Nutrition Advisor

Background:

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short-listed regularly, and we may offer this post before the closing date.

Please note that this is an unaccompanied position.

The Health Support Organisation (THESO) is a South Sudanese-based 501 (C) (3) registered non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through evidenced value-based humanitarian and developmental programs.

For over 15 years, THESO has been a beacon of hope, transforming lives in developing countries through evidence-based, sustainable humanitarian and development programs. We offer a strategic platform for donors to invest in impactful initiatives across health, education, WASH, nutrition, and livelihoods because we see the strength and resilience of our beneficiaries. We believe in their potential and strive to create a world where they can access the essentials for a dignified and prosperous life. Partnering with THESO means collaborating with a trusted, results-oriented organisation that delivers lasting change for millions through our diverse programs in health, education, WASH, and more, we empower beneficiaries with the tools and opportunities they need to build a brighter future for them. Our comprehensive expertise in health, education, WASH, and more, combined with our deep understanding of local contexts, creates fertile ground for innovative partnerships that deliver transformative impact.

THESO stands as a committed partner in achieving national development goals as we stand beside governments and communities on their journey towards self-sufficiency and dignity. We align our programs with government priorities, providing evidence-based, culturally sensitive interventions that complement and strengthen existing systems. Our expertise in key areas like health, education, WASH, and food security empowers communities and contributes to sustainable economic growth.

At THESO, you’re not just an employee, you’re a changemaker. You’re part of a dedicated team driven by a shared passion: to alleviate suffering and empower communities. We offer a dynamic and fulfilling work environment where your expertise and talent make a tangible difference in the lives of millions.

Make a difference by volunteering your time and skills with THESO and experience the transformational power of hands-on service. Whether you’re a medical professional, educator, engineer, or simply someone with a generous heart, your contribution counts. We offer diverse volunteer opportunities across various sectors, allowing you to connect with communities, share your knowledge, and be a catalyst for positive change. Let’s work together to build a brighter future by co-creating a future where no community is left behind, and where health, education, and dignity are fundamental rights for all.

THESO is seeking to recruit a Nutrition Advisor for its South Sudan program to be based in its Operations Office in Juba working closely with the administrative office in Washington DC.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical guidance and recommendations on maternal and child nutrition-related topics across a multi-sectoral nutrition program portfolio with particular expertise in the areas of human nutrition, including nutrition and diets during pregnancy and lactation; breastfeeding; infant and young child nutrition; adolescent girls and women’s nutrition; and anemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
• Provide technical support to the program team in overall strategy development for the design and implementation of nutrition-specific interventions as complementary to dietary initiatives, and in promoting the advancement and application of human nutrition in programs and projects, the dissemination and implementation of the THESO Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy, Maternal and Child Health, and Nutrition Roadmap.
• Provide technical support to and actively participate in national fora and initiatives convened by UN agencies, bilateral donors, foundations, academic institutions, and other international entities.
• Track and disseminate the latest evidence for relevant global activities aimed at improving population nutrition status, such as ensuring dietary diversity (including food fortification and complementary foods), breastfeeding promotion, infant and young child feeding, micronutrient supplementation, and others.
• Provide support on the design and activity management of centralized mechanisms for maternal and child health and nutrition and food security that provide technical services for the field and/or advance global research and learning questions.
• In collaboration with the multi-sectoral nutrition team, provide strategic planning guidance to THESO Missions on program design and implementation of activities related to the integration of nutrition into maternal and child health services, primary health care platforms, multi-sectoral nutrition programs, and other development programs.
• Lead the development of new or updated technical guidance for missions and implementing partners on a range of nutrition topics to operationalize THESO’s Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy.
• Coordinate with the program team to achieve effective program integration of nutrition with maternal and child health, water and sanitation, infectious disease programs and neglected tropical diseases, family planning, and food security through field support and core programs.
• Provide technical leadership and participate in agency-wide and South Sudan interagency technical working groups as a member of the Nutrition Team to implement and monitor the THESO Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy, and the Food Security Strategy.
• Provide technical inputs to evaluate existing and potential activities related to nutrition research across various other units.
• Plan, facilitate, and deliver important technical presentations at international and domestic meetings, workshops, and conferences as required.
• Keep abreast of literature and the latest developments in nutrition science and programming, and deepen knowledge of the latest developments related to nutrition policies.
• Participate in professional continuing education, skills training and professional meetings to enhance relevant technical skills and career development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree with 6 years of relevant experience, bachelor’s degree with 8 years of relevant experience, Associate’s degree and 10 years of relevant experience, or High School graduate and 12 years of relevant experience.

Other Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in health and nutrition programs with a focus on micronutrient assessment and interventions that includes experience in resource-challenged settings.
• Advanced knowledge and mastery of a range of nutrition principles, practices, and procedures within LMICs required, including maternal and child health and nutrition, nutrition-specific approaches, programs and research.
• Time living and/or working in a LMIC.
• Highly developed skills in oral and written communication in English, demonstrating the ability to communicate complex policy, strategy, and program issues in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner.
• Strong ability to integrate and apply findings and recommendations with donor agency/mission organizations, procedures, and operations systems (e.g., development approaches, defining objectives, budgeting and financial management, program implementation, and monitoring results).
• Team player eager to pitch in and support colleagues and flexible to adapt to a dynamic work environment.
• Strong interpersonal and cross‐cultural skills and the ability to work within a team setting and manage multiple tasks.
• Computer literacy with common applications, such as Word, Excel, and Google Suite.
• Fluency in a foreign language, especially Arabic, is preferred.