Monday, 19 January 2015

Nutrition Advisor- Embassy of Ireland, Tanzania

Job Description 


Introduction 
Irish Aid is the Irish Government’s programme for overseas development and is an integral part of Ireland’s foreign policy; in Tanzania, the Irish Aid programme is managed by the Embassy of Ireland.   The Embassy works with the Government of Tanzania, UN agencies, international research institutions, civil society organisations and other development partners to deliver on our overall goal of inclusive growth and reduced poverty and vulnerability in Tanzania.
The programme is guided by the Irish Aid Tanzania Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2011 –2015 which has a significant emphasis on building government systems and a focus on partnership and interventions that deliver results for the poor and vulnerable. The programme is underpinned by a strong commitment to aid effectiveness and is aligned with the priorities of the Tanzanian Government’s National Development Plan, the MKUKUTA II (2010-2015)
With an annual budget of approximately €30 million, the programme is focused on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and pastoralists, improving nutrition outcomes and ensuring better quality and more equitable public health services. Cutting across all our work is a commitment to gender equality, strengthened domestic accountability and good governance. 
Ireland’s programme priorities include support for improving food and nutrition security particularly for women and children.  Ireland is a member of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement and is the SUN Donor Co-Convenor for Tanzania, and thus plays a significant role in supporting the Government of Tanzania and partners to implement national nutrition plans and strategies. 
 The Embassy wishes to recruit a Nutrition Advisor to provide technical and analytical support on food and nutrition security as well as coordinate and manage Irish Aid’s Nutrition programme in Tanzania.

 The Position
The Embassy is seeking to recruit a highly motivated and experienced Nutrition Advisor to join its Development Team.  The post-holder will report to the Health and Nutrition Programme Manager and will work closely with other programme advisors and Embassy staff.

The post-holder will assist senior management in the design, planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of a range of nutrition programmes supported by Irish Aid and will inform and represent Irish Aid position in national and international policy dialogue.

The primary duties and responsibilities of this post are:
Programme Design and Management
·         Formulate and recommend appropriate technical and policy approaches to achieve Irish Aid’s nutrition objective, with specific focus areas on preventing under-nutrition in children and pregnant women. The Nutrition Advisor will ensure that Irish Aid’s country programme is informed by up-to-date global and local trends, evidence, and best nutrition policy practice.
  • Strengthen the coherence of proposed activities within the CSP and ensure there are strong food and nutrition security linkages between the Agriculture, Health and Gender components of the strategy.
  • Manage the implementation of programmes supported by Irish Aid, including appraisal, monitoring and review of annual narrative and financial reports
  • Maintain a strong results focus with partners and provide regular technical input into, and support for, the implementation of work-plans.
  • Ensure that fund disbursements adhere to Irish Aid’s accountability mechanisms and that progress, impacts and risks are highlighted to Irish Aid’s management and relevant stakeholders.
  • Engage in Irish Aid Business Planning and review as appropriate.
  • Prepare and participate in field visits – including engagement with local and central authorities
  • Produce quarterly and annual reports for management on programme and sector developments.

Policy Development and Influencing
  • Build strong and effective working relationships with Government of Tanzania, civil society, and other Development Partners working in nutrition.
  • Work closely with Government of Tanzanian and its Development partners to identify how the Scaling Up Nutrition framework and 1,000 Days Initiative can be advanced.
  • Advise senior management on how to strengthen support for the delivery of the Tanzania SUN Framework and the Irish/US cooperation agreement relating to hunger and nutrition.
  • Review, analyse and summarise key discussions, reports and policy papers and contribute to key discussions, sector reviews, evaluations and audits prepared by Government and other development partners, representing Irish Aid’s positions.
  • Ensure Irish Aid and Development Partners are appropriately represented in key national arenas relating to hunger and nutrition – and to work to strengthen cooperation between Development Partners in this regard.
  • Support senior management in their policy engagement through the preparation of technical and programme briefings and speaking points/speeches.
  • Share learning and experience from Tanzania and the Irish Aid nutrition programme  with colleagues in other Irish Aid key partner countries  and  in head quarters.

Qualifications, skills and experience:
·         A post-graduate qualification in Nutrition or related discipline relevant to the requirements of this post;
·         A minimum of four years experience working in the field of nutrition in developing countries, preferably in Africa. It is desirable that at least 3 of these years will have been spent working in a senior level with a locally based or international organisation responding to food insecurity and under-nutrition.
·         Excellent oral and written English and excellent communication skills.
·         Excellent team work skills with ability to forge consensus and collaboration;
·         Ability to plan, manage and deliver results.
·         Good interpersonal and networking skills

Performance management
The Embassy of Ireland operates a Performance Management Development System (PMDS) based on that used in the Irish Civil service. Staff members agree, with their manager, goals, key tasks and targets aligned to an annual business plan.  Performance is reviewed mid-year and at year-end.  The PMDS also includes agreed on-going professional development actions.  The Nutrition Adviser will agree his/her profile with the Development Specialist and in turn manage the process with those reporting to him/her.

Outline Terms and Conditions
·         This position will be offered on a two year renewable basis.  A six month probationary period will apply
·         The salary scale for this position will be commensurate with qualifications and experience
·         The embassy operates an employee health benefits scheme
·         There are 24 days of annual leave
Applications:
Interested candidates should forward a cover letter together with their most recent Curriculum Vitae and contact details, to stephen.simbila@dfa.ie by 23 January 2015.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted



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