Food information systems

Alexandre Castellano.

Born in France on 16 May 1975.

Nationality: French and Italian

Education: MSc in Biology in Italy and MSc in Public Health Nutrition at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Position: from 2020 to date - DG ECHO Head of Office - Pretoria - South Africa - for the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Region.

Previous positions: from 2000 to 2012 working with various NGOs dealing with emergencies and innovation technologies in seven African countries – from 2013 to 2016 policy officer with ECHO in the head quarter dealing with Food Assistance, Nutrition, Cash-Based Transfers and Innovations. From 2016 to 2020, ECHO Technical Assistant for the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Region.

Key interest: Innovative Technologies applied to humanitarian response.

I am a Sustainable Development Practitioner with a diverse expanse of interests and subsequent expertise, which are founded on a keen understanding and appreciation for the significance attributed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Programme Manager on agriculture, nutrition and rural development

I am working as Field Monitor – Team Lead with eHealth Africa as United Nation World Food Programme’s Third-Party Monitor (TPM) in Borno state, Nigeria. As TPM-Field Monitor, I am leading in verifying and monitoring the planned movements and distribution of food or non-food items, reporting issues or discrepancies to ensure that the quantity distributed and the quality of the operation is in line with WFP standards. I am also maintaining the information records and monitoring plan documentation, such as records of commodity movements and programme checklists, in order to assist in the effective delivery and distribution of food items or non-food items. I am executing the monitoring and supervising the food assistance distribution and e-voucher redemption at the WFP contracted retailers’ shops to ensure that the targeted beneficiaries received their entitlements accordingly.
I use to Provide technical feedback to project team on M&E findings and follow up on utilization of monitoring results stated in the “Results Monitoring Framework”, as well as the monitoring plans and Term of References determining Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), minimum standard plans and related mechanisms during project implementation.
In regards to the part of WFP nutrition and health system programming, I use to ensure effective monitoring, and supporting the Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP) follow up system of all cases of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) relapse, non-responding & defaulting children during the implementation of the WFP Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP) at clinics/OTPs.

I’m a Nutrition and Health professional with extensive skills in Nutrition Assessment and Counseling Services, ensuring food safety and demonstrating food preparation techniques while upholding strict hygiene standards. My expertise extends to diagnosing and effectively managing moderate and severe acute malnutrition, achieving significant results in Growth monitoring and promotion. I have a strong background in managing infant and young child feeding programs in challenging context like HIV, COVID-19, Hepatitis, Influenza and emergency situations. I specialize in Nutrition education aiming at promoting, protecting and supporting Infant and Young Child feeding, Maternal and Adolescent Nutrition, and the Management of at risk mothers and infants under six months. I excel in defining Nutrition indicators and developing food and Nutrition security strategies. I possess strong analytical skills using tools like Nutrisurvey, WHO Anthro, SPSS, Epi Info, R-studio for Research data analysis. My expertise extends to training trainers, volunteers, change agents and community health workers in maternal ,Infant and young child feeding practices. I am adept at prioritizing Behavior and designing social Behavior Change strategy for complementary feeding, as well as implementing Nutrition sensitive Agriculture strategies for malnutrition prevention. I am well versed in the Care Group Model and Baby Friendly Health Facility Initiative. I excel in conducting various research methodology such as focus group discussions, key informants interviews, surveys for data collection and comprehensive report writing. My ability to identify and foster social networks within and outside Nutrition community further enhances my professional capabilities.