Nutrition and Infectious Diseases Advisor- Employment, career opportunity in USA

Job Title:  Nutrition and Infectious Diseases Advisor
Organization:  FHI 360
Location : United States of America
Deadline : 01 Nov 2013

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology– creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories. We seek qualified candidates for the position of Nutrition and Infectious Diseases Advisor for the FANTA III Project in Washington, D.C.

Position Description:

FANTA works to improve nutrition and food security policies, strategies, and programs through technical support to the U.S. Agency for international Development (USAID) and its partners, including host country governments, international organizations, and NGO implementing partners. Focus areas for technical assistance include maternal and child health and nutrition, HIV and other infectious diseases, food security and livelihood strengthening, and emergency and reconstruction. FANTA develops and adapts approaches to support the design and quality implementation of field programs while building on field experience to improve and expand the evidence base, methods, and global standards for nutrition and food security programming. The project, funded by USAID, is a 5-year cooperative agreement.

The Nutrition and Infectious Diseases (ID) Advisor will work closely with members of FANTA’s Nutrition and ID cluster and in-country staff to manage technical support for nutrition assessment, counseling, and support (NACS) for people with ID including HIV globally and in specific countries. The Nutrition and ID Advisor will provide technical assistance to USAID/Washington and USAID Missions, host country governments, PVOs, local NGOs, and other USAID Cooperative Agreements on policies, programming, and strategies related to NACS; lead the development of global NACS programming tools and approaches focusing on the relationship between nutrition and ID such as TB and malaria; and contribute to the establishment of a strong knowledge base on NACS-related actions. The duration of this project will be 2/8/2012 to 2/7/2017.

The Nutrition and ID Advisor will:

Lead the development of specific global NACS programming tools in collaboration with global stakeholders such as WHO and UNICEF. Such tools may include guidelines for nutrition-based programmatic approaches to managing malnutrition among adults with HIV, TB, and other ID and nutrient specifications for specialized food products to manage malnutrition.
Identify priority areas for FANTA technical assistance in NACS at global and country levels based on reviews of gaps and consultation with partners and stakeholders. Work with colleagues to design, plan, and manage technical assistance and support PEPFAR-funded initiatives to address identified gaps.
Contribute to the establishment of a strong knowledge base on the efficacy and effectiveness of NACS-related interventions and lead the effort to incorporate scientific evidence related to nutrition and ID into this knowledge base.
Respond to requests from the USAID Bureau for Global Health and PEPFAR Food and Nutrition Technical Working Group for programmatic and technical assistance to support U.S. Government policies, strategies, and reporting in collaboration with the FANTA Senior Nutrition and HIV Advisor. Such assistance may include drafting guidance and strategies, documenting and synthesizing experience from field programs, and presenting research results and current evidence on nutrition and ID.
Provide technical input into the design, analysis, and documentation of public health evaluations and research studies on food, nutrition, and ID. Collaborate with the FANTA Global Leadership team and Senior Nutrition and HIV Advisor to identify priority research areas, identify research partners, prepare or review study designs and protocols, and technically manage research partners in the implementation of research studies.
In up to three countries in sub-Saharan Africa, provide technical input and guidance for FANTA NACS activities, possibly including supporting NACS design, implementation, and assessment; developing national NACS strategies, guidelines, and training materials; implementing NACS training; adapting and establishing quality improvement (QI) processes; integrating nutrition indicators into M&E systems; and establishing and strengthening national NACS coordination mechanisms. Work with FANTA field staff to design and plan activities, liaise with USAID, identify and contract consultants and partner organizations, implement activities, prepare written products, and report results.
Contribute to tracking and where necessary harmonizing NACS protocols across countries, especially with regard to nutrition responses in the context of ID. Work with FANTA colleagues to support the application of consistent assumptions and tools in the design of NACS protocols, identify and share promising approaches, and help programs apply results from evaluations and research studies to refine protocols.
Provide technical input and as needed manage activities in emerging areas such as QI and improving access to food among ID-affected households.
Represent FANTA and prepare and present NACS technical presentations at international forums and other stakeholder meetings, as needed.
Provide technical assistance in other nutrition and food security areas as needed. Strengthen the design, implementation, and M&E of food assistance and food security programming.
Work with FANTA project management and communications staff to contribute to work plans and quarterly and annual reporting.
Perform other job-related activities as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:

At least 10 years of experience in international health and nutrition and a master’s degree, or at least 5 years of experience and a PhD in international health and nutrition. Experience can include ID, nutrition, food security, child survival, other health areas, or M&E.
Experience in clinical nutrition in the management of people with ID and ideally with preventive and community nutrition
Experience managing complex programs and/or technical assistance activities
Experience with USAID-funded activities, especially with PEPFAR, nutrition, food security, or child survival activities
Experience working in developing countries in partnership with ministries of health, national AIDS control programs, or national and local organizations is essential
Preferred experience in integrating nutrition into clinical and community settings, health system strengthening, and coordination of NACS programs
Knowledge of programs, resources, and research related to nutrition and ID and infant and young child nutrition in the context of ID. Knowledge of food security programs preferred Knowledge of clinical nutrition for the management of ID
Strong program management skills
Ability to translate technical materials into practical tools and approaches and to communicate these options using print, electronic, and presentation services
Excellent writing skills, with demonstrated ability to write effectively for a range of audiences and purposes (program guidance, tools, and materials for health service providers, concept papers, workplans, and language for USAID strategies)
Superior oral communication skills and ability to present technical information, program guidance, and policy analysis to varied audiences
Strong analytical skills and ability to analyze problems and organize diverse information systematically
Demonstrated organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to facilitate professional relationships and interact effectively with clients, colleagues, and counterparts, including representatives of USAID, host country governments, team members, implementing partners, research institutions, and other technical organizations
Ability to work with and lead teams consisting of people with different technical backgrounds and with people with varying levels of technical training
Proficiency preferred in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili, or another language spoken in Africa

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