Public Health Nutrition Advisor
Job Description
Are you passionate about shaping public health through nutrition, with a solid foundation in science and experience working in the field?
Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has a statutory duty to improve the extent to which the population in Scotland has diets conducive to good health. The posts are based in the Public Health Nutrition Division of FSS, where a key focus is supporting and advancing measures that influence the food environment to help consumers access healthier and more sustainable options.
You will provide expert nutrition support to the Chief Nutritionist and the Head of Public Health Nutrition, contributing to the delivery of objectives set out in the FSS Public Health Nutrition Strategy. You will work in partnership with the Scottish Government and Public Health Scotland to support the development and monitoring of measures aimed at improving the food environment and dietary intakes across Scotland.
We are recruiting for two Public Health Nutrition Advisors, one of which will be a permanent post and the other a fixed term appointment for 12 months.
Responsibilities
- Analyse and interpret a range of evidence to provide balanced, objective and evidence based advice on diet and nutrition issues, including senior colleagues, to support development of evidence based policy aimed at improving the diet of the Scottish population.
- Commission and manage research projects or initiatives to develop the evidence base to support policies designed to improve dietary health in Scotland. This includes maintaining an up to date knowledge of dietary surveillance, research and interventions on diet and nutrition in the UK and beyond.
- Build effective relationships and networks both within FSS and with Government (Scottish and UK) and relevant stakeholders in Scotland, and develop a clear understanding of the needs and constraints relevant to these stakeholders,
- Disseminate and present scientific and other evidence on diet and health, relevant to the population living in Scotland, in appropriate formats for different stakeholder groups including Scottish Ministers, the FSS Board and stakeholders.
- Translate and communicate public health nutrition advice for consumers using different formats.
- Provide support to the FSS Chief Nutritionist and Head of Public Health Nutrition.
Qualifications
A scientific degree in a relevant subject such as nutrition or public health.
The post holder will either be a Registered Nutritionist (RNutr with the Association for Nutrition) or be eligible for full registration within 2 years of taking up this post.
Success Profile
Technical/Professional Skills:
- Building and applying knowledge – Practitioner.
- Communicating science and engineering for government – Practitioner.
Experience:
Proven experience in managing projects in the field of nutrition science using a range of project management skills, including analysing and critically interpreting a wide range of evidence appropriate for public health nutrition policy development.
Behaviours:
- Making effective decisions – Level 3.
- Delivering at pace – Level 3.
- Seeing the bigger picture – Level 3.
You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here
How to apply
Food Standard Scotland (FSS) was established by the Food (Scotland) Act 2015 as a non-ministerial office, part of the Scottish Administration, alongside, but separate from, the Scottish Government.
FSS has a wide and diverse remit which covers all aspects of the food chain which can impact on public health, aiming to protect consumers from food safety risks and improve the food environment to enable access to healthy, sustainable and affordable food. Our mission is to be Scotland’s leading authority on food safety, standards and healthy eating; using data and evidence to provide assurance and advice that inspires consumer confidence and improves public health.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Working Pattern
We do invite applications from outside of the Aberdeen area, with the expectation that the successful candidate will travel to the Head Office based in Aberdeen when required. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
