Nutrition Field School Specialist

Organizational Context

The FAO supports agrifood system transformation for improved nutrition and livelihoods. In Nepal, the "Improved Food and Nutrition Security Through Diversified Income Generation and Empowerment" project targets 8,593 households, prioritizing vulnerable women and indigenous Tharu communities. This initiative aims to boost income, enhance food consumption, and improve dietary intake for mothers and young children. A key strategy is the Nutrition Field School (NFS) approach, a participatory platform fostering knowledge in agroecology, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, climate adaptation, and gender equality. FAO Nepal seeks a specialist to implement and scale this methodology.

Job Purpose

The Nutrition Field School Specialist will provide essential technical and operational support for the design, implementation, and quality assurance of Nutrition Field School (NFS) interventions. This role emphasizes promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture, climate-resilient practices, community-based capacity building, and inclusive approaches within the project. The incumbent will be responsible for developing standardized NFS curricula, ensuring effective training and ongoing support for facilitators, and meticulously monitoring and documenting project results. Furthermore, a key aspect of this position is to ensure that all NFS activities are fully aligned with FAO's established technical standards and the overall objectives of the project, contributing directly to enhanced food and nutrition security.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will technically support the planning, implementation, and management of the nutrition component of the GAFSP PO project, including the golden 1000 mother program, Nutrition Field Schools (NFS), and school nutrition gardens. This involves developing and refining the NFS curriculum, strategy, and implementation plan, incorporating nutrition-sensitive agriculture and gender equality, and identifying community needs. The role includes preparing guidelines for NFS, home/school nutrition gardens, and awareness materials. Key responsibilities also encompass capacity building, such as designing and facilitating Training of Facilitators (ToF) for local partners and providing ongoing technical support to NFS facilitators. The specialist will assist in implementing and documenting home/school nutrition gardens, forming nutrition groups, and conducting surveys. For quality assurance, the incumbent will support establishing and operating NFS, reviewing and standardizing training materials, and integrating messages on maternal/child nutrition, WASH, food safety, and gender equality. Developing culturally appropriate IEC materials and ensuring adherence to social, environmental, and public health safeguards are crucial. Monitoring, documentation, and knowledge management involve routine monitoring, technical backup for NFS, documenting good practices, generating databases, and preparing reports. The role also requires facilitating community-level consultations and ensuring NFS activities are inclusive, gender-sensitive, disable-friendly, and promote women's empowerment and youth participation.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required in nutrition education, community-based nutrition, or food security programmes. Candidates must possess a working knowledge of both English and Nepali.

Skills

Required skills include Results Focus, Teamwork, Communication, Building Effective Relationships, and Knowledge Sharing. Candidates should have experience in nutrition across multiple locations, specifically with Nutrition Field Schools, home, and school nutrition gardens. Expertise in working with local government, partners, community mobilization, and awareness campaigns is essential. Familiarity with concept note writing, report writing, M&E systems, curriculum development, and training facilitation is also necessary. Proven expertise in participatory training methods, community mobilization, and capacity building is critical, along with experience in designing or implementing NFS or similar approaches. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are a must. Knowledge of the Tharu language is considered an asset.

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