Consultant – DFTQC (Food Fortification & CBCF Compliance Monitoring)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Consultant – DFTQC (Food Fortification & CBCF Compliance Monitoring)

Location: DFTQC, Kathmandu, Nepal

Duration: 6 months (deliverable-based)

Guided by the remarkable legacy of its co-founder, Helen Keller Intl partners with communities striving to overcome long-standing cycles of poverty. By delivering the essential building blocks of good health, sound nutrition, and clear vision, we help millions create lasting change in their lives. With over 35 years of experience in Nepal, we ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their true potential.

Helen Keller Intl, in collaboration with the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control (DFTQC), is supporting efforts to strengthen regulatory monitoring of fortified foods and Cereal-Based Complementary Foods (CBCF). Recent field reviews have identified gaps in labeling compliance, product traceability, packaging and storage practices, and laboratory documentation. To address these challenges and enhance regulatory oversight, Helen Keller Intl Nepal and DFTQC are seeking a suitably qualified individual consultant to support intensified field monitoring and related regulatory activities.

Position Overview

The Consultant will support DFTQC and Helen Keller Intl in strengthening regulatory monitoring of fortified foods and Cereal-Based Complementary Foods (CBCF). This role includes conducting field inspections, coordinating sampling and laboratory testing, reviewing compliance with national standards, and preparing evidence-based reports to inform corrective actions. The Consultant will also provide technical inputs for IEC/BCC materials on complementary feeding, contribute to assessments on local production feasibility, engage with public and private sectors, and ensure effective coordination and documentation throughout the assignment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Field Monitoring & Inspections

• Conduct field inspections of fortified foods and CBCF at production sites, retail outlets, and import points, in coordination with DFTQC.
• Review labeling, packaging, storage conditions, and batch traceability for compliance with national standards and guidelines.

2. Sampling & Laboratory Coordination

• Collect product samples following DFTQC protocols and procedures.
• Coordinate with designated laboratories for testing, follow-up on test reports, and ensure systematic documentation of results.

3. Compliance Review & Corrective Actions

• Analyze monitoring and testing findings to identify non-compliance trends and systemic gaps.
• Prepare monitoring and compliance reports, including clear recommendations for corrective actions and follow-up.

4. Technical Support for IEC/BCC on Complementary Feeding

• Provide technical inputs for the development, review, and refinement of IEC/BCC materials related to complementary feeding, including CBCF. 
• Ensure that messages related to fortified foods and safe complementary feeding are technically sound and aligned with national standards.

5. Support to Local Production Feasibility & Public Private Engagement

• Contribute to feasibility assessments for local production of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) nutrition products.
• Support advocacy for private sector production of CBCF and Super Cereals, including documentation of good practices and lessons learned.

6. Reporting & Coordination

• Develop periodic progress updates and a final completion report summarizing activities, findings, and recommendations. 
• Participate in coordination meetings with DFTQC, Helen Keller Intl, and other stakeholders as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Technology, Nutrition, Public Health, Food Science, or a closely related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in food science, food fortification, food safety inspections, or related regulatory work.
• Demonstrated experience in field inspections, sample collection, and coordination with laboratories will be an advantage.
• Strong skills in documentation, data analysis, and report writing in English; proficiency in Nepali is required.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively within Nepal, sometimes to remote field locations.
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively with government counterparts and multiple stakeholders.

Deliverables

• Field monitoring plans and schedules agreed with DFTQC.
• Periodic field visit reports, including findings and photographic documentation where applicable.
• Consolidated monitoring and compliance reports with recommendations for corrective measures.
• Technical inputs and feedback notes on IEC/BCC materials related to complementary feeding and fortified foods.
• Contributions to feasibility assessment and advocacy briefs on local production of MAM products, CBCF, and Super Cereal.
• Completion report summarizing activities, key results, challenges, and recommendations for future action.

How to Apply

Qualified consultants are invited to submit:

• Technical proposal (methodology, work plan, team structure)
• Financial proposal
• Updated CV(s)
• Samples/portfolio of previous relevant work

Click “here” for the detailed Terms of Reference: https://helenkellerintl.org.np/consultants/

To Apply

Application must be submitted with all supporting documents along with detailed CV, two-page technical and financial proposal. The deadline for applying is December 15, 2025, by 5:00 PM Nepal Time (NST) at Nepal.procurement@hki.org

In the spirit of the extraordinary ability and vision of our founder, Helen Keller International fosters an environment of fairness and belonging for our workforce.

Helen Keller International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.