LGA Facilitator at Helen Keller International (HKI) - 5 Openings

Helen Keller International (HKI), established in 1915, is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to saving the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia, as well as in the United States.

HKI implements integrated package of cost-effective interventions that are proven to improve maternal and child nutrition. HKI supports policies and programs on food fortification, vitamin A supplementation, infant and young child feeding, nutrition-sensitive agriculture, community-based management of acute malnutrition and prevention and treatment of neglected tropical diseases. At the core of HKI’s programs is advocacy and social behavior change communication to various stakeholders. HKI also undertakes cutting-edge research to influence policy decisions and inform program quality.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: LGA Facilitator

Location: Akwa Ibom
Employment Type: Full-time
Slot: 5 (LGAs)
Duration: Full-time, 1-year contract (with possibility of extension based on performance and funding)

Job Summary

• The LGA Facilitator will provide support to selected LGAs to ensure the successful implementation of the project at the LGA and community level.
• They will work closely with key stakeholders, providing technical support in advocacy, capacity building, and coordination of LGA, facility, and community-based multisectoral nutrition project activities.
• Additionally, they will identify gaps and innovative solutions to improve nutrition outcomes for the LGA.

Key Responsibilities
Facilitation and Coordination:

• Facilitate coordination and collaboration among key stakeholders at the LGA level to support nutrition activities aligned with project objectives.
• Organize and facilitate regular meetings with local government officials, community leaders, health workers, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of nutrition interventions.
• Serve as a liaison between the project and stakeholders at the LGA level, ensuring alignment with national and state-level nutrition strategies.

Technical Support and Capacity Building:

• Provide technical support and capacity building to LGAs on community-based nutrition practices and utilization of nutrition services.
• Provide close support to the local government Nutrition Focal Person (NFPs)
• As well Conduct trainings and workshops for community health workers and volunteers on nutrition-sensitive interventions and behaviour change communication.
• Support the implementation of innovative nutrition interventions at the community and facility levels, ensuring adherence to project standards and guidelines.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Monitor project activities within assigned LGAs, ensuring timely collection and reporting of data related to nutrition outcomes.
• Support the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation plans at the LGA level, in collaboration with project M&E staff.
• Prepare regular progress reports, success stories, and case studies highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

Advocacy and Networking:

• Advocate for nutrition priorities at the LGA level, promoting awareness and mobilizing support for sustainable nutrition interventions.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government officials, NGOs, community-based organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to leverage resources and support for nutrition programming.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Local Government and Development, Community Development, or a related field. A master’s degree is desirable.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in implementing nutrition programs, preferably with USAID-funded projects or other international donors.
• Experience in coordinating with government stakeholders on nutrition program at LGA and community levels
• Strong understanding of multisectoral nutrition approaches, community-based programming, and behaviour change communication strategies.
• Experience in capacity building, facilitation of stakeholder meetings, and coordination with government agencies and community leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Proficiency in local languages is preferable.
• Experience working/familiar in Akwa Ibom State 
• Experience working effectively in a multicultural team 
• An Indigene of Akwa Ibom State willing to travel frequently within assigned LGAs.

Application Closing Date
30th November, 2024.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: [email protected] using the job title as the subject of the email.