Associate, Policy and Advocacy
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is seeking an Associate, Policy and Advocacy to strengthen GAIN’s policy and advocacy work and its ability to engage with and influence global and national policy priorities and processes around food and nutrition security. This role will be offered on a one (1) year fixed term contract, subject to availability of funding and will be based in Abuja, Nigeria.
The position holder will provide support to Head of Policy and Advocacy with the planning and scheduling of project timelines and track project deliverables, stakeholder engagement with partners, third parties/vendors/ and consultants in addition to contributing to drafting reports, policy papers and briefs, factsheets and other documents which synthesize GAIN learnings, values and priorities.
- Contribute to drafting reports, policy papers and briefs, factsheets and other documents which synthesize GAIN learnings, values and priorities.
- Support with the preparation of briefs, memos, high profile slide decks, and engage in other content development support (inputs/notes requested by government partners/stakeholders, developing first drafts of opinion editorials, writing country memos and country briefs, publication drafts).
- Facilitate translation of policy decisions into tasks and projects and support their effective and timely implementation.
- Provide technical, logistical, and administrative support towards planning of high-level meetings, activities, events, and trips; prepare reports and follow-up, liaising with other GAIN departments and programs, GAIN partners and other organizations.
- Conduct desk research, literature reviews, and other research analysis.
- Provide support in planning and conducting field activities and consultation meetings at states and federal levels with the relevant stakeholders.
- Support the Head of Policy and Advocacy in stakeholder engagement and in establishing and managing relationships with partners, third parties’/vendors/ and consultants.
About you
The ideal candidate should have experience in policy research and advocacy communication skills with a good understanding and knowledge of the health and food systems. They should demonstrate experience developing policy reports and advocacy briefs.
The post holder should be able to conduct desk research, literature reviews, and other research analysis and synthesize findings into clear stories/position papers. They should possess an understanding of or ability to analyse food and nutrition security policy debates and draft papers in line with GAIN’s strategic priorities.
You should have clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment, expert problem solving, and creativity. The candidate should have an education background in a relevant field such as, nutrition, international development, public health in addition to relevant experience.
The starting gross salary on offer for this role is from NGN 9,856,248 - NGN 11,255,100 per annum, depending on experience. Other benefits are as attached below the job description.
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.
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the United Nations in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with governments, businesses and civil society, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver healthier diets for all people, especially the most vulnerable.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, GAIN has offices in countries with high levels of malnutrition: Bangladesh, Benin, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. To support work in those countries, we have representative offices in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
At GAIN, we believe that everyone in the world should have access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food. Today, one in three people - drawn from nearly every country on the planet - are unable to consume enough nutritious food. We work to develop and deliver solutions to this daily challenge.
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 ineligible under the above conditions during or after the recruitment process.
For more detailed information please see the attached job description. To apply, follow the "Apply Now" link.
This advert closes on 26th September 2025. 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 organisation and therefore welcome applications from talented and committed people from all backgrounds, representing the diverse societies we operate in.
Our core values
GAIN is committed to equality of opportunity and to eliminating discrimination. All staff are expected to follow GAIN Values
Our commitment to safeguarding
GAIN is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where all staff, volunteers, and job applicants are treated with dignity and respect. We are also committed to safeguarding the communities we work with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, exploitation and abuse of power or trust.
Safeguarding is integral to our recruitment practices, and we have robust procedures in place to prevent any form of harm, abuse, or discrimination. As part of our commitment to safeguarding, all successful candidates will undergo thorough background checks and vetting procedures, which can include references, criminal records and terrorist finance checks where applicable, in accordance with our Safeguarding Policy.
We provide comprehensive training and support to our staff and volunteers and associates to raise awareness of safeguarding issues and ensure they are equipped to recognise and respond to concerns effectively.
By applying for a position with GAIN, you agree to uphold our safeguarding principles and contribute to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all individuals.