Food Security Nexus Specialist & Nutrition Nexus Expert
Facing increasing requests to deploy Food security / Food systems / Nutrition experts, the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) wishes to strengthen its response capacity.
The Swiss Humanitarian Aid unit (SHA) is hiring. Join us!
The Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) brings together a pool of experts who are available to the Swiss government's Humanitarian Aid for missions abroad. Humanitarian Aid is a branch of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), which is part of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA). The SHA Unit includes over 600 specialists split in different expert groups according to their knowledge and skills, and deploys them in humanitarian crises for assignments varying from a few weeks to several years. Facing increasing requests to deploy Food security / Food systems / Nutrition experts, the SHA wishes to strengthen its response capacity and is therefore looking for the following generic profiles:
Food Security Nexus Specialist
Main responsibilities and tasks: Seconded to a UN agency (WFP, FAO, IFAD) or to a Swiss Cooperation Office / Embassy, your main responsibilities may be: Supporting the coordination of a food security cluster. Apart from that the main goal is to support the development and implementation of integrated approaches within development and humanitarian aid programmes that address the linkages between food systems, agriculture, nutrition and livelihoods. An important factor will be to rapidly assess food security and nutrition needs in humanitarian crises and contribute to the design and implementation of emergency response interventions, including food distribution, cash transfers, and nutrition support. Tasks will include conducting comprehensive analyses and assessments of food systems, including their vulnerabilities, strengths and linkages with other sectors such as health, water and energy. It will also identify key actors, resources and opportunities for intervention in food systems. Develop strategies and action plans to promote sustainable and resilient food systems that prioritise food security, nutrition and livelihoods, especially in crisis-affected and vulnerable communities. And integrate principles of climate resilience, gender equality and social inclusion into food systems programming.
Example of a recent assignment: Senior nexus programme officer, deployed to IFAD, Dakar, Senegal, regional tasks
Professional competencies: 5 years of professional experience, at least two of which must have been abroad in the humanitarian field of food security / food systems; comprehensive understanding of food systems dynamics, encompassing agriculture, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic factors. Strong analytical skills to assess complex food security challenges, identify strategic intervention points, and develop integrated solutions that address the interconnectedness of food-related issues. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration abilities are crucial for fostering partnerships, advocating for policy changes, and mobilizing stakeholders to promote sustainable and resilient food systems.
Education: University degree – or equivalent professional training – in food policy, food safety, nutrition, agriculture, economics, rural development, environmental sciences, sustainable development or other related fields.
Nutrition Nexus expert
Main responsibilities and tasks: Seconded to a UN agency (WFP, UNICEF, FAO, IFAD, WHO), the primary objective of the Nutrition Nexus Specialist is to support the design, implementation and evaluation of integrated nutrition interventions within development and humanitarian assistance programmes, focusing on addressing the multi-sectoral determinants of malnutrition. Undertake comprehensive assessments of nutritional status, including prevalence and causes of malnutrition, in different populations and geographical areas. Analysing the underlying determinants of malnutrition, such as food insecurity, inadequate health care, poor sanitation and socio-economic inequalities in specific contexts is part of the tasks. In addition to that develop evidence-based strategies and action plans to improve nutrition outcomes, integrating interventions across sectors, including (public) health, agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), education and livelihoods. This also ensures that nutrition interventions are context-specific, culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations, including women, children and marginalised groups.
Professional competencies: 5 years of professional experience, at least two of which must have been in the humanitarian field of nutrition / public health / food security / food systems; comprehensive understanding of nutrition / primary health / food systems dynamics, encompassing agriculture, nutrition, environmental sustainability, and socio-economic factors. Strong analytical skills to assess complex food and nutrition security challenges, identify strategic intervention points, and develop integrated solutions that address the interconnectedness of malnutrition. Additionally, effective communication and collaboration abilities are crucial for fostering partnerships, advocating for policy changes, and mobilizing stakeholders to promote healthy nutrition and resilient food systems.
Education: University degree – or equivalent professional training – in nutrition, food policy, food safety, agriculture, economics, rural development, environmental sciences, sustainable development or other related fields.
What we require: Swiss citizenship (or Liechtenstein) or holder of a valid Swiss work permit (C). You are available for a 6 - 12 month’s assignment abroad and you are prepared to carry out assignments in complex humanitarian situations/fragile contexts.
Professional qualifications and skills: as above
Social and personal skills: sound general knowledge, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to lead and find solutions. Good physical and mental endurance. Flexibility and adaptability, able to work autonomously and in a team.
Language skills: good knowledge of at least two national languages, good knowledge of English, any other language would be an asset.
Recruitment process:
If your application is successful, you will be invited to an initial interview at our head office in Bern. If you are successful, you will be invited to attend an assessment day with other candidates (interviews, exercises and role-playing). The final stage consists of a week's introductory course near Berne.
Subject to a medical check-up, you are then ready to go on mission. All planned SHA missions are published on the SHA information portal (access restricted to SHA members only). These job descriptions provide information on the objectives, nature, duration and location of the planned intervention.
If we have aroused your interest and you meet the above criteria, we look forward to receive your application by e-mail at the following address: rekrutierungskh@eda.admin.ch