Programme Policy Officer (Nutritionist)

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Position Title: Programme Policy Officer (Nutritionist)
Location: Addis Ababa
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date: 2 March 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to ensure effective humanitarian assistance reaches millions of people globally. WFP's mission is to end hunger and improve nutrition and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and it is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Job Overview:
The Programme Policy Officer (Nutritionist) position is integral to the World Food Programme's efforts in Ethiopia, particularly under the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) funded project aimed at improving dietary diversity among vulnerable populations, specifically pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under two years. The role involves significant responsibilities in implementing nutrition-sensitive programs, providing technical advice on nutrition strategies, and ensuring that WFP's nutrition initiatives align with broader policies and strategies. The job holder will be based in Addis Ababa but will require frequent travel to intervention areas, emphasizing the need for adaptability and a hands-on approach to program implementation. The position is designed for a two-year term, with the possibility of extension, and is open to non-Ethiopian nationals only.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of nutrition-sensitive programs that enhance food availability, accessibility, and sustainability through homestead gardening and livestock management.
• Spearhead the rollout of Social Behaviour Change (SBC) initiatives to improve dietary diversity and reduce stunting.
• Provide expert technical advice to the Country Office on nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programming, including assessments, objectives, activities, and commodity choices.
• Contribute to the development of nutrition projects and ensure alignment with wider nutrition policies.
• Manage specific nutrition projects, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and procedures.
• Develop and coordinate data gathering and monitoring systems to maintain high-quality standards.
• Analyze data for reporting and decision-making purposes, ensuring timely and accurate communication with stakeholders.
• Collaborate with implementing partners to monitor projects and address potential risks.
• Support operational partnerships and inter-agency collaboration for a comprehensive response to nutrition needs. 1
• Strengthen national nutrition initiatives and government policies, providing capacity building for WFP staff and partners. 1
• Work with various units to ensure effective design and delivery of nutrition programming. 1
• Mentor junior staff and assist with complex analyses. 1
• Act in emergency response capacities as needed. 1
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in international humanitarian organizations, particularly in managing and implementing nutrition-related programs. Experience in stunting reduction, food security, and livelihood interventions is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work systematically, use initiative, and communicate complex matters effectively. Proven leadership skills in a multicultural environment are also required, along with the ability to collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Public Health Nutrition, Nutrition, Food Technology, Medicine, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of nutrition programming and policy development.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least five years of relevant experience in managing and implementing nutrition programs within humanitarian contexts. Experience working with governments on nutrition policy development and conducting nutritional assessments is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Ethiopian context and experience in both emergency and development settings will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Korean is mandatory for this position, with a strong emphasis on the ability to communicate effectively in both languages. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Limited Fixed Term (LFT) contract at the P3 level, with a duration of two years and the possibility of extension. It is important to note that the role is open to non-Ethiopian nationals only. The World Food Programme offers a competitive compensation package and emphasizes the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in its recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to apply without regard to race, gender, or other characteristics, and the organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.