Senior Program Officer - Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture Program

THE PROGRAM
The Center for Health, People, and Places advances scientific understanding and translates research into applications that support human well-being, their social and economic systems, and the environment that sustains all life on the planet.

The Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture program area convenes experts and leaders in food science, food safety, and food quality; nutrition and health; agricultural sciences and natural resources management to provide independent and cross-sector guidance to address a range of challenges in the food and agricultural system.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Senior Program Officer for the Food, Nutrition and Agriculture program area manages highly complex scientific and policy projects that contribute to the National Academies’ mission. This position will serve as Study Director for an update of the Macronutrient Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), last revised in 2005. The period of performance is expected to be 50 months.

The DRIs are quantitative nutrient reference values used to inform U.S. and Canadian food and nutrition programs, policies, regulations, and professional practice and are widely recognized as authoritative guidance on nutrient requirements and intake levels that support health and reduce chronic disease risk.
Working within an established project strategy, budget, timeline, and statement of task, the Senior Program Officer is accountable for the successful execution of the study and achievement of its stated objectives. The Study Director guides the study committee through the National Academies’ process; leads the staff team; coordinates scientific, technical, operational, and financial aspects of the project; and serves as a liaison among the committee, sponsors, National Academies staff, and other relevant parties.

The position requires advanced knowledge of human nutrition and familiarity with the DRIs, the role of nutrient and outcome‑specific systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and dietary intervention trials. The Senior Program Officer applies independent judgment to complex scientific, programmatic, and operational issues within institutional policies and procedures and develops practical solutions that support the successful completion of the study. The position has full supervisory responsibility for assigned project staff, including performance management and staff development, and reports directly to the Senior Program Director for Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture.

Consensus Study Leadership

Directs the consensus study process from committee formation through report completion and dissemination, ensuring the project fulfills its statement of task, schedule, budget, and institutional requirements. Guides the committee through planning, information gathering, deliberation, consensus building, report development, external review, revision, and final publication while maintaining close coordination with the committee chair, members, and staff team.

Committee Formation and Expert Engagement

Oversees identification and recruitment of potential committee or panel members and preparation of appointment materials in accordance with institutional policies and procedures. Identifies appropriate subject‑matter experts and other contributors to ensure the committee has access to the scientific and technical expertise needed to address the study’s charge.

Meetings, Workshops, and Information Gathering

Leads the planning and execution of committee meetings, information‑gathering sessions, workshops, and related convening activities. Establishes objectives and agendas, identifies presenters and participants, coordinates information flow among committee members, consultants, staff, and other parties, and…