Advisor Food Security to the West African Health Organisation on Regional Nutrition Governance in the Global Programme Modular Nutrition Actions (MoNA), 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 and implementation support to WAHO in advancing the implementation of the Regional Nutrition Strategic Plan
• Provide technical advice and facilitation support to WAHO in the elaboration of the Regional Nutrition Strategic Plan (2025-2030).
• Support WAHO in identifying and engaging with relevant global nutrition initiatives and agendas and in strengthening its strategic positioning, including technical support for the implementation and reporting of international commitments (e.g. Nutrition for Growth - N4G).
• Provide technical advice and organizational support to WAHO in the preparation and holding of Regional Food Fortification Alliance meetings and in developing sustainable funding mechanisms.
• Provide technical advice and strategic support to WAHO in institutionalizing the Regional Fortification Alliance as the official platform for regional strategic decision-making on fortification.
• Provide technical advice and capacity building support to WAHO for capacity building for national food fortification alliances.
• Provide technical advice and facilitation support to WAHO in international exchanges and regional learning processes
• 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 food fortification and nutrition governance

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 food and nutrition security as well as with implementation modalities on national and regional levels
• Experience in Large Scale Food Fortification
• 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

Application Submission Guideline:

 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.”