Nutrition Specialist, Zimbabwe
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and is at work in over 40 countries. The IRC has been working in Zimbabwe since 2008 implementing programs in Economic Recovery and Development, Health, WASH, GBV and Capacity Building. The IRC’s Economic Recovery and Development work in Zimbabwe has assisted thousands of smallholder farmers with training, market linkages and access to inputs and finance.
In anticipation of a multi-year livelihoods and food security program, the IRC is seeking an experienced professional to lead the program’s nutrition activities. The program is expected to address rural livelihoods, agriculture and natural resource management. This will include support to rural farming and smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe to better land use regimes, improve yields, sustainably increase incomes, reduce malnutrition, develop inclusive business models and strengthen private sector partnerships.
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience in managing nutrition initiatives, understanding the need to comprehensively address production and consumption to effectively address malnutrition. The Nutrition Specialist will work with the IRC’s HQ-based nutrition advisors to design and implement interventions appropriate to the Zimbabwe context. The candidate will need to take a long-term view to ensure that the livelihoods and food security activities are nutrition-sensitive, to ensure that increased income by program beneficiaries will contribute to decreased malnutrition. The candidate will be required to manage teams and budgets under the leadership of the Team Leader and senior management in the country program.
Major Responsibilities:
- Plan and coordinate IRC Zimbabwe nutrition activities within the context of a food security and livelihoods program.
- Collaborate with other technical sectors to ensure a holistic approach in line with IRC’s Program Framework principles and IRC Zimbabwe’s integrated program.
- Represent the IRC to UN, international and national NGOs, and government ministries, for nutrition-related coordination and advocacy.
- Coordinate with the IRC nutrition technical team in HQ to ensure the implementation of best practices in nutrition and the documentation of lessons learnt
Location and Expected Duration:
Zimbabwe (field and HQ), 5 years
Required Qualifications:
- Professional degree, preferably at the advanced level (Masters) in nutrition, public health or related discipline
- Five years professional experience managing nutrition programs in a development context
- Experience working with food security and livelihoods programs, and other sectors (WASH, Health desirable)
- Interest in working with colleagues from other sectors to develop multi-sectoral approaches to preventing and addressing malnutrition
- Excellent management skills and interest in developing staff capacity
- Experience conducting nutrition and food security assessments, preferably using participatory approaches (SMART and SQUEAC survey experience desirable)
- Ability to write clear and concise reports and proposals (in English) and to meet required reporting deadlines
- Able to work independently while being a strong team player
- Excellent knowledge of English. Working knowledge of Shona/Ndebele is an advantage.
Zimbabwean nationals and qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. This will be a rolling application, with no set deadline. This position is contingent on the IRC being awarded funding.