Advisor Food Security on Large Scale Food Fortification in the Global Programme Modular Nutrition Actions (Bd4, Abidjan)

Field of activity

For the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), food and nutrition security is a strategic priority anchored in the BMZ core theme “A World without Hunger - Transforming Agricultural and Food Systems.” The field of action “Food and Nutrition Security” constitutes the central reference framework for the Global Programme “Modular Nutrition Actions (MoNA).”

MoNA integrates food and nutrition security measures into existing bilateral and regional cooperation programmes through nutrition modules. Existing BMZ-funded programmes across various sectors - including agriculture, social protection, and health - offer significant potential to enhance their impact on healthy nutrition through complementary, integrated, and proven approaches. The Global Programme MoNA is designed to systematically harness and leverage this potential.

One of the approaches supported by MoNA is the strengthening of nutrition governance, including the objective of creating an enabling environment for Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) to reduce micronutrient deficiencies in West Africa. This is implemented in cooperation with the West African Health Organization (WAHO), the specialized Institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) entrusted with a political mandate to ensure coordination of regional health interventions within the ECOWAS region. The component is embedded within the project’s multi-sectoral approach to food and nutrition security.

Your Tasks

• Provide technical advice to WAHO and hands-on support in the elaboration and the implementation of the operational plan for Large Scale Food Fortification as part of the Regional Nutrition Strategic Plan (2025-2030)
• Provide technical advice to WAHO and facilitation in the implementation of the regional operational plan for Large Scale Food Fortification
• Provide technical advice and strategic support to WAHO to strengthen harmonized standards and regulations for fortified foods, including labeling, and to facilitate trade in fortified food products between ECOWAS countries.
• Provide technical advice and practical support to WAHO in developing approaches to facilitate access to premix on regional and national level (e.g. regional production of premix, detaxation of premix and vitamins at ECOWAS level)
• Advise and support to the Regional Fortification Alliance (RFA) in strengthening monitoring and compliance of fortified foods in West Africa, including mapping regional laboratory capacity, developing inspection and monitoring guidelines for national authorities, and delivering targeted trainings for regulators, customs officials, and laboratory analysts.
• Facilitate exchange, coordination and mutual learning among relevant stakeholders involved in the implementation of the project, including partners within the regional fortification alliance, the project coordination unit, and relevant GIZ programmes.
• Elaborate reports to the commissioning parties (BMZ, Gates Foundation).
• Develop technical papers, presentations, and knowledge products related to LSFF

Your Profile

• A relevant university degree at Master´s level in the field of public health, nutritional sciences, agriculture, or comparable fields of study.
• At least 7 years of professional experience, including 3 years of professional experience in advising governmental or supra-regional institutions in the field of health or food / nutrition security.
• Professional experience with health/nutrition policies and governance in the ECOWAS region.
• Sound technical expertise in large-scale food fortification including implementation modalities on national and regional levels.
• High advisory competence as well as excellent conceptual and analytical skills.
• Strong communication skills, political sensitivity, diplomatic skills, as well as the ability to collaborate and network in a multicultural environment.
• High diplomacy and negotiating skills.
• Ability for frequent travels in West Africa.
• Business fluency in French and English.

Location: Office of the West Africa Health Organization, Abidjan, Côte d´Ivoire

You are invited to apply by 08 May 2026 if your profile meets the position requirements.

The application file must imperatively include (MANDATORY, submit as a single bundle, in PDF format):

• Curriculum Vitae and cover letter
• A copy of your most recent degree
• References from previous employment

GIZ is an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity. All qualified candidates, regardless od disability, age, sex, ethnicity, race and religion are encouraged to apply.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

“GIZ would like to inform you that no fees are required to apply, participate in the selection interview, or take part in any stage of the recruitment process.”