FIA is seeking a Nutrition Science & Policy Lead (1-year contract) to drive the implementation of its Positive Nutrition workstream across ASEAN, with particular focus on Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
This role will lead the development of the ASEAN Diet Quality Mapping, coordinate the Positive Nutrition Taskforce, and engage ASEAN-linked bodies to position nutrient improvement and reformulation as credible public health strategies.
The position will be based in Jakarta and report to the FIA Head of Nutrition Science & Policy.
Key Responsibilities
I. Evidence Development & Technical Leadership
- Lead the development of the ASEAN Diet Quality Mapping & Assessment, covering ID, MY, TH, and PH.
- Review national health surveys, policy frameworks, and nutrition action plans.
- Identify priority nutrient gaps (e.g., protein, calcium, micronutrients, fibre).
- Translate technical findings into policy-relevant narratives.
- Draft and coordinate the Nutrient Improvement & Reformulation Policy Brief.
- Consolidate member case studies demonstrating reformulation and fortification impact.
II. ASEAN & Government Engagement
- Establish and maintain relationships with:
- ASEAN Secretariat
- ASEAN Health Division
- ACCSQ-related mechanisms
- National regulators in priority markets
- Identify entry points to introduce Positive Nutrition into ASEAN-level discussions.
- Support bilateral meetings and technical dialogues with regulators.
- Represent FIA in relevant forums and consultations.
- Provide strategic recommendations on policy positioning and engagement.
Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience engaging ASEAN-linked bodies or regional government platforms.
III. Taskforce Coordination & Member Alignment
- Coordinate the Positive Nutrition Taskforce.
- Prepare meeting materials and align members on messaging and strategy.
- Ensure timely delivery of agreed milestones (Q1Q4 deliverables).
- Develop member advocacy toolkits and briefing decks.
- Facilitate collaboration between multinational companies and in-market teams.
IV. Advocacy & Strategic Positioning
- Develop consistent Positive Nutrition messaging across ASEAN.
- Support responses to emerging policy narratives related to HFSS, nutrient profiling, and diet quality.
- Provide technical input to consultations and stakeholder engagements.
- Strengthen recognition of reformulation and fortification as science-based public health tools.
Qualification & Desired Skills
- Bachelor's Degree in Food Science and Technology, Nutrition Science, Public Health Science or related fields (Master's degree is preferred).
- Minimum 8 10 years of relevant experience in regulatory affairs function, nutrition policy, or a related role, preferably within the food and beverage industry.
- Proven experience engaging with local governments and regulatory bodies in Asia is preferred.
- Experience liaising with ASEAN-linked bodies (e.g., ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Health Division, regional regulatory working groups) is highly desirable.
- Strong understanding of nutrition policy trends and nutritional status in Southeast Asia.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple stakeholders and foster collaborative partnerships.
Attributes:
- Technical & Analytical: Strong ability to analyse national nutritional data and policyand skilled in drafting policy brief and relevant reports. Able to translate scientific concepts into policy-relevant messaging.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Confident in engaging senior regulators and government officials. Able to manage diverse stakeholders across multiple ASEAN markets.
- Strategic Thinking: Understand the intersection between nutrition science, public health policy and industry innovation and able to identify entry points for influencing strategies.
- Communication: Proficient in both written and spoken English. Bahasa Indonesia proficiency is required.
- Flexibility: Thrives in a fast-paced environment, collaborating with senior leaders from multinational food companies and a culturally diverse team.
- Mobility: Flexibility to travel and work outstation as required.
The role is permanently based Indonesia. Interested and suitable candidates please send your resume to [Confidential Information].
