Regional Senior Associate, Nutrition Programs, South Asia

Closing Date:          21 March 2010
Reporting To:          Food Fortification Programs Manager & Regional Manager
Office:                     South Asia Regional Office, New Delhi, India
Travel Required:     Up to 50%

Overall Purpose:

• Provide management, technical, and logistical support to nutrition projects within the region.
• Conduct periodic reviews to assess the status of a portfolio of nutrition projects
• Assess trends and identify opportunities in the nutrition field within the region and their impact on GAIN initiatives.

Tasks & Responsibilities:

• Work on projects focused on Food Fortification, Salt Iodization, Premix Facility, Infant & Young Child Nutrition, Nutrition and Infectious Diseases and other areas, as decided by the Nutrition management team.
• Participate and organize project related missions in the region, including: fact finding, appraisal, mid-term review, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Assist in regional nutrition program activities, project planning, and project management. This includes project timelines, cost estimates, and procurement plans.
• Identify and advise on new project opportunities for GAIN in the region.
• Liaise closely with GAIN’s Alliance partners in both the public and private domain to assist in project delivery.
• Coordinate national and regional meetings among major key players in the nutrition industry to review materials, training and technical support needs.
• Reviews project practices and quality processes for the projects he/she manages.
• Facilitate activities with countries in the region to develop and implement national action plans for nutrition projects.
• Help identify and oversee subject matter experts and consultants in the delivery of projects.
• Identify and promote the use of innovative mechanisms to support regional and/or country operations.
• Coordinate all field activities in regard to delivery.
• Ensures that all project activities are completed according to the regional / national project implementation timeframe.
• Write and ensure timely submission of implementation, progress and financial reports to the Regional Manager.
• Assist in reviewing grant proposals
• Travel within the region to provide project oversight, technical assistance, and to monitor progress.
• Represent GAIN at regional technical meetings and conferences.

Key Organizational Relationships:

• The Regional Senior Associate will report functionally to the FFP Manager and administratively to the South Asia Regional Manager.
• The Regional Senior Associate will work with the Regional Managers to assist in planning regional nutrition program activities and project implementation.
• The Regional Senior Associate will work closely with the other GAIN Program teams including Food Fortification, Infant and Young Child Nutrition, Performance Measurement and Research, Communications, Partnerships, Donor Relations.
• The Regional Senior Associate will work with Consultants engaged in supporting efforts in the region.
• The Regional Senior Associate will work with Partner organizations to exchange information on food fortification programs.

Skills & Attributes:

• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent project management, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to operate within the corporate and public sectors to effectively liaise with private companies, development agencies, and governments in multiple cultures. 
• Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment, expert problem solving, and creativity.
• Strong communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team.

Experience:

• At least five years of experience in developing and managing projects in a multi-cultural environment, preferably at international level in the private sector, food  industry or international organizations
• Experience in delivering nutrition or food fortification programs in the region is an asset.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment is critical.

Education:

• Masters degree in food science, nutrition, public health, economics, business administration, or a suitable equivalent.

Competencies:

• Initiative
• Quality Management
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Influence
• Negotiation
• Project Management
• Facilitation
• Knowledge Sharing

Languages:

• Fluency in English.
• Working knowledge in one of the official regional languages preferred.

Application process:

Applications (including CV and brief cover letter) should be sent to HR-India@gainhealth.org, quoting vacancy reference IN_1001 in the subject line.

GAIN offers competitive working conditions and salaries.

We thank all candidates for their interest.  Only selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.  If you have not been contacted five weeks after the deadline, please consider that you have not been short-listed for the position.