Emergency Nutrition Specialist at Food and Agriculture Organization Of the United Nations

Organizational Setting

• The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is seeking a qualified Nutrition Specialist to support its emergency nutrition interventions in northeast and northwest Nigeria.
• These regions have been severely impacted by conflict, displacement, and food insecurity, leading to significant nutritional challenges.
• The Nutrition Specialist will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and monitoring nutrition programs to address acute malnutrition and enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations.

Key Results

• To provide leadership and technical expertise in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of emergency nutrition programs to improve the nutritional status of vulnerable populations in emergency hotspot locations.

Reporting Lines

• The job holders report to the Emergency Programme Specialist, Coordinator and (OiC) Head of Sub-Office in Maiduguri.

Technical Focus

• Overall skills will centre around ensuring optimal nutrition practices and outcomes 
• Nutrition in emergencies – treatment and prevention of acute malnutrition in emergencies
• Nutrition sensitive and nutrition specific interventions and activities  
• Developing and managing nutrition programs and initiatives.
• Developing and implementing Tom-Brown to malnourished individuals especially children, pregnant and lactating mothers  

Tasks and responsibilities

Program Design and Implementation:

• Develop and implement emergency nutrition programs in alignment with FAO guidelines and standards.
• Conduct needs assessments to identify gaps and prioritize interventions.
• Coordinate with local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure integrated program delivery.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Establish and manage robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track program progress and impact.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor the quality of program implementation.
• Compile and analyse data to inform program adjustments and improvements.

Capacity Building:

• Provide training and technical support to local staff and partners on emergency nutrition best practices.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among program teams.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Prepare timely and accurate reports on program activities, outcomes, and challenges.
• Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to inform future programming.

Coordination and Representation:

• Represent FAO in relevant coordination forums, such as nutrition cluster meetings.
• Foster strong partnerships with government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct other responsibilities which may be assigned by the supervisor

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

• Advanced university degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or any other related fields.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in emergency nutrition programming, preferably in conflict-affected settings.
• Working knowledge of English, and other local languages is required. 

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Building Effective Relationships
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Demonstrated experience in program design, implementation, and monitoring in humanitarian contexts.
• Experience working with UN agencies, INGOs, or government bodies in similar roles.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate complex programs with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience in preventive services for acute malnutrition at community level using community participatory approach
• Knowledge of local solutions to prevent and reduce child wasting through food-based approach is an added advantage 
• In-depth knowledge of international and national emergency nutrition principles, standards, and protocols and their applications
• Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct nutritional assessments 
• Proficiency in project management cycle, including planning, implementation, and monitoring 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective coordination and capacity building 
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and software