Project Coordinator, Healthy School Food Environments

About the Role

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is looking for a dedicated Project Coordinator, Healthy School Food Environments to help enhance school meal quality and food education across Uganda. This position is crucial as it aims to improve the nutritional standards within schools and promote healthier food choices among students. In the initial months, the coordinator will work closely with various stakeholders, including schools and local government bodies, to implement the project’s diverse components effectively. This role provides an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of children through sustainable food initiatives, while also developing valuable project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Manager in ensuring the seamless integration of four essential project components: school meal menu improvement, food education and environments, market linkages, and policy engagement.
• Collaborate with the project team to identify environmental co-benefits while promoting sustainable production and value chains for nutritious foods, and carefully monitor and report on these approaches.
• Coordinate with local millers, vegetable vendors, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to formalize supply agreements and ensure that nutrition quality specifications are included in school procurement processes.
• Support the contextualization and rollout of the Heroes Journey food education initiative in Ugandan schools, in close cooperation with the Project Manager.
• Assist in establishing and maintaining healthy food zones and canteen standards in pilot schools, ensuring sustainable practices while working alongside school authorities and local government bodies.
• Engage regularly with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and other relevant local authorities to advance the project’s objectives effectively.
• Facilitate accurate budgeting and forecasting processes for the project, ensuring that all activities remain within budget parameters.
• Help the Project Manager in developing Terms of Reference (ToRs) for project consultants and suppliers engaged on a short-term basis.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Practical experience in delivering nutrition, food systems, or related development programmes in Uganda is essential for this role.
• Demonstrable experience in coordinating project activities and working with schools, community stakeholders, and private sector partners is crucial.
• Strong understanding of school food and nutrition programming, particularly in relation to social and behaviour change activities.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks while adhering to deadlines and budget constraints.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders, including government and community organizations.

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in managing and implementing large-scale development projects, which can significantly enhance your career trajectory in the development sector.
• Opportunities to build a network with government officials, local businesses, and NGOs, expanding your professional connections.
• Valuable skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and budget oversight that are transferable across various sectors.
• Insight into the challenges and solutions in improving food systems and nutrition policies, which can deepen your expertise in public health and education.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about improving nutrition and food environments for school-aged children in Uganda, we encourage you to apply. Submit your application through the following link: Apply here.