Health Nutrition and Food Security Technical Consultant At The Asia Foundation

Program Background

Be part of the Foundation’s team actively engaged in policy reform activities and building coalitions and networks in the Philippines.

Coalitions for Change (CfC) is a partnership program of Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and The Asia Foundation in the Philippines. CfC supports the formulation and implementation of key policies consistent with the government’s agenda on economic growth, improved governance, and social development.

The program creates spaces for collaboration, strengthening coalitions and networks, civil society, the private sector, the government, academia, and others to bring about transformative change. Working with these motivated groups and individuals, and underpinned with technical and political analysis, CfC successfully delivers reforms that lead to sustainable and inclusive development, improving the lives of Filipinos.

Background of the Assignment – Health, Nutrition, and Food Security (Stunting)

Studies have shown that the kind of nutrition a child receives in the first 1,000 days from conception has significant and irreversible development outcomes for a child’s health, education, and success later in life. Stunting, as an effect of poor nutrition, manifests in impaired growth, poor cognition and educational performance, lost productivity, and low adult wages.

The stunting incidence for children under five in the Philippines has remained constant at 33-35% since 2005. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported in 2015 that 33.4% out of 11.2 million children aged 0-5 are listed as stunted.

CfC is working with partners to introduce policies that will address persistent hunger and malnutrition, especially among the poor.

CfC is seeking to hire (1) Health, Nutrition, and Food Security Technical Consultant in a part-time consultancy position, for an initial period of (3) months.

Summary of Job Responsibilities

1. Maintain collaborative relationships with the CfC Social Development team, its network, and partners.
2. Develop and pursue technically sound and politically feasible policies, which address stunting and malnutrition
3. Lead technical work on policy papers, briefers, presentations, and other reference materials to be presented to legislators, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
4. Identify possible entry points to introduce reform agenda through relevant government officials, legislators, and stakeholders.
5. Network and collaborate with coalitions, advocacy groups, and stakeholders.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline (e.g. Political Science, Public Administration, Development Studies, Education etc.). Advance degrees is an advantage.
2. Demonstrated experience in policy research and development particularly on health, nutrition, and food security. Familiarity with local nutrition policies, context, processes, and programming.
3. With extensive background and experience in working with partners and other stakeholders in the health and nutrition sectors.
4. Effective written and verbal communication skills in both English and Filipino.
5. Ability to analyze, interpret, and summarize data.
6. Ability to balance competing priorities and meet deadlines.
7. Ability to work in an adaptive environment under a multicultural setting.
8. Demonstrated experience working in adaptive programs and development entrepreneurship would be an advantage.