Nutrition Consultant

Organizational Setting

FAO is implementing a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), titled “Support in production and consumption of nutritious local agrobiodiversity species and herbs in Tajikistan”. The project objective is to contribute for food security and livelihood improvement, by increasing awareness on the importance of agrobiodiversity conservation for healthy diet and nutrition security.  The project will facilitate gathering of data on potential sources of traditional foods throughout Tajikistan, including four regions of the country, and will provide support in the development and publication of “Agrobiodiversity for food and nutritional security” book of Tajikistan with full description of healthy nutrients of landraces (LR) and crop wild relatives (CWR) and recipes using local agriculture and forest food crops. This project proposes a holistic approach that contributes to the sustainable use and conservation of agrobiodiversity that makes use of and support biodiversity and ecosystem services both in agricultural and in natural reserve areas.

Reporting Lines

The “Nutrition Consultant” will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Tajikistan and under the technical guidance and supervision of the National Project Coordinator, Project Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and National Centre for Nutrition, in close collaboration with the National Technical Officer and relevant technical and programme units in FAO Representation Office in Tajikistan, Sub-regional Office (SEC) and Regional (REU) and at Headquarters in Rome.

Technical Focus 

Guide the work of the national team on preparation of “Agrobiodiversity for food and nutritional security” book of Tajikistan.

Tasks and responsibilities

•    Prepare methodology to facilitate gathering of data on potential sources of traditional foods, as well as guideline on stocktaking information related to the relevant agrobiodiversity for food and nutritional security among key stakeholders (with technical inputs of Nutrition IC and Nutrition Centre); 
•    Prepare methodology and for workshop and roundtables meetings (with technical inputs of Nutrition IC and Nutrition Centre); 
•    Assist with the preparation of Terms of Reference for affiliate workforce in cooperation with Nutrition Centre, for the inter-ministerial working group/ mechanism and submit to FAO for clearance (with technical inputs of Nutrition IC); 
•    Act as team leader and prepare the outline and content of the book on Agrobiodiversity for food and nutritional security in Tajikistan, review by IC and submit to FAO for revision/ approval (with technical inputs of Nutrition IC and Nutrition Centre);

FAO Standards and guidelines: 
•    Liaison with OCC will be maintained, either directly or through an agreed focal point/coordinator, to ensure compliance with OCC standards, aligned messaging, and appropriate review and clearance processes. 
•    All communication materials will follow FAO clearance processes and comply with FAO standards, including: 
•    FAO Strategic Framework 2022-31: https://www.fao.org/strategic-framework/en  
•    FAO social media policy and guidelines: https://www.fao.org/2/socialmedia   
•    Social Media Branding Guidelines: https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb5044en 
•    FAOSTYLE(https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/cb8081en 
•    FAO terminology http://www.fao.org/faoterm 
•    FAO Names Of Countries https://www.fao.org/nocs/en 
•    Story guidelines, Story template, UN map standards, FAO logo policy and related branding guidelines (available to staff).

•    Further guidance regarding FAO communications, policies and procedures can be found through the FAO intranet, OCC section. 
•    Provide support the organization of meetings and workshops (nutrition fair) to validate the content of the book.
•    Prepare minutes from the meetings and follow up with the finding;  
•    Ensure timely and quality drafting and finalization of “Agrobiodiversity for food and nutritional security” book of Tajikistan with full description of healthy nutrients of landraces (LR) and crop wild relatives (CWR) and recipes using local agriculture and forest food crops (with technical inputs of Nutrition IC and Nutrition Centre).

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

•    Advanced degree or a first level degree with 2 years of additional experience may be considered as equivalent in nutrition or food security, preferably nutritionist (dietetics), public health and healthy nutrition; 
•    Above  6 years of relevant experience in relevant nutrition/food security and healthy nutrition programs and projects 
Working knowledge of Russian and limited knowledge of English. Knowledge of Tajik would be considered as an asset, 

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work, particularly in field positions within Tajikistan.
Understanding of FAO policies and programmes is considered an asset. 
•    Excellent working knowledge of Excel/ Word and other software (PowerPoint, etc.). 
•    Capacity for data collection and for information management/ exchange;
•    Analytical and report writing skills (including technical reports); 

Selection Criteria 

•    Proven professional education degree on nutrition or food security, preferably nutritionist (dietetics), public health and healthy nutrition, or related fields; 
•    Demonstratable experience (5 years) in the planning, coordination and development of nutrition and food security activities;
•    Skills in development of methodology for data collection and gap analysis linked with knowledge of healthy nutrition from local agriculture and biodiversity cultures;
•    Proven knowledge on data collection and preparation of the publication and awareness raising materials on dietetics/nutrition, food security, and healthy nutrition (any previous publications to be attached to the application); 
•    Experience on development of public advocacy/awareness raising modules/campaigns and delivery public advocacy and civic awareness raising campaigns/ events (fair, case-study) at national level; 
•    Excellent working knowledge of Excel/ Word and other software;