Principal Public Health and Nutrition Officer in Tanzania

East African Community

Applications are invited from suitably qualified citizens of East African Community Partner States (Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) for the Position of Principal Public Health and Nutrition Officer.

This is a non-established position supported by donor funds whose contract terms and conditions are limited to the availability of funds.

Principal Public Health and Nutrition Officer

REF: EAC/HR/HEALTH/2011-2012/011
Title: Principal Public Health and Nutrition Officer
Grade: P3
Reports to: EAC Principal Health Officer (PHO)
Department: Health
Collaborating Sectors: Health, Agriculture & Trade
Organ or Institution: EAC Secretariat
Duration of Contract: Initially two (2) years,
Station: EAC Secretariat, Arusha-Tanzania

Main Purpose of the Job

To coordinate the design and implementation of policies and programs to strengthen food security and food safety with a focus on aflatoxin abatement as well as dietary diversification and nutrition throughout the East African Community region.

This will include focusing on the linkages between health, agriculture and trade for the production and consumption of adequately nutritious and safe foods.

Primary duties/Responsibilities

Specifically the Principal Public Health and Nutrition Officer will be responsible
for the following;

1. To provide strategic and technical support to the EAC Secretariat and Partner States in the design, implementation and monitoring of regional multisectoral programs in aflatoxin prevention and control as well as public health nutrition and dietetics.
2. To coordinate and strengthen the cross linkages between health, agriculture and trade to improve food security and food safety, public health, nutrition, dietetics and trade in the region as indicated below

General Responsibilities:

1. To support the establishment of the Partnership for the Control of Aflatoxin in Africa (PACA) region with special attention to raising awareness, strengthening existing efforts to control aflatoxin, supporting the effective policy and regulatory environment, address key public health issues and promoting dietary diversity towards healthier consumption practices all with links to the agricultural and trade sectors
2. Facilitate the convening of regional technical and expert meetings, workshops and consultancy studies for continuous joint review, harmonization and enforcement of health, agriculture, trade and related policies
3. Coordinate and promote the conduct of health research, source, gather, analyze and disseminate the findings for the purpose of relevant policy formulations which can be applied for the enhancement of food safety related to aflatoxin, nutrition and dietetics
4. Strengthen linkages with potential partners and identify funding opportunities to support aflatoxin control and prevention as well as public health nutrition and dietetics related activities.
5. Promote the development of good nutritional standards and the popularization of indigenous foods in accordance with the relevant provisions of the EAC Treaty.

Qualifications and Experience

• A basic degree in health, food science and technology field or agriculture
• A Master’s Degree in Public Health or related degree from an accredited university is an added advantage.
• At least 7 years relevant experience, 3 of which must be in management and food safety and other relevant food security issues

Skills and Competencies

• A working knowledge of aflatoxin issues within the region including the cross-sectoral linkages between the health, agriculture and sectors is required.
• Understanding of scope and mandate of regional level organizations
• Good understanding of political dimensions of EAC work and mandate
• Be fully fluent in speaking, reading, and writing in the English language (applicants may be asked to submit a sample of previously written work in one of the above mentioned policy and program areas).
• Applicants must be willing and able to travel across the East Africa region for the purpose of policy and program development and implementation.
• Experience with donors, private voluntary organizations, national governments and other regional and international institutions is required.

Terms and Condition of Service

The position has an initial two-year contract that may be renewed subject to satisfactory performance and availability of donor funds. This position will be subjected to the EAC quota system.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications quoting the reference number of the position applied for by registered mail, courier service, e-mail and dispatch directly together with the full curriculum vitae, copies of both academic and professional certificates and testimonials, names and addresses of three referees, day time telephone /cell phone numbers to:

The Secretary General
East African Community
P.O. Box 1096,
Arusha, Tanzania

Fax: +255-27-2504255/4481
Email: eac@eachq.org

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Closing Date:

All applications together with copies of relevant attachments should be received no later than Monday, 14th May 2012.