The Program Manager/PostDoc will work closely together with the Program Directors and the junior scientists working on the Gates Nutrition Technical Assistance program.

The detailed scope of work will depend on the seniority of the candidate but will include:

1. Supervision of junior scientists who provide technical assistance to partner food companies in Asia and Africa on improved product formulations and lead their dialogue with partner food companies on product formulation to improve nutrient intakes
2. Daily management of a secretariat to form and manage an independent nutrition advisory committee of approximately 6 or 7 global, renowned and recognized public health nutrition experts (at least half of them from low- and middle-income countries) to advise the foundation's Nutrition Private Sector Partnerships team and its partners on nutrient targets and formulation guidelines, and advance the nutrition strategy of the Nutrition Private Sector Partnership team of the Foundation.
3. Carry out and report on supporting research to model the contribution of existing and proposed products to improve nutrient intakes, in order to evaluate the impact potential of the different investment and partnership opportunities.

The position will be based at the Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, The Netherlands. The work may include travel to partner food companies in Asia and Africa, for now these include: Nigeria, Indonesia and Nepal.

The candidate should have excellent knowledge of English and should be willing to work under tight deadlines when urgent input is required.

The program manager should hold a MSc with at least 5 years of relevant experience, or PhD in Nutrition and Health or related field, and should have experience in working with private sector. Experience with nutrient profiling and/or linear program models (Optifood) is required. Experience in low- and middle-income countries is preferred.

A job at an organisation that will challenge you every day to provide our clients with the best possible solution. As Program Manager / Postdoc you will be part of an ambitious team working on a wide range of issues with plenty of scope for initiative. Personal input and responsibility are an integral part of our culture.

We offer a temporary position with an average working time of 32-38 hours per week for the period of 21 months. Gross salary € 2640,-. to € 4166,-.,-. maximum per month, based on a full time employment and depending on expertise and experience.

We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

Wageningen University & Research

The necessity of private sector involvement to end malnutrition is increasingly being recognized by the global development community, in light of the huge challenges of meeting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The way people eat is fundamentally affected by the quantity and nutritional quality of (processed) food available and how it's marketed, priced, and distributed.
To enhance the affordability, accessibility and demand for nutritious products in lower-income countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South/Southeast Asia, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is working with food and beverage companies to (1) improve the nutritional quality of products already widely consumed by lower-income consumers; and (2) increase the affordability and appeal of nutritious products for low-income groups by finding innovative ways to cut costs.
The strategy of the Private Sector Partnership (PSP), articulates a broad and ambitious learning agenda to identify, develop and test innovations across the value chain to increase affordability, appeal and access of nutritious foods to lower-income and nutritionally vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa and South/Southeast Asia.
The PSP will set up an independent nutrition "hub" (i.e., pool of experts) at the Division of Human Nutrition and Health at Wageningen University to help guide and assist the work with the private sector.

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research, an organisation that brings together fundamental and applied scientific research. We work on creating 'healthy food in a biobased society' with private sector companies, research institutes and government agencies in the Netherlands and abroad. Our innovations play a crucial role in solving the major issues which affect society today. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are key in all that we do. In short, we are a major international employer offering considerable potential for your career.

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain of good and safe food & food production, food security and a healthy living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 5000 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at: https://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs.htm

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.