Experience

Helen Keller Intl

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 500 - 600 Employee

• Senior Nutrition Advisor, USAID Advancing Nutrition Project

  • Sep 2020 - Present

  • Managed a $1.5 million activity for the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and implementing partners of Resilience Food Security Activities (RFSA) to receive nutrition technical assistance as part of multi-sectoral programs • Supported USAID Missions, BHA and RFSA partners with analysis and application of research findings during inception and culmination stages of multi-sectoral nutrition and food security programming in Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Kenya • Served as Principle Investigator of formative research on "Barriers and Facilitators in the Use of Iron and Folic Acid and Vitamin A Supplementation and Improving Dietary Practices: A Qualitative Study in Zinder and Maradi, Niger" • Leading the technical support to USAID funded implementing partner in Zimbabwe on designing complementary feeding programming at community and household level • Serving as technical lead for Vitamin A and Iron and Folic Acid supplementation and dietary intake activities serving the USAID Mission and implementing partners in Niger • Designing guidance and tools for complementary feeding programming along the humanitarian- development nexus in collaboration with UNICEF and Infant Feeding in Emergencies Core Group • Member of the Infant Feeding in Emergencies Core Group technical working group



Catholic Relief Services

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Nutrition Advisor

  • Sep 2016 - Sep 2020

  • Led the design and roll out of the CRS agency multi-sectoral nutrition strategy 2018-2030 • Design and provide technical assistance to nutrition and food security programs globally (FFP, OFDA, FTF, DFID, UNICEF) to improve program effectiveness toward preventing and treating malnutrition in more than 30 countries • Supervise nutrition colleagues providing technical support to research and programmatic field teams • Train and mentor regional technical advisors and field colleagues to use evidence-based tools and approaches on recipe development, social and behavior change approaches, IYCF counseling • Supporting operations research on malaria and malnutrition in Madagascar; operations research on a community led nutrition model in Tanzania; and operations research on couples’ communication and household decision making on nutrition outcomes • Conducted formative research on complementary feeding practices in Timor Leste • Led the evaluation of a community based exclusive breastfeeding program in Benin • Presented at global conferences on CRS’s nutrition programming (2019 USG World Breastfeeding Week event, 2019 UC Davis Conference Aligning the Food System for Improved Nutrition in Animal Source Foods, 2018 SBCC summit, 2018 Food Assistance for Nutrition Evidence Summit) • Guest lectured for nutrition classes and student clubs at Purdue University • Spearheaded organizational change for a policy on the use of breast milk substitutes • Represented CRS as co-chair of the Core Group Nutrition Working Group • Member of the American Society for Nutrition



International Medical Corps

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Development Nutritionist

  • May 2013 - Aug 2016

  • Lead initiatives to strengthen integrated programming between nutrition and early childhood development, agriculture, water, sanitation and hygiene, and family planning • Advise on program development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation for development nutrition programming, including social and behavior change communications models and formative research • Identify new business development and research opportunities by networking with new partners and donors • Strengthen field staff capacity to implement USAID Food for Peace programs in Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone and Burundi, Feed the Future program in Ethiopia, and EC micronutrient program in Yemen • Collaborate with other NGOs on task forces to refine and improve the Positive Deviance/Hearth and Care Group methodologies to ultimately improve program impact • Serve as a co-chair for the Core Group Nutrition Working Group aiming to build technical knowledge and facilitate communication among NGO members • Developed a development nutrition strategy to guide the organization in future programming



Counterpart International

• United States
• International Trade and Development
• 400 - 500 Employee

• Nutrition Technical Specialist

  • Apr 2012 - May 2013

  • Advised on technical program design and implementation to field staff managing USAID Feed the Future and Food for Peace, and USDA Food for Education programs • Strengthened field staff capacity in research and behavior change methodologies (Care Groups, Designing for Behavior Change, Barrier Analysis, Trials of Improved Practices, Positive Deviance/Hearth) • Developed a nutrition strategy for the organization to guide preventive and recuperative programming • Analyzed the Positive Deviance/Hearth methodology as a member of the CORE Group Nutrition Working Group to determine the future use of the behavior change methodology • Trained a team to perform qualitative and quantitative research on wild food usage during the complementary feeding period for a USAID Feed the Future program in Senegal • Designed and carried out field research on gender and food security to improve gender equality in USAID Title II Multi-Year Assistance Program in Niger • Co-chaired the Senior Management Team committee and facilitated exchange of information between the Executive Team and senior level managers



The Johns Hopkins University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Public Health Consultant

  • Mar 2012 - Apr 2012

  Assisted in adapting qualitative research tools to DRC country context and training local research team; managed implementation of formative research on maternal, infant and young child nutrition including data collection, translation of data from French into English, transcription of field data, analyzed qualitative data and prepared a report with research study findings and programmatic recommendations. Assisted in adapting qualitative research tools to DRC country context and training local research team; managed implementation of formative research on maternal, infant and young child nutrition including data collection, translation of data from French into English, transcription of field data, analyzed qualitative data and prepared a report with research study findings and programmatic recommendations.



