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

1.

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.
2.

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.
3.

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.
4.    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.
5.

Coordination and Representation:
•    Represent FAO in relevant coordination forums, such as nutrition cluster meetings.
•    Foster strong partnerships with government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders.
6.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION