Nutrition Specialist (SC – 7)

Overview

Provide strategic input and coordination for UN-Nutrition project activities.

You have:

• Advanced University Degree in Nutrition, Health, Environmental, Agriculture, preferably with a major in Stakeholder Relations, Partnership Management or Data Analysis related field.
• At least 8 years of practical experience, of which 5 years in assisting and implementing projects and teams.
• Working knowledge (level c) of English.
• Myanmar National.

Organizational Setting

FAO is a specialized Agency of the United Nations whose mission is to contribute to eradicating hunger and achieving food security for all. FAO provides high quality technical and policy expertise to its member countries, thus assisting them in their efforts to meet their goals for eradicating hunger, reducing poverty and fostering improvements in agricultural and rural livelihoods in a sustainable manner.

FAO Myanmar is implementing a global project: “GCP /GLO/1394/IRE, UN-Nutrition: Catalyzing Coherent Nutrition Action through Advocacy, Learning and Partnerships”. Established in 2015, the UN Nutrition Network (UNN) Myanmar—comprising key UN agencies and the World Bank—is currently restructuring its coordination mechanisms to navigate the country’s protracted conflict and evolving political landscape. This project seeks to bridge critical gaps in multisectoral nutrition governance caused by humanitarian crises, funding cuts, and limited evidence sharing. By harmonizing efforts among UN agencies, government ministries, and SUN networks, the initiative aims to foster joint planning and build capacity for efficient, evidence-based programming that addresses malnutrition and food insecurity. To enhance targeting, the project will integrate nutritional indicators into the Data in Emergency Monitoring (DIEM) exercise through a collaborative effort between FAO, WFP, and UNICEF. This joint analysis will provide the evidence needed to identify policy gaps, reduce duplication, and align partner activities within a unified framework. Ultimately, the project strengthens the entire nutrition ecosystem in Myanmar by reinforcing coordination platforms at both national and sub-national levels, ensuring more coherent and impactful operational implementation. The Project activities will be implemented by the FAO Representation Office in Myanmar with the support of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP) in Bangkok and in collaboration with implementing partners in Myanmar.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Myanmar and under the technical guidance of the Senior Food Safety and Nutrition Officer RAP (Lead Technical Officer), direct supervision of the Assistant FAO Representative (Programme), in close collaboration and coordination with the Technical Officer in UNNutrition Secretariat (ESN), in consultation with UNICEF Technical Colleagues, and National Programme Specialist.

Technical Focus

The Nutrition Specialist will assist in the development and day-to-day operation of the project activities and will perform the following tasks.

Tasks and responsibilities

● Provide strategic input to technical aspects of the project to ensure that activities are in accordance with the Project Document and implementation modalities. ● Assist in overall coordination and leadership of the UN-Nutrition Secretariat from HQ and under the guidance of UN-Nutrition Heads of Agencies, ensuring coherence and synergy among UNN member agencies and partners. ● Support the UN-Nutrition National Project Coordinator in coordination, collaboration, and partnership with Technical Leads and focal points from UNN member agencies and SUN Networks. ● Provide technical, operational, and administrative support for the implementation of joint UN-Nutrition activities, including budget preparation, logistics, and documentation. ● Assist in coordinating and participating in the field project activities, and facilitate project-planned events such as capacity building and consultative workshops, coordination meetings and national-level mass meetings, special sensitization meetings/sessions, joint planning exercises, ensuring effective follow-up and reporting. ● Managing already developed visibility materials and contributing to reporting and preparation of joint proposals, progress reports, and communication materials such as Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) to support advocacy and partnership efforts. ● Assist in submitting detailed monthly work and budget plans to the FAO Country Office in consultation with UNICEF Colleagues, ensuring full alignment with the overall project framework and donor requirements. ● Assist in day-to-day implementation arrangements by fostering collaboration between nutrition stakeholders, government counterparts, and NGOs/CSOs. ● Ensure all activity budgeting and procurement planning, ensuring strict adherence to FAO’s administrative and financial procedures. ● Support the AFAOR (Programme) in ensuring project compliance with agreed results, indicators, and evaluation targets to maintain high delivery standards. ● Collaborate with the Programme Specialist to monitor and report on fund utilization, ensuring effective, transparent, and efficient use of the project budget. ● Provide technical support in data collection, in coordination with the DIEM Team and MEAL team for DIEM data/ survey process and MEAL activities of the project and update the DIEM and MEAL data. ● Provide technical support in project implementation and necessary contributions to the new project proposal development but not limited to. ● Perform other related duties as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

● Advanced University Degree in Nutrition, Health, Environmental, Agriculture, preferably with a major in Stakeholder Relations, Partnership Management or Data Analysis related field. ● At least 8 years of practical experience, of which 5 years in assisting and implementing projects and teams. ● Working knowledge (level c) of English ● Myanmar National.

FAO Core Competencies

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

Selection Criteria

● Experience with stakeholder engagement, food security and nutrition, project management, coordination and other developmental approaches that emphasize coordination among nutrition stakeholders. ● Relevant experience with UN agencies, especially FAO, UNICEF, WHO, and UNFPA. ● Extent of relevant experience managing programs, people, budgets, reporting, and work plans, particularly for internationally funded projects. ● Experience supporting, advising, and collaborating with relevant institutions, including engaging with high-level counterparts. ● Experience in the analysis of key findings and the development of quality reports ● Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, from field-level target groups to national-level institutions. ● Extent of relevant experience with internationally funded projects. ● Prior preparation and submission of written reports for an international developmental agency, a governmental department, or a major NGO. ● Proven capacity and experience of working with nutrition stakeholders. ● Good computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 month ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: fao.org