Health and Nutrition Advisor, Horn of Africa Child Wasting Initiative

A Golden Opportunity to Drive Impact and Innovation in Health and Nutrition

Job Overview

As a Health and Nutrition Advisor with Concern Worldwide, you will play a pivotal role in the Horn of Africa Child Wasting Initiative (HoA CWI), focusing on Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. This strategic position involves not only addressing the drivers and implications of wasting but also fostering innovation, engaging in active learning, and contributing to global advocacy. The initiative, backed by the Government of Ireland, is set to run until 2026, with a dedicated budget of €5 million.

Key Responsibilities and Impactful Contributions

Strategic Guidance and Technical Support

• Provide strategic and technical support to country teams for Health and Nutrition components, ensuring alignment with expected outcomes.
• Build technical capacity through remote support, formal training, webinars, and workshops, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Data Accuracy and Timely Reporting

• Ensure high-quality and timely reports, emphasizing accuracy and reliability for monthly, partner, and donor reports.
• Synthesize practical evidence and learning, facilitating its application to improve policy and practice within and beyond Concern.

Program Development and Advocacy

• Contribute to program development, planning assessments, and surveys, ensuring findings are disseminated for informed decision-making.
• Support the Advocacy unit in influencing regional and international policies related to Health and Nutrition.

Research Collaboration and Emergency Response

• Collaborate on operational research, engaging field teams and research partners to drive program effectiveness.
• Be prepared for potential deployment to support emergency responses in program areas.

Job Level Analysis

Job Level: Senior Management This position falls under the category of Senior Management due to its strategic impact, requiring a seasoned professional with extensive experience in Health and Nutrition program management.

Qualifications and Experience Required

Essentials

• Master’s in Nutrition, Public Health, or equivalent.
• Minimum ten years of experience in Health and Nutrition within NGOs or development agencies.
• Expertise in program management, with a focus on health, nutrition, behavior change, and hunger reduction.
• Strong understanding of gender issues and experience in fragile and resource-poor settings.

Desirable

• Familiarity with adaptive program management concepts.
• Experience in cross-cutting approaches (conflict, environment, DRR, equality, protection).
• Previous work experience with Concern in country programs.

How to Apply

Interested candidates meeting the requirements are invited to send a detailed CV and Cover Letter to nairobi.hr@concern.net with the subject ‘Health and Nutrition Advisor, HoA’ by December 22, 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Cover Letter Sample

Dear Concern Worldwide Hiring Team,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Health and Nutrition Advisor role for the Horn of Africa Child Wasting Initiative. With a master’s in Nutrition, over ten years of NGO experience, and a proven track record in strategic program management, I am eager to contribute my skills to drive impactful change in the region.

In my previous role at [Previous Organization], I successfully led initiatives focused on health and nutrition, demonstrating my ability to provide strategic guidance, foster innovation, and collaborate effectively in cross-cutting approaches. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to Concern Worldwide and play a key role in the HoA CWI.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to Concern’s mission and goals.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant

1. Tailor Your Application:
   • Customize your CV and Cover Letter to align with the specific requirements of the role. Highlight relevant experiences that showcase your suitability for the position.
2. Showcase Impactful Results:
   • Quantify your achievements in previous roles. For instance, mention the percentage improvement in program effectiveness or the success of initiatives you led.
3. Demonstrate Continuous Learning:
   • Emphasize your commitment to professional development. Mention any relevant courses, certifications, or workshops you have completed to stay abreast of industry trends.
4. Highlight Adaptability:
   • Showcase instances where you demonstrated adaptability in challenging contexts. Discuss how you effectively managed priorities and schedules in dynamic work environments.
5. Stress Collaboration Skills:
   • Provide examples of successful collaborations with diverse teams, stakeholders, or partner organizations. Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
6. Show Passion for the Cause:
   • Clearly convey your passion for health and nutrition programs in fragile and resource-poor settings. Discuss specific instances where your commitment made a difference.
7. Address Gender Equality:
   • Discuss practical approaches you’ve implemented to promote gender equality within Health and Nutrition programs. Share insights into how you’ve navigated gender-related challenges.
8. International Experience Matters:
   • Emphasize your willingness and ability to travel internationally, a crucial aspect of the role. Share experiences where you thrived in diverse and conflict-affected contexts.
9. Link to Concern’s Values:
   • Align your application with Concern’s core values and principles. Showcase instances where you’ve upheld humanitarian principles and values in your previous roles.
10. Express Eagerness to Contribute:
    • Conclude your Cover Letter by expressing your eagerness to contribute to Concern’s mission. Reiterate your excitement about the opportunity and your commitment to making a positive impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the duration of the contract?
   • The contract is for a fixed term of twelve (12) months.
2. Is international travel required?
   • Yes, the role involves at least 40% international travel, often at short notice, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.
3. Can candidates from outside the Horn of Africa apply?
   • Yes, the position is open to candidates globally, and we encourage a diverse range of applicants.
4. How will shortlisted candidates be notified?
   • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview via the contact details provided in their applications.
5. Is Concern an equal opportunity employer?
   • Yes, Concern Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
6. What safeguards are in place for program participants?
   • Concern adheres to a comprehensive Code of Conduct and Associated Policies, including the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Child Safeguarding Policy, to ensure maximum protection for program participants.
7. Are applicants subject to vetting checks?
   • Yes, candidates offered a consultancy opportunity with Concern are subject to vetting checks, including criminal background checks.
8. Can applicants from outside the EEA apply?
   • Yes, applicants from outside the EEA are welcome to apply. However, data protection and clearance check policies will apply.
9. What happens if my name appears on a terrorism list during a clearance check?
   • In such cases, Concern will not proceed with your recruitment. Clearances checks will be periodically updated during your employment.
10. Is there a fee for any stage of the recruitment process?
    • No, Concern Worldwide does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Be cautious of any requests for payment and report such incidents immediately.

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