Technical Officer, Malnutrition and Food Systems

Join PAHO’s efforts to advance nutrition, healthy diets, and sustainable food systems across the Americas. This role contributes to the prevention and control of all forms of malnutrition and supports Member States in developing evidence-based policies and programs that improve population health and well-being.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the general supervision of the Director, Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health (NMH), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Risk Factors and Nutrition (NMH/RF), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

• Provide technical support and cooperation to Member States in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating policies, plans and programs for the prevention and control of all forms of malnutrition and the promotion of optimal nutrition throughout the life course.

• Deliver technical and programmatic advice on nutrition, healthy diets, obesity prevention, food systems, and the implementation of global and regional nutrition mandates and action plans.

• Strengthen country capacity for nutrition surveillance, monitoring and evaluation, and the assessment, design, implementation, and enforcement of nutrition programs, regulations and guidelines.

• Support Member States in implementing comprehensive school-based policies and initiatives that promote healthy eating and physical activity, emphasizing equity, sustainability, and intersectoral collaboration.

• Develop and strengthen partnerships, alliances, and networks with United Nations agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to advance regional nutrition and food systems priorities.

• Contribute to regional initiatives, resource mobilization efforts, policy development, and representation of the Organization in technical meetings and inter-agency consultations.

For a complete list of functions, please see the post description.

EDUCATION

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in nutrition or other health science related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Desirable: A master’s degree in nutrition, public health, a social science or related field from a recognized university would be an asset.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Seven years of combined national and international experience in the fields of nutrition, public health, public policy or social determinants of health and sustainable food systems.

Desirable: Practical experience working in public health projects at the international level in Latin America and the Caribbean.

LANGUAGES

Fluency in English or Spanish with working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems. Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

For a complete list of competencies and skills, please refer to the post description.

The skills required are:

• Strong technical expertise in nutrition and public health, including food and nutrition policies addressing all forms of malnutrition and sustainable food systems.

• Ability to design, implement, monitor and evaluate nutrition policies, programs and interventions.

• Capacity to negotiate, coordinate and build partnerships across governments, international agencies, civil society organizations and community groups.

• Strong analytical, conceptual and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess and provide recommendations on technical and policy issues.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including planning, implementation and oversight of technical cooperation activities.

• Strong professional oral and written communication skills, including the preparation of reports, presentations and technical documents.

• Ability to work collaboratively, promote knowledge sharing, adapt to change and deliver high-quality results in multicultural environments.

DURATION OF CONTRACT

This is an initial nine-month assignment, with possibility of extensions, subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.