Technical Officer, Nutrition at Family Health International (FHI 360)

Family Health International (FHI 360) is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology - creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Officer, Nutrition

Requisition ID: 2024201061
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Employment Type: Full-time
Maiduguri Covering: Mafa / Konduga, Borno
Supervisor: Project Coordinator

Project Description

• Northeast Nigeria is currently facing a growing humanitarian crisis with a vast number of Internally Displaced Persons in need of emergency assistance.
• These IDPs are living among host communities, lacking access to livelihoods and resources, ultimately leading to unprecedented levels of malnutrition and food insecurity.
• FHI 360 has been working in Nigeria for over 30 years and responded to the humanitarian crisis in the NE for over six years.
• In anticipation of a new project, and in support of ongoing ones, FHI 360 seeks an experienced Technical Officer, Nutrition to support our response to the humanitarian crisis in NE Nigeria.

Job Purpose

• To take overall responsibility for the implementation of community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) and Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) related activities in line with FHI360 policies and programme proposals intended to bring positive changes in the lives of the target population.
• Ensuring the design and planning of Nutrition activities is made in such a way to guarantee the efficient and effective integration of all subsectors of Nutrition programme, conducting assessment of current CMAM interventions and practices in the target population, community mobilization, training, and promotion of best CMAM and IYCF practices, thereby delivering the objectives of the nutrition interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• The Technical Officer Nutrition will provide technical and programmatic support the nutrition sector to deliver quality and timely Nutrition program while supporting the localization strategy for the project.

Programme Planning and Implementation:

• Provide technical and programmatic leadership/support/facilitation in designing and implementation of nutrition intervention in all the implementation sites
• Provide technical input regarding design, implementation, data analysis, report writing and developing research and policy briefs of research projects.
• Provide management support and oversight on planning and execution of nutrition activities at different levels, monitoring, and evaluation, including leading the development of project technical reports on nutrition
• Lead in the review of the planned nutrition activities and propose /plan new appropriate activity in Nutrition sector based on the actual problems of the community
• Design appropriate implementation modalities and program approach to strengthening sustainability factors
• Lead the capacity strengthening strategy for selected local partner in all Nutrition sector related activities, general provision of full package of BHA nutrition services. Management of Nutrition supplies and technology, financial and budget management, leadership and governance skills.
• Prepare technical and supportive supervision plan based on the need assessment for staff under her/his supervision and implement and report on time.
• Maintain regular communication and conduct field visits to support district teams in performing regular tasks by providing technical knowledge and guidance.
• Capacity building of Health and Nutrition Team based identified gaps for Staff and government health workers
• With the support of the Nutrition Coordinator take full responsibility of risk management by analysing malnutrition trends and data, anticipating, identifying, and mitigating risk factors.
• Support the Nutrition Coordinator to ensure efficient project management by ensuring value for money.
• Support M&E team in compilation and analysis of Nutrition M&E data and in developing M&E reports.
• Ensure timely requisition and distribution of key nutrition commodities such as RUTF and therapeutic milk.
  • Lead the validation of Nutrition assessment and survey and develop plan of action to address identified gaps.
  • Advocate for the inclusion of nutrition indicators in multi-sectorial assessments through engagement with various sectors such as protection, WASH, Health and Education.
• He/She will support other nutrition program activities not limited to Community Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) and IYCF.

Reporting:

• Prepare and submit periodic quality progress reports on Nutrition sector from all operation sites (monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, annually and donor reports);
• Collect and document all progress in the implementation of activities (at activity, output, and impact level) and maintain project data, record, and documents.
• Collect and document appropriate data using Database on time and prepare and share report at State level within time specified.
• Support Nutrition Surveys, case studies and share findings

Team Management:

• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team of international, national staff and SMOH/LGHA staff to provide high quality nutrition to an extremely vulnerable population
• Properly manage, administer, and guide staff under her/his supervision in line with the FHI360 policies and programme implementation
• Provide technical guidance and supportive supervision and mentoring staffs under his/her supervision to build their capacity to perform their assigned roles and responsibilities.
• Support the nutrition coordinator to develop work plans, SOP, budgets, program reports, document findings and lessons learned and prepare success stories in specific technical areas
• Prepare and conduct training for both FHI360 staff and government health workers to build their capacities in programme implementation, M&E and sustainability.
• Liaise with nutrition team to identify technical support needs of projects and staff, and jointly agree on specific and time-bound support needs of projects and staff in relevant technical areas
• Participate in the recruitment process as occasion demands

Networking and Integration:

• Establish strong linkage and collaboration with Northeast Nutrition cluster, Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Board and LGA health authorities in the implementation of IYCF Nutrition activities.
• Actively participate in the Nutrition cluster activities including the CMAM, IYCF and AIMTWG work groups for which FHI 360 are members.
• Represent FHI 360 at all relevant technical external task forces, working groups, seminars and where possible forge alliances to influence key actors around advocacy objectives.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M & E):

• Facilitate and participate in quarterly based monitoring sessions in the implementation of the Nutrition Sector interventions
• Co-lead nutrition surveys such as SQUEAC, KAP and SMART survey, assessments, including preparation and submission of survey reports.
• Conduct, document and present annual learning reviews.

Additional Responsibilities:

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the employee will also perform other tasks as required and responsible for reporting and communication of progress and achievement of the specific assigned task.
• Inform Nutrition Coordinator of any professional problems encountered.

Person Specification

• BSc Nursing, Health or similar related degree with more than at least 5-7 years of program management and clinical care with a sound understanding of humanitarian integrated health program delivery in resource-constrained settings.
• MB.BS/MD/MPH. with at least 3-5 years relevant experience in program management and clinical care with a sound understanding of humanitarian integrated health program delivery in resource-constrained settings
• Experience of implementing nutrition-related programmes including monitoring and evaluation 
• Demonstrated ability to foster partnerships with community and/or Government agencies/organizations and groups
• Strong experience in Networking, Report writing skills
• Strong group facilitation and training skills
• Knowledge of community development, empowerment, and mentoring approaches
• Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach staff and working with community members
• Ability and willingness to frequently travel and stay at the field
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization developing effective working relationships to deliver outstanding results for children.
• Good oral & written communication skills of both English and local languages will be an advantage

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online