PHC’s country-led model focuses on applying business principles to develop and implement programs of food fortification, a low-cost intervention that has been proven to dramatically reduce micronutrient deficiencies. Recognizing that the needs of each country are different, PHC’s work has included everything from planning and leading field surveys of food consumption to developing and leading trainings for health officers, helping industries plan plant upgrades, and drafting national policy. In-country staff members have the chance to work shoulder to shoulder with government policymakers, captains of industry, and decision-makers in the development community on a daily basis. With only a single team member in each country, PHC staff structure their own work and priorities; serve as catalysts, spurs, and conveners rather than mere cogs in the administration of a larger organization.
More importantly, they have the chance to take full ownership of each program, proactively shape their roles, and have a measurable impact on the health of an entire country.
In support of this entrepreneurial model PHC’s central office provides both an intensive program of training/career development and a reservoir of technical expertise, models, and templates. All staff members are expected to take part in formal ongoing trainings on nutrition, fortification, and project management topics as well as informally share relevant information (news articles, etc.) on a weekly basis. Team summits held approximately twice yearly in project countries provide the chance for in-depth review of the host program and the exchange of ideas and lessons learned.
PHC was founded in 2000 and began operations in Honduras. Since that time, operations have expanded to Liberia, Malawi, Rwanda, and Nepal.
Position Overview
The Country Coordinator will be based full time in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, in the Department of Nutrition within the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW). As technical fortification advisor to the department, the coordinator will work daily with senior government policymakers and leaders within the development community to shape Liberia’s efforts to improve nutrition. The coordinator will act as catalyst and driving force for implementation of a national fortification program, combining passionate advocacy with PHC’s deep technical expertise to win over skeptics, solve problems, and get food fortified.
In addition to PHC summits in Malawi, Nepal, and Rwanda, the coordinator will be expected to travel periodically to learn from other country programs, meet with major industry players (for example salt packers in Zimbabwe) and ensure Liberia is coordinated with fortification harmonization efforts in the Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. The coordinator will report weekly to the Executive Director and submit monthly updates to the board of directors.
Major Tasks and Activities
Shape the program by helping government partners develop an overall project plan and annual fortification work plan and budget.
Build, coordinate and maintain partnerships with multiple stakeholders, including members of the nutrition community, academia, civil society, government, and the private sector.
Travel throughout Africa to meet with regional experts and ensure harmonization with regional fortification efforts and other ongoing initiatives.
Coordinate activities between government institutions and other stakeholders to catalyze progress.
Provide technical support in the writing of appropriate micronutrient and fortification national policies and plans.
Provide technical support and guidance in the creation of Liberia-specific fortification standards based on current food consumption patterns and deficiency data.
Support efforts to ensure appropriate government regulations are in place for mandatory fortification in Liberia.
Institutionalize regular program monitoring and reporting.
Reinforce the capacity of the food industry to embark on fortification by helping analyze equipment and training needs, developing business plans, and connecting industry members with specialists in equipment procurement and installation, premix procurement and handling, and food quality assurance systems where needed.
Support efforts to promote consumption of fortified foods.
Report on all activities and disseminate information on food fortification in Liberia.
Requirements
Bachelors or higher degree.
Relevant work experience.
Proactive with strong entrepreneurial tendencies, including resourcefulness, ability to multitask, and ability to independently structure one’s own work.
Proven skills in diplomacy and experience building and maintaining relationships.
Ambition, drive, and tenacity.
Intense attention to both details and results.
Proven ability to manage projects and to work under pressure.
Excellent analytical, problem solving, written and oral communication skills.
Mastery of Excel, PowerPoint presentations, and Word documents.
Desirable Attributes
International experience; ability to adapt and be comfortable with other cultures.
Experience in nutrition, food science and technology, public health, or related field.
Terms of Employment
Two-year contract, renewal by mutual agreement.
Salary and Benefits: Commensurate with experience. PHC offers a competitive salary and conditions of employment.
To Apply: Please email a letter of interest, resume and names and contact information for three references to: jobs@projecthealthychildren.org.
Closing Date: June 15, 2011.
Desired Start Date: July-August, 2011.
