Programme Policy Officer (Nutrition) NOA, Arua and Kyenjojo (2), SC8, Kotido (1)

JOB TITLE:	Programme Policy Officer (Nutrition)
TYPE OF CONTRACT:	Fixed-Term/Service Contract, NOA/SC8
UNIT/DIVISION:	Area office
DUTY STATION (City, Country):	Area Offices
DURATION:	12 Months
REPORTING LINE:	To the Head of Programme or Designate

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian agency, fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need. In emergencies, WFP gets food to where it is needed, saving the lives of victims of war, civil conflict and natural disasters. After an emergency, WFP uses food to help communities rebuild their lives. On average, WFP reaches more than 80 million people with food assistance in 80 countries each year. The organization has the global footprint, deep field presence and local knowledge and relationships necessary to provide access to food and contribute to lasting solutions, especially in many of the world’s most remote and fragile areas.  In Uganda, WFP delivers food assistance in emergencies and works with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience and self-reliance.  

 

JOB PURPOSE

The Programme Policy Officer (Nutrition) role is positioned at WFP Area Office/Field Office and reports to the Head of Programme, or designate while having a technical line oversight by the head of nutrition at country office level.   The job holder is expected to manage strategic implementation of Nutrition programmes portfolio in the region to contribute to meeting nutritional needs of WFP beneficiaries by employing strategies that reduce household vulnerability and increase resilience as the pathway to sustainable malnutrition management.  The office will spearhead and oversee nutrition integration agenda by providing technical support to Nutri-cash programs, as well as Self-reliance model interventions at area office, ensuring compliance with WFP standards and procedures.

 

KEY ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Programme Management

1. Design, implement, and manage an integrated nutrition programme targeting malnutrition treatment and preventive nutrition-sensitive activities with a strong focus on livelihoods.
2. Coordinate with local health authorities, development partners, and other stakeholders to ensure cohesive and comprehensive programme delivery.
3. Oversee the allocation and utilization of resources to achieve programme goals effectively.
4. Support technical trainings for cooperating partners in Nutrition and WFP operational practices to support them to independently implement and self-monitor nutrition activities in the coverage areas.
5. Provide ongoing technical support and mentorship to local health providers and community groups to strengthen their capacity in nutrition programming.
6. Support the identification of potential partners and partnership negotiations to ensure a collaborative and holistic approach to meeting nutrition needs of the people we serve.

 

Treatment of Malnutrition

1. Implement standardized protocols for treating acute malnutrition as per national guidelines. 
2. Manage the distribution of specialized nutritious foods and supplementary feeding programmes for vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant, breastfeeding women, and girls.
3. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of malnutrition treatment interventions, making necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.

 

Nutrition Sensitive Activities

1. Develop and implement nutrition-sensitive livelihood activities aimed at improving household food security and dietary diversity.
2. Promote sustainable climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance the production and consumption of diverse, nutrient-rich foods.
3. Support income-generating activities that empower households and communities and enhance their capacity to purchase nutritious foods.

 

Community Engagement, Partnership & Coordination

1. Develop and promote community based social behavior change communication activities focused on improving attitudes and practices towards consumption and production of nutritious foods.
2. Lead community awareness and education campaigns on nutrition, healthy eating habits, and resilience-building practices.
3. Foster strong relationships with community leaders, district local government officials, and other key stakeholders to promote community ownership and sustainability of nutrition programmes.

 

Data Management and Reporting

1. Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of nutrition data to inform programme decisions and measure impact.
2. Maintain accurate records of programme activities, participant information, and outcomes.
3. Prepare regular reports on programme progress, challenges, and achievements for WFP and donor requirements.
4. Perform any other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:	Advanced degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field. Professional certification in nutrition or dietetics is an advantage.
Experience:	Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in nutrition programming, including experience in malnutrition treatment and nutrition-sensitive interventions. Proven experience in managing and implementing community-based nutrition programmes. Experience in a development and/or humanitarian, preferably with an international organization, NGO, or United Nations.
Knowledge & Skills:	Technical Skills: Strong understanding of malnutrition treatment protocols, nutrition-sensitive programming, and resilience-building strategies. Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting tools. Familiarity with food security, livelihood programming, and sustainable agricultural practices. Key Competencies: Deep knowledge of nutrition science, malnutrition treatment, preventive strategies, and resilience building. Strong ability to plan, implement, and monitor integrated nutrition programmes effectively. Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders and foster partnerships. Skilled in training and mentoring staff and community members. Proficient in using data to inform programme strategies and measure impact. Committed to engaging and empowering communities to improve nutrition outcomes and resilience. Soft Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Strong leadership and team management abilities. Problem-solving skills and adaptability to changing environments. Commitment to community engagement and participatory approaches.
Languages:	Fluency in oral and written English. Working knowledge of local languages is an added advantage.