Technical Advisor, Maternal & Newborn Health & Nutrition (MNHN) At Nutrition International

Employment Type: Project, Full-Time (Estimated end of project is April 30, 2026)

Location: Ottawa, ON, Canada (Hybrid Work Arrangement)

Deadline for Submission: December 20, 2023

About us

At Nutrition International, we make a difference, because nutrition is the difference.

Woven into the very fabric of our approach is the passion and drive of our global team of over 600 people, working in 13 offices across 11 countries with one common goal: transforming the lives of people who need it most through improved nutrition.

If you are a motivated and passionate individual who shares our conviction that a better world is possible through improved nutrition, wants to leave the world a little better than they found it, and is looking to be part of a global team with a clear vision, we want to hear from you. Please consider applying for the position below.

Know our Team

Nutrition International promotes an evidence-based approach to advocacy, decision making, multi-sectoral country planning, and the setting of nutrition agendas. The Global Technical Services (GTS) Unit is Nutrition International’s Centre of Technical Excellence. The GTS Unit, based in Ottawa, leads on the quality assurance of and technical support to Nutrition International’s research and programs to influence and improve national and global policies and practice. Currently, Nutrition International is seeking applications for a Technical Advisor, Maternal & Newborn Health & Nutrition (MNHN) to be based in Ottawa, ON, Canada.

About the Role

As a Technical Advisor for Maternal Newborn Health and Nutrition, you will play a crucial role in a three-year project in partnership with the Government of Pakistan, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The project aims to transition and scale antenatal Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) nationally, focusing on policy, product, financing, and delivery enablers.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide technical oversight and advice for project objectives, ensuring alignment with NI’s approach to maternal nutrition and MMS programming.
• Lead the design, implementation, analysis, and synthesis of readiness assessments and feasibility studies.
• Support adaptation and operationalization of tools, training materials, and resources based on project findings.
• Manage local and international consultants, including development of Terms of Reference and review of technical deliverables.
• Liaise with technical support teams to integrate findings from ongoing projects and recommend corrective actions.
• Stay updated on the latest evidence and best practices in maternal supplementation and MNHN, applying knowledge to project benefit.
• Prepare and disseminate knowledge products for internal and external audiences.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and documentation to share lessons learned and key findings.
• Coordinate all phases of project implementation, including design, contracting, human resource and financial management, and quality assurance.
• Manage the Project Technical Officer, providing guidance, mentorship, and day-to-day line management.

About you

• Postgraduate degree in public health, management, international development, or related disciplines.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in research or technical advisory roles for international NGOs, research institutes, or public sector agencies.
• Strong understanding of health systems, maternal newborn health, and nutrition in LMICs.
• Experience in international development project management and conducting capacity-building trainings.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and negotiating skills.
• Ability to work in cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural teams.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and relevant research tools.
• Willing to travel up to 30% to project areas for representation; must be able to travel to Pakistan.
• This position is based in our HQ Ottawa office. As such, the ideal candidate must be within a commutable distance to Ottawa to fulfill in-person requirements.