Senior Policy Advisor at Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN): (Deadline 5 June 2023)

Senior Policy Advisor at Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN): (Deadline 5 June 2023)

Underpinned by strong economic growth and high-level government commitment, the potential to accelerate improvements in nutritional outcomes in Rwanda is very high. The food systems pathway submitted by the Government of Rwanda at the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit provides a strong basis for realizing a range of food systems improvements that have the potential to improve the nutritional status, particularly of young children and women. The preparation of the next National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2) and the next Strategic Plan for Agriculture (PSTA-5) provide the opportunity to elevate nutrition outcomes as a priority and to advance these outcomes through the identification of a set of coherent and impactful policies, programmes and actions.

To achieve this goal, GAIN is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor for an anticipated 18-month project (with an extension of up to 5 years, subject to funding).

The Senior Policy Advisor will be responsible for leading a structured process of building food systems and related actions that have the potential to advance nutritional outcomes into the next National Strategy for Transformation (NST-2) and the next Strategic Plan for Agriculture (PSTA-5) with a focus on helping key decision makers to understand the necessary policy changes that evidence and analysis suggest are politically possible and how to influence the policy process so that they are more likely to be prioritized in the national strategies.

This role will be based in the new project office in Kigali and therefore the position holder will coordinate and establish the start-up phase with support from the GAIN global team and is expected to be both responsive and proactive to operational requirements. The postholder will be responsible for supporting with overall country team management to support the delivery through high-performing staff and will lead on proposal development and resource mobilization efforts.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Create and deliver a series of dialogue and learning opportunities for key decision makers from government and business to identify and include nutrition accelerating actions in their decision-making processes.
• Work closely with government agencies to identify prioritized and sequenced actions to advance nutritional outcomes, based on technical, political and capacity considerations.
• Work with development partners to identify and realize resource opportunities for implementation, advocacy and alignment support.
• Monitor, attend and engage to represent GAIN, where appropriate, in key national-level and country-level policy fora and meetings.
• Lead on external engagement with key stakeholders in government, private sector, UN, donors and civil society including academia, media, and other development practitioners; to improve support for GAIN’s mission and increase resources allocated to nutrition.
• Line management of the Policy Advisor and the Finance and Admin Officer, overseeing administrative, coordination and financial management by the Finance and Admin Officer
• Lead proposal development and resource mobilization efforts.

About you

The ideal candidate should have extensive working experience engaging in the food and nutrition policy making process in Rwanda at a senior level. You should have ability to grasp the implications of policy analysis and to influence policy processes. Hold significant professional experience of policy development and planning work within a government setting that involves public private engagement and demonstrated respect within government circles.

The post holder should have a proven track record in influencing government, donors and others and working with people at high levels. Demonstrate understanding of food systems transformation approaches with the ability to leverage this understanding to accelerate positive nutrition improvements. Understanding of the Rwanda context, culture, language and dynamics with the ability to translate this into effective working practices.

The candidate should have an education background in public health or nutrition, business or public administration, public policy or related field or equivalent combination of stakeholder engagement and project management work experience. Previous experience with coordinating the setting up a regional / project office will be an additional advantage.

About our Offer

The starting gross salary on offer for this role is from RWF 26,585,100 – RWF 30,398,868 per annum, depending on experience.

GAIN has a fair and competitive salary structure that allows for annual progression subject to good performance. In addition, GAIN offers a total of 37 days holiday per year (including annual leave, public holidays and additional office closure days), an attractive pension scheme and competitive insurance cover including health, travel and life assurance. We are committed to the health of our staff, especially in these challenging times, and have developed a programme of wellbeing that includes flexible and hybrid working, additional leave allowances, wellbeing days, mindfulness coaching and access to independent and confidential counselling.

GAIN also has a strong commitment to professional development. We will support you to grow in your career through both formal and informal training, and are committed to providing opportunities through internal recruitment, secondments, and promotion. All of this is delivered in a supportive and collaborative environment.

About GAIN

GAIN is a Swiss-based foundation that was launched in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. In particular, we aim to make healthier food choices more desirable, more available, and more affordable. GAIN’s mission is to advance nutrition outcomes by improving consumption of nutritious and safe food for all people, especially those most vulnerable to malnutrition.

Our Working Culture and Environment

We provide a flexible working environment that includes a combination of home and office working opportunities through our global hybrid working policy. This encourages our staff to have a healthy work-life balance and increases staff motivation, enriches employee wellbeing, and improves performance and productivity.

All of our positions are based in one or more of GAIN’s designated offices as stated on our job advertisements. Successful candidates will be based in one of GAIN’s country offices and must have the existing right to live and work within a reasonably commutable distance of the relevant city / cities in which the role is advertised. Please note, that GAIN does not sponsor working visas and relocations.

GAIN reserves the right to withdraw an offer of employment for candidates who are considered to be ineligible under the above conditions during or after the recruitment process.

Applicants must have the right to work and be currently based in the advertised country location, to be eligible to apply for this position.

This advert closes on 5th June 2023. Early applications are encouraged. GAIN reserves the right to close this advert early should we receive suitable candidates ahead of the closing date.

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition is committed to equality of opportunity and creating an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. We are keen to reflect the diversity of our society at every level within our organization and therefore welcome applications from talented and committed people from all backgrounds, representing the diverse societies we operate in.