Technical Advisor Level II: Nutrition Technical Advisor

Global Health Fellows Program II Technical Advisor II: Nutrition Technical Advisor Technical Assistance Group, Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, United States Agency for International Development Location: Washington, DC Assignment: Two years GHFP II-P1-014

The Global Health Fellows Program (GHFP-II) is a five year cooperative agreement implemented and managed by the Public Health Institute in partnership with CDC Development Solutions and Management Systems International. GHFP-II is supported by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

GHFP-II’s goal is to improve the effectiveness of USAID health programs by developing and increasing the capacity of health professionals with tailored development opportunities. This is accomplished through the recruitment, placement and support of diverse health professionals at the junior, mid and senior levels, and professional development activities aimed at enhancing the technical and leadership skills of global health professionals.

INTRODUCTION:

The Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID responsible for facilitating and coordinating US Government emergency assistance overseas. As part of USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA), OFDA provides humanitarian assistance to save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the social and economic impact of humanitarian emergencies worldwide. Within OFDA, the Technical Assistance Group (TAG) provides technical oversight and support for a variety of humanitarian sectors.

The Nutrition Technical Advisor serves as part of the TAG Public Health and Nutrition Team. S/he works with other members of this multidisciplinary team, which includes experts in agriculture, health, vulnerable populations, and shelter and settlements, and provides a multidisciplinary approach to disaster response and risk reduction. The Advisor takes day to day direction from the TAG Team Leader, who will serve as the Advisor’s Onsite Manager. S/he is expected to act independently with little direction but in close coordination with the Public Health Team lead and Senior TAG Nutrition Advisor.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Nutrition Technical Advisor will: • Provide expert advice to USAID and OFDA staff based in Washington, DC or in field offices for nutrition interventions during a disaster response. Following reports of elevated global/severe malnutrition, drought/famine, or large-scale severe food insecurity, s/he may be asked to provide recommendations for response in nutrition and related sectors to OFDA staff • Accurately convey the technical and policy positions of USAID/OFDA through interactions with NGO partners, other donor agencies, the international humanitarian community, and other USAID staff working in the nutrition sectors, attending pertinent meetings and other events as appropriate • In collaboration with USAID/Washington and regional field office staff, co-lead the development of regional and country programmatic strategies and guidance related to humanitarian programming in the nutrition sector • Conduct emergency nutrition, and related public health assessments of the vulnerable population and recommend appropriate relief activities. Facilitate and coordinate US Government emergency technical response activities with USAID Missions, other donor agencies, and the US Embassy • Provide coordination within the Global Nutrition Cluster and monitor OFDA-funded activities to ensure the proper use of OFDA program funds • Review and comment on proposals submitted by NGO and United Nations’ partners for humanitarian response and disaster risk reduction in the nutrition sector • Identify emergency nutrition mitigation and prevention measures that could be linked to disaster response activities. Review mitigation principals and recommend course(s) of action to OFDA-Washington staff • Participate in assessment teams, Disaster Assistance Response Teams, Response Management Teams, and other office duties as requested • Provide “in-service” brownbag presentations to USAID and OFDA staff on current livestock related topics • Participate in appropriate training either as a participant and/or trainer. • 20-35% international travel

Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned based on (a) organizational and programming need and/or (b) the Advisor’s own interests.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree or higher (PhD desirable in nutrition and/or public health or related field • Minimum five to twelve years’ experience working with a nongovernmental organization, international organization or the US Government in humanitarian relief and response in emergency nutrition, with at least two years’ experience in international or resource challenged settings, preferably in the emergency nutrition field • Comprehension of guiding concepts of emergency nutrition interventions in developing countries and ability to represent the humanitarian perspective • High degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy, to analyze, develop and present work results, and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs • Demonstrated flexibility and openness in responding to changing work priorities and environments • Strong written and oral communications skills, including the ability to write technical documents and give high level presentations to colleagues in and outside of USAID • Strong interpersonal skills and experience in working effectively in an independent capacity and as a member of a team • Good computer skills • US Citizenship required

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary based on commensurate experience and earnings history. The Public Health Institute offers a comprehensive benefits package including professional development programshttp://www.ghfp.net/docs/2012_Benefits_Booklet_GHFP.pdf

How to apply:

All applicants are required to apply for this position through GHFP-II’s online recruitment system athttps://www.ghfp.net/recruitment/, which allows you to store your CV, profile and bio data form in our database. A separate cover letter describing your qualifications and experience, interest and familiarity with issues relating to this position, and how this position relates to your career goals is required for each application. All online applications must be submitted by 5:00 pm Eastern Time December 19, 2011. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer.