Public Health and Nutrition Consultant

Objective

The primary objective of this role is to assist CRD in conducting public health research, data analysis, and policy evaluations to inform evidence-based interventions and strategies in low- and middle-income settings. The consultant will work to generate knowledge and insights that support program development, implementation, and evaluation related to childhood obesity prevention.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in low- and middle-income countries where data is scarce.
• Gather and analyze data on dietary intake and its links to diet-related non-communicable diseases.
• Examine the proportion of ultra-processed foods as indicators of poor diets.
• Analyze food environments and public policies through surveys.
• Monitor and evaluate food industry practices and potential interference in policies.
• Develop and assess interventions in food retail settings.
• Track harmful nutrient levels in packaged foods by using food composition data.
• Assess dietary intake and consumption patterns.
• Monitor health-related labelling of foods and beverages in retail settings.
• Develop methodologies for conducting consumer research on front-of-pack labelling.
• Monitor and evaluate the marketing of unhealthy foods targeted at children.
• Evaluate school food environments and assess food offerings in and around schools.
• Conduct economic modelling and impact assessments for childhood obesity policies.
• Conduct participatory and lived experience research with children and community members.
• Support landscape analysis assessments of childhood overweight and obesity.
• Produce data visualizations and comprehensive reports to present findings.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the CEO.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public health, nutrition, social sciences, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in public health research, focused on nutrition or obesity prevention.
• Proven experience in conducting population-level research and dietary intake data analysis.
• Experience with monitoring and evaluating food environment policies and interventions.
• Familiarity with economic modelling and impact assessments in public health.
• In-depth understanding of childhood obesity and nutrition issues.
• Experience in participatory research methods and engaging with diverse community stakeholders.
• Experience working with governmental bodies, international organizations, or NGOs is preferred.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and generate actionable insights.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Tableau).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in preparing detailed reports and presenting findings to diverse audiences.
• Fluent in English and Arabic; proficiency in French is an advantage.