Health and Nutrition Technical Advisor

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disaster. Established with a mission to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being, RI employs over 7,000 staff and local volunteers across 15 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on providing essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods, aiming to create a foundation for community resilience. RI operates as an alliance of four organizations—Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK, and Relief International-Europe—under a unified leadership structure, emphasizing collaboration and shared goals.

Job Overview:
The Health and Nutrition Technical Advisor position at Relief International is a dynamic role that requires a hands-on approach to support the organization's operations in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt). The advisor will be responsible for providing technical direction to project staff and partners, actively engaging in the implementation of RI programs, and recommending improvements to enhance service delivery and overall program quality. A key aspect of this role involves capacity building for national teams and local partners, ensuring that they are equipped to meet health and nutrition needs effectively. The advisor will also assess current health and nutrition requirements and assist in program development to secure funding from various donors. This position is designed for individuals who thrive in fast-paced emergency response environments and can work independently without close supervision, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to changing circumstances.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health and Nutrition Technical Advisor will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: contributing to the development of long-term operational and strategic plans, translating these strategies into actionable departmental work plans, and identifying and maintaining strategic partnerships. The advisor will represent RI in health and nutrition clusters and technical working groups, ensuring that the organization's mandate is communicated effectively to stakeholders. They will review project service delivery plans, provide guidance to staff and partners, and evaluate activity progress to determine necessary actions. The advisor will support medical audits, assess health and nutrition services, and coordinate with procurement teams for medical supplies. Additionally, they will monitor and report on program effectiveness, develop monitoring and evaluation systems, and document lessons learned to improve future interventions. Leadership responsibilities include supervising cross-project roles, ensuring high-quality proposals are developed, and leading needs assessments for new programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Health and Nutrition Technical Advisor position must meet several essential qualifications, including an advanced degree in a health or nutrition field (such as M.P.H., MD, or R.N.) and a minimum of five years of experience in public health, with at least two years in complex humanitarian settings, preferably in conflict zones in the Middle East. Demonstrated technical expertise in areas such as primary and secondary health care, reproductive health, and child health nutrition is crucial. The ability to transfer technical knowledge and experience in coaching and capacity building is essential, along with a solid background in project design, proposal development, and fundraising. Familiarity with UN agencies and international emergency response systems in the health and nutrition sectors is also required, as well as excellent English writing skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in a relevant health or nutrition field, such as a Master's in Public Health (M.P.H.), Doctor of Medicine (MD), or Registered Nurse (R.N.). This advanced education is critical for understanding the complexities of health and nutrition in humanitarian contexts and for providing the necessary technical guidance to project teams.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should possess at least five years of experience in public health, with a significant portion of that time spent in complex humanitarian settings. This experience should include at least two years in conflict-affected areas, particularly in the Middle East, where the challenges of delivering health and nutrition services are heightened. The candidate should have a proven track record of working in emergency response environments and be adept at navigating the unique challenges that arise in such contexts.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, particularly in writing, as the role involves preparing reports and documentation for various stakeholders. Additionally, proficiency in Arabic is desirable, as it enhances communication with local partners and communities in the oPt. Familiarity with the socio-political context in Gaza is also beneficial for understanding the operational landscape.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel of up to 50% within the region, and it is classified as requiring enhanced due diligence due to the nature of the work. The role does not have budget responsibility but involves significant relationship management with various stakeholders, including program managers, area directors, and technical advisors. The position is full-time and may involve working under challenging conditions typical of humanitarian settings.