Switzerland Head of Sector - Nutritionist

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), an independent humanitarian organization whose mandate is to provide protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence is looking for a

HEAD OF SECTOR (HoS) – NUTRITIONIST ICRC-ECONOMIC SECURITY UNIT / HQ 30 % travelling to the field

Full-time

Purpose of the post:

Economic security (EcoSec) is defined as the status of a community or household that is able to cover its unavoidable expenditures in a sustainable way. The practical implementation of the economic security concept relies on a multi-disciplinary approach, in order to address or prevent economic insecurity in pre-crisis, acute crisis, post-crisis and chronic crisis situations. The post combines the operational responsibilities to support EcoSec interventions in the field, as Head of Sector, with specialist responsibilities in nutrition.

1. HEAD OF SECTOR (about 70% time-reporting)

Reason of the post: The Head of Sector represents the EcoSec Unit in headquarters' structures (Regional Management Team and Regional Support Team) which provide managerial and strategic guidance on ICRC operations in the specific region. S/he provides support for economic security interventions and supervision to field operations and ensures that programmes are implemented according to institutional policies and guidelines. In addition s/he liaises and co-operates closely with her/his counterparts within the Health and Water and Habitat Units, as well as with Protection and Cooperation Departments to guarantee a coherent and integrated approach in ICRC operations.

Main responsibilities:

• Operational Support: o contribute to the annual Planning and Budget exercise o conduct field missions and participate in rapid deployment mechanisms in the event of an acute emergency.

• EcoSec Unit focal point for programme planning, implementation, monitoring, review and evaluation of EcoSec interventions in the region, including: o regular communication with field and headquarters' colleagues; o provision of information on EcoSec operations to the External Resources and Communication Divisions.

• Responsible for specific EcoSec themes and policies, including the development of principles and guidelines, and contribution to wider debates on economic security in internal and external fora.

1. NUTRITIONIST (about 30% time-reporting)

Reason of the post: Typically, victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence struggle to secure the food necessary for their survival and access essential health, water and sanitation services. Persons deprived of their freedom (such as detainees) and patients in hospitals or attending health centres are also often in a precarious food and economic situation. As a result, the nutritional status of these various individuals is often impaired or at risk. Nutrition is a critical component of the ICRC responses to the various stages of a crisis and the Nutritionist must ensure that "nutrition" is streamlined in ICRC analysis and responses.

Main responsibilities: • Contribute to the review or development of nutrition guidance and training. • Establish functional links with other relevant bodies and agencies dealing with nutrition outside ICRC. • Provide technical support on nutrition aspects of EcoSec operations, including through field missions, nutrition surveys and nutrition monitoring systems, and in support of interventions in places of detention. • Together with the Human Resources Department, ensure that a pool of nutritionists is maintained to deploy as needed, including consultants and nutrition delegates for missions.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Essential • Minimum 5 years field experience in emergencies, including livelihoods/economic security assessment, coordination and management of operations, preferably with ICRC as delegate, Coordinator or consultant; • University degree in nutrition with proven professional experience, OR • Equivalent practical experience in nutrition and food security, preferably including nutrition surveys and feeding programmes. • Reporting skills in English and French (written and spoken) • Ability and interest to work within a diverse team and to communicate effectively with a wide variety of actors. • Strong analytical skills, • Ability to set priorities; • Ability to work independently • Ability and willingness to travel (between 2 and 4 months of the year).

Highly Desirable: • Experience in working in places of detention. • Knowledge of software including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, EPI-Info and other nutrition software. • Working knowledge of Arabic or Russian (read and spoken) is an asset. • Previous experience in training and coaching.

Minimum length of assignment: Two years, renewable Starting date: January 2012
Application deadline : 25.11.2011

Interested, please apply through our website www.icrc.org. Only on-line applications will be considered.

How to apply:

Only through our website : www.icrc.org