Consultant for School Meal Menu Development

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 are committed to the mission of alleviating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, reflecting its significant contributions to global humanitarian efforts. WFP values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal employment opportunities for all employees, and actively encourages qualified candidates from various backgrounds to apply. For more information about WFP, visit their official website at https://www.wfp.org and follow them on social media platforms for updates and news.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in developing updated and standardized school meal menus and recipes that cater to the nutritional needs of primary and pre-primary school children. The menus must be locally sourced, cost-effective, culturally acceptable, and promote dietary diversity, food safety, and environmental sustainability. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government ministries and local organizations, to ensure that the menus align with national nutrition guidelines and school feeding policies. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of local food systems, nutritional standards, and the ability to engage with diverse groups to gather insights and feedback for menu development. The consultant will also be responsible for conducting assessments, stakeholder consultations, and validation of the proposed menus and recipes, ensuring they meet the needs of the target population while being feasible for implementation in schools.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include conducting a desk review of existing national menu and recipe guidelines, relevant policies, and national nutrition data. They will lead a local food availability and quantification assessment to identify regionally available food items suitable for school menus. The consultant will conduct structured consultations with national technical teams, school staff, parents, and local farmers to gather insights and promote consensus on menu development. They will develop age-appropriate, costed, seasonal weekly menus based on locally available foods, ensuring alignment with national dietary guidelines. Additionally, the consultant will present draft menus for validation, develop implementation tools such as recipe cards and costing sheets, and facilitate training sessions for stakeholders involved in the school feeding program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, with the ability to review and synthesize complex information related to nutrition, food systems, and local agricultural practices. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for engaging with diverse stakeholders and facilitating consultations. The consultant should have experience in menu development, nutrition, or related fields, with a proven track record of working in similar contexts. Familiarity with local food systems and cultural dietary practices will be highly beneficial. The ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively is also required.

Educational Background:
A degree in nutrition, food science, public health, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in these areas will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a strong understanding of nutritional guidelines and food safety standards, as well as experience in developing menus or recipes for institutional settings, particularly in schools.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in nutrition, food systems, or public health, with a focus on menu development and school feeding programs. Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations in the context of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and nutrition is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a history of successful project management and stakeholder engagement in similar roles.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Lesotho will be considered an advantage, as it may facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role with a defined scope of work and deliverables. The consultant will be expected to work full-time during the contract period, which will be specified in the terms of the agreement. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience, and the consultant will be responsible for their own taxes and benefits. WFP is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. All candidates are encouraged to apply, and WFP emphasizes a commitment to an inclusive work environment free from discrimination and harassment.