This position was advertised last month and previous applicants should not reapply.
CONTEXT
The medical department of MSF Belgium (OCB - Operational Center Brussels) plays a strategic role by defining the modalities of implementation of MSF's medical strategy in order to ensure coherence and quality. Strategical support is provided throughout the phases of the project cycle. It has a normative role and technical support role in the implementation and follow-up of the projects. The medical department ensures the transfer of knowledge to the medical workforce and stimulates research and innovation by challenging current medical practices and exploring of new approaches.
It is composed of several specialists based in a network of units worldwide (Belgium, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and South Africa) and works in close collaboration with operations, other OCB departments and the MSF movement. We also support the projects of MSF West and Central Africa (WACA).
Nutrition is a core MSF activity, with response to nutritional crises as an operational priority. This transversal topic encompasses care for malnourished children and adults, including pregnant and lactating women, as well as those at high risk of malnutrition (chronically ill, burns, ICU, and surgical patients). We will also keep putting focus on community-based and integrated approaches of nutrition support, seeking innovative ways to reach populations in need while continuously improving food security monitoring and nutrition surveillance systems.
The Nutrition Referent serves as a technical expert on nutrition care across all contexts and populations, covering acute malnutrition treatment, preventive interventions, and clinical nutrition support to ensure the effectiveness and quality of our nutritional interventions. This position provides technical and strategic support to medical staff in operational cells, emergency pools, and project teams through expert advice, tool development, guideline creation, and project visits.
As Nutrition Referent, you will collaborate closely with pediatrics, nursing, health promotion, environmental health, and mental health referents, as well as critical care, infectious diseases, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), hospital management, pharmacy, epidemiology, and E-health teams. The role includes line management, coaching, and support of Nutrition Mobile Implementation Officers, and collaboration across Operations, Analysis, Human Resources, and Supply departments, with active participation in the inter-sectional MSF Nutrition platform.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
See all the main responsibilities on the vacancy page
REQUIREMENTS
Education and experience
* Bachelor's degree in nutrition & dietetics / or a medical/paramedical degree with certification in nutrition
* Minimum of 4 years' experience in nutrition care and programming, of which at least 2 years of international experience in humanitarian contexts with MSF or a similar NGO
* Experience in management of malnutrition in children under 5 years and strategic design of nutrition interventions (inpatient & outpatient settings) is essential
* Clinical nutrition experience is essential (experience in ICU, advanced HIV, TB, burns and surgical nutrition care is an asset)
* Experience in SMART nutrition surveys is a strong asset
* Experience in BFHI, IYCF and lactation management is an asset
* Experience in hospital food service management is an asset
* Experience in nutrition and food security analysis is an asset
* Experience in community health and outreach activities is an asset
Competencies
* Expertise in nutrition care
* Strong people management skills; ability and motivation to train project staff
* Proactive and confident in taking initiative and making decisions
* Strong technical expertise and strategic thinking
* Excellent communication skills; comfortable with public speaking
* Well-organized, with strong prioritization and summarization abilities
* Solid writing skills; able to analyze and synthesize complex information
* Strong interpersonal skills; team player, dynamic, and diplomatic
* Autonomous and adaptable
* Able to work effectively across multiple departments and with diverse stakeholders
* Capable of working in challenging and complex operational contexts
Languages
* Proficiency in English, both written & spoken is mandatory
* Good knowledge of French is required
* Other international languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic) are an asset
Other
* Availability to carry out project visits in all MSF-relevant contexts
CONDITIONS
* Expected starting date: asap
* Location*: Brussels* (Belgium), or Abidjan (Ivory Coast), or Nairobi (Kenya)
*
Other location/s where there is an MSF entity (OC's/PS's), and with
good access by train to Brussels
, could be discussed. The final outcome depends on the residency of the candidate, the local legal limitations (residency, work permit, etc.) and on agreement with the hosting MSF entity of these locations and in compliance with the standard MSF function and salary grids
* Mobility: 30% MSF projects visits /year
* Contract type and duration: Open-ended contract – full-time
* The contractual terms and conditions will be established according to the place of work, legal constraints and in respect of MSF standard function and salary grids
* Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
* Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments
Deadline for applications:
7th January 2026
How to apply?
* Submit your application via the
'Apply here
' button on the vacancy page
* You will be directed to the online application form for this position
* It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your
CV
and
motivation letter in English or in French
ready to upload
(preferably in PDF format).
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
MSF values
diversity
and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
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.