Technical Specialist (Food Fortification) at Helen Keller International

Position Summary: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Food Fortification Specialist to lead and support food fortification initiatives in collaboration with food industries. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food science, food technology, or food engineering, and experience working with food manufacturers to implement and monitor fortification programs. This role is critical in ensuring the successful integration of micronutrient fortification into staple foods and processed products to combat malnutrition and improve public health outcomes.

The Technical Specialist (Food Fortification) will be supervised by Helen Keller’s Nutrition Program Manager. S/he will work closely with Helen Keller’s country office staff, while liaising with partner agencies, particularly in Nigeria, to implement project activities. Throughout the Bouillon Initiative project, the Technical Specialist (Food Fortification) will work with supervisors and other colleagues towards ensuring quality delivery of Bouillon Fortification Initiative in Nigeria.

KEY DELIVERABLES 

With support from the Nutrition Program Manager, the Technical Specialist (Food Fortification) will:

• Provide technical guidance to food manufacturers on fortification processes, including premix selection, dosage, and quality assurance.
• Collaborate with industry partners to develop and implement fortification strategies for staple foods (e.g. bouillon, complementary foods, flour, oil, salt, sugar, dairy).
• Conduct training sessions and workshops for industry personnel on fortification standards and best practices.
• Support industries in establishing internal quality control systems to ensure compliance with national and international fortification standards.
• Assist in the development and review of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for fortified food products manufacturing.
• Participate in the design and implementation of monitoring systems to track fortification coverage, compliance, and impact.
• Analyze data and prepare reports on fortification program performance and industry compliance.
• Work with regulatory bodies and stakeholders to support the development and enforcement of food fortification policies and regulations.
• Advocate for industry participation in national fortification programs and public-private partnerships.
• Support Tracking and oversight of project activity and activity costing

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in food science, Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4–6 years’ experience in food fortification, food processing, food products and packaging research and development, or quality assurance in the food industry.
• Knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) 
• Experience in food analysis methods, and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Strong understanding of micronutrient fortification technologies and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with food manufacturers, government agencies, or NGOs is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Quality Management System (QMS) and Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in the food industry
• Excellent training, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in project planning and organization, as well as personal time management. Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex documents, including research data, laboratory analytical data, policy analysis 
• Relevant experience in advocacy with government officials 
• Excellent written, oral and communication skills. 
• Fluency in English oral and written.

Preferred Skills:

• Sound food science/technology knowledge and training
• Familiarity with national and international fortification guidelines (e.g., SON, NAFDAC, MNDC, WHO, Codex Alimentarius).
• Experience with food laboratory testing and analytical methods for micronutrients, proximate composition, and physico-chemical properties 
• Project management and report writing skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SPSS, or similar)