Project Associate, Fortification Advocacy and Partnerships

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is seeking a Project Associate, Fortification Advocacy and Partnershipsto support GAIN’s advocacy efforts on food fortification in Ethiopia. This role will be on a 34 months’ fixed-term contract, subject to availability of funding. This position will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

About GAIN

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. In particular, we aim to make healthier food choices more desirable, more available, and more affordable. GAIN’s mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all people, especially the most vulnerable to malnutrition.

About the Role

Reporting to the Project Manager, Food Fortification, you will support the execution of GAIN Ethiopia’s advocacy strategy through GAIN’s efforts to increase political will and private sector support for mandatory edible oil and wheat flour fortification in Ethiopia. Also, you will support national stakeholder engagement and alliance building to that end.

The postholder will also assist with the implementation of other project activities regarding GAIN’s large scale food fortification (LSFF) portfolio in Ethiopia as needed. This position will coordinate closely with GAIN Ethiopia’s Senior Policy Advisor and Communications Officer and will maintain a strong working relationship with other food fortification sector partners, fortified food processors, relevant government & policy institutions and strategic and development partners who have similar activities and programs.

You will also assist in developing concepts, proposals and exploring new programmatic areas based on learning from ongoing LSFF projects. The workstation will be mainly based in Addis Ababa with travel (30%) across the country as and when appropriate.

Key Responsibilities include;

• Supporting the implementation of a national mandatory fortification programmes for edible oil and wheat flour in Ethiopia and strengthen Ethiopia’s national salt iodization program, regularly revisiting and modifying the strategy to accommodate new learning and recent developments as advised by the project manager
• Facilitating regular communication to exchange updates and information with relevant team members to ensure a coordinated, strategic approach to work with government officials, the private sector, and other key stakeholders
• Contributing to the development of a detailed implementation plan for GAIN Ethiopia’s fortification portfolio, with a particular focus on the advocacy strategy and activities
• Working closely with Ministry of Industries and Health, regulatory agencies, and other government agencies on successful implementation of the project
• Developing strong partnerships and relationships with the private sector (wheat and oil industry) and food processors associations to ensure commencement and scaling up of wheat and oil fortification in Ethiopia
• Participating in the preparation, formatting, and coordination of donor reports and proposals, follow up monthly reports, manage timesheet records, organize meetings and workshops
• Support the project manager with providing technical assistance to SME processors of fortified foods as required
• Contribute to concepts, proposals, and innovative new programmatic areas based on learning from LSFF projects

About You

The ideal candidate should have professional experience working in public policy/advocacy/communications in project coordination role. A focus in the fields of nutrition or, private public partnerships, private sector development or international development is preferred. Knowledge of food fortification and public nutrition programming is desirable. In addition to this, candidates must possess demonstrable experience using basic advocacy tools such as power analysis, stakeholder analysis, SWOT analysis and developing a theory of change and action plan.

The postholder should have good interpersonal skills in both English and Amharic, and proven ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment. You should have the ability to prioritize, multi-task and work well under pressure with deadlines as well as highly flexible and willingness in travelling to field sites frequently.

A Bachelors’ degree or equivalent qualification in public policy, communications, food science, nutrition or related field is desirable. Experience of providing technical assistance to SMEs on business model development, business support services, production, and supply chain management is desirable.

About our Offer

The starting salary on offer for this role is from ETB 498,696 – ETB 570,456 per annum, depending on experience.

GAIN has a fair and competitive salary structure that allows for annual progression subject to good performance. In addition, GAIN offers a total of 37 days holiday per year (including annual leave, public holidays and additional office closure days), an attractive pension scheme and competitive insurance cover including health, travel and life assurance.

We are committed to the health of our staff, especially in these challenging times, and have developed a programme of wellbeing that includes flexible working, additional leave allowances, wellbeing days, mindfulness coaching and access to independent and confidential counselling.

GAIN also has a strong commitment to professional development. We will support you to grow in your career through both formal and informal training, and are committed to providing opportunities through internal recruitment, secondments and promotion. All of this is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.

This advert closes on 5th August 2022. Early applications are encouraged. GAIN reserves the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable candidates ahead of the closing date.

Applicants must have the existing right to live and work in Ethiopia. Please note that GAIN is currently unable to sponsor working visas and relocation.

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is committed to equality of opportunity and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. We are keen to reflect the diversity of our society at every level within our organisation and therefore welcome applications from talented and committed people from all backgrounds, representing the diverse societies we operate in.