PATH

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Nutrition Program Officer, USAID Infant and Young Child Nutrition Project

  • Jan 2011 - Feb 2012

  • Backstopping program activities in Cote d'Ivoire and Malawi • Conducted a Barrier Analysis on iron folic acid supplementation in Madagascar • Researching information on nutrition programs for the development of a child survival investment tool for USAID missions and IYCN partners • Conducted a literature review on complementary feeding nutrition education interventions resulting in a technical document for dissemination • Assisted in a literature review on engaging grandmothers and men in maternal and child health and nutrition programs



Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance II project

• Nutrition and HIV Intern

  • Feb 2011 - May 2011

  • Assisted in coordinating a 3-country pilot project using a HIV-free survival indicator • Developed monitoring and evaluation plans and tools to measure the feasibility in using the indicator and to collect project data • Assisted in coordinating a 3-country pilot project using a HIV-free survival indicator • Developed monitoring and evaluation plans and tools to measure the feasibility in using the indicator and to collect project data



Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

• Communications Coordinator Consultant

  • Nov 2007 - May 2009

  • Developed a communications strategy for CRS Niger to guide future activities • Initiated and instituted an internal monthly bulletin to keep staff informed of CRS program activities and office updates • Wrote stories for CRS and USDA websites about sesame production, flood response and nutrition programs in Niger • Co-wrote a paper on a community-based emergency early warning and response system in Niger for publication • Coordinated and developed 2006, 2007 and 2008 annual reports highlighting CRS program interventions • Wrote Human Interest Stories and press releases illustrating program impact on beneficiaries • Developed media documents and materials (posters, bulletins, profiles) to promote sector programs and staff



World Vision Niger

• Relief Program Officer

  • Sep 2006 - Sep 2007

  · Identified program opportunities, including establishing partnerships with other relief and development organizations and governmental agencies · Assisted program managers in reporting on project status to donors and stakeholders · Monitored and evaluated food security and nutrition programs throughout the most vulnerable zones in the country · Communicated regularly with World Vision regional and global offices · Wrote and coordinated several (successful) proposals for new and continuing health and nutrition programs · Participated in and co-coordinated field-based training on Positive Deviance/Hearth approach and established an integrated Community Therapeutic Care and PD/Hearth pilot program · Trained on and conducted a nutrition survey using anthropometric measurements and Knowledge, Awareness and Practices (KAP) methodology



IRD, CRS

• Program Development Consultant

  • Mar 2006 - Jun 2006

  · Conducted field research for Education Development Center (EDC) and assisted in NGO collaboration for a USAID youth employment proposal · Participated in a Title II MYAP workshop for CARE, CRS, HKI Niger consortium, partners and government representatives · Reviewed the CARE, CRS, HKI Niger consortium Title II MYAP proposal for compliance with USAID Title II strategy, guidelines and regulations · Initiated and coordinated relationships between International Relief and Development, donors and local organizations in Niger · Identified program potential in the sectors of food security, health, economic development, civil society, infrastructure and relief · Facilitated and designed a 4-day Close Of Service conference for 30 Peace Corps (PC) Volunteers and staff



International Relief and Development

• Food Security Officer

  • Jan 2005 - Feb 2006

  · Served as program manager for PL 480 Title II supplementary food aid programs in Indonesia, Serbia and Kosovo · Monitored and analyzed implementation of IRD's food security programs in various geographical areas; gathered information and assist in writing proposals to obtain government and donor funding · Managed an Institutional Capacity Building grant from USAID entailing design of staff training, conducting trainer of trainer sessions, and partnering with another NGO on community projects · Served as the representative in Coalition for Food Aid meetings and congressional activities · Coordinated logistics of commodity and in-kind shipments with shipping agents and field staff · Researched program development and funding opportunities in critical regions of Africa · Conducted a Food Security and Livelihood Needs Assessment and designed a USAID/ Title II program in Northwest Kenya · Conducted a rapid field assessment in Southern Sudan, designed a program and proposals, and networked with donors · Promoted and coordinated relationship-building with field staff, donors and partner organizations · Represented IRD to government agencies, public and private donors, partner organizations and international community groups; maintained strong relationships to ensure reliable exchange of information on available resources and services



USAID Food for Peace Project (FFP)

• Development Analyst

  • Jun 2003 - Dec 2004

  · Backstopped two USAID Food Aid Officers, covering 19 programs within 6 countries (Eritrea; Tajikistan) · Communicated with overseas USAID Missions and NGOs to ensure implementation, monitoring and evaluation of Title II multi-year development programs · Served as a FFP representative for Food Aid Management's Monetization Task Group · Developed and instituted country food aid portfolios used throughout USAID · Initiated and coordinated weekly Food For Thought presentation series for USAID staff · Analyzed budgets and food aid proposals submitted by overseas cooperating sponsors · Coordinated and facilitated bi-annual 5-day Food Aid Manager's Course for 25 participants as a training team member · Conducted a Food Aid Field Training Course for 25 Title II partners in Indonesia; visited program sites



Peace Corps

• United States
• International Affairs
• 700 & Above Employee

• Public Health Educator

  • Sep 2000 - Dec 2002

  Public Health • Coordinated and taught tobacco-free youth educational program to 425 fifth-grade students throughout 17 schools • Initiated and carried out food program for disadvantaged senior citizens • Coordinated international efforts to bring western sanitation/hygiene products to 60 underprivileged village students and 150 orphans in the city of Kyzylorda • Implemented western ‘5-A-Day’ nutritional program for community of 800 participants • Delivered nutrition, mental health and alcohol awareness training to 45 Peace Corps Volunteers • Organized Life Skills Conference for 25 community health educators • Taught at Korkyt Ata University concentrating on health courses surrounding HIV/STDs, nutrition, alcohol and drugs • Organized a seminar for 100 nurse midwives by bringing medical staff from U.S. Youth Development • Collaborated with Red Cross and managed a clothing drive for needy local families • Designed and created Karaozek Village Youth Development Program serving 630 students • Advised 30 students and adults in youth club focusing on organizing community projects to serve disadvantaged citizens • Coordinated national youth group conference to share ideas and achievements between existing youth organizations