible, Mercy Corps partners with communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by people in disaster and hardship, providing support and resources to empower them to thrive. With a mission focused on humanitarian assistance and development, Mercy Corps has established itself as a key player in the global humanitarian landscape, working tirelessly to improve the lives of those in need.

Job Overview:
The Emergency Nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security Consultant position is designed to establish a global roster of experienced consultants who can provide rapid, high-quality technical support in humanitarian and fragile contexts. The consultants will be called upon to fill short-term technical gaps during emergencies and periods of heightened operational demand. The role encompasses a variety of assignments, which may include remote business development, proposal support, and on-the-ground deployment for rapid start-up, assessments, and early implementation. The overarching goal is to strengthen the technical quality, speed, and appropriateness of emergency nutrition and food security responses, ensuring that programming aligns with established guidelines and donor requirements. Consultants will be expected to provide hands-on technical leadership for nutrition-specific interventions and support country teams in designing and adapting emergency programming that is evidence-based and context-appropriate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Emergency Nutrition and Food Security Consultant include leading or supporting rapid needs assessments, analyzing assessment data to inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design, and providing actionable recommendations for emergency response options. The consultant will also be responsible for the technical design of emergency nutrition and food security interventions, ensuring alignment with global guidance and national protocols. Additionally, the consultant will support business development efforts by leading the development of high-quality proposals and concept notes, contributing to donor engagement strategies, and ensuring alignment with donor priorities. The consultant will provide technical implementation support, troubleshoot challenges, and strengthen program quality through various means. Capacity strengthening and technical mentoring of program teams and partners will also be a key responsibility, along with representing the organization in coordination mechanisms and documenting lessons learned from responses.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Emergency Nutrition and Food Security Consultant position must possess an advanced degree or equivalent professional experience in nutrition, food security, public health, or a related field. They should have 7 to 10+ years of experience in humanitarian nutrition and/or food security, including direct field-based humanitarian response. Demonstrated experience in conducting rapid assessments and designing emergency programs is essential, as is a strong background in supporting proposal development for emergency funding. Candidates must have the ability to translate technical standards into practical field solutions and possess excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills. A willingness to work in high-pressure, fast-changing emergency environments is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in nutrition, food security, public health, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education. The emphasis is on having a strong foundation in the relevant disciplines to effectively address the complexities of emergency nutrition and food security.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Emergency Nutrition and Food Security Consultant position is significant, with a requirement of 7 to 10+ years in the field. This experience should include direct involvement in humanitarian nutrition and food security responses, particularly in emergency settings. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting assessments, designing programs, and supporting proposal development, demonstrating their ability to operate effectively in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Additionally, proficiency in French, Arabic, and/or Spanish is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role, particularly in regions where these languages are spoken.

Additional Notes:
The Emergency Nutrition and Food Security Consultant position may involve short-term assignments ranging from 5 to 15 days, as well as longer surge deployments of up to 2 to 3 months. The level of effort required may vary, with options for full-time or part-time engagement, and assignments may be conducted remotely or in-country. Travel to insecure or low-amenity environments may be necessary for field-based assignments. Consultants will report to a designated technical manager or program lead, and close coordination with country teams and relevant technical units is expected. The role requires a collaborative approach in a matrixed environment, emphasizing teamwork and effective communication.