Nutrition and Behavioural Change Communication Coordinator at Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian non-profit organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood, and enable children to prepare for - and respond to - crises and adversity. We believe in the power and potential of every child, but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Nutrition and Behavioural Change Communication Coordinator

Location: Niger
Job Type: Full Time

Role Purpose

• The position holder is responsible for co-ordination of the nutrition and behavioral change communication activities on the World Bank ANRIN project in Niger state to deliver on the package of interventions to agreed targets with the donor.
• This includes providing guidance and support to the team as well as ensuring proper coordination with other sectors and organizational functions.
• In addition, the position holder is also expected to provide a consistent and high-quality technical support in the project implementation and will assist nutrition officer and BCC officer, and others staff in the LGA to deliver excellent project performance.

Dimensions of the Role:

• The incumbent will contribute to budget management (BVA, Cash forecast, budget projection), report preparation, follow up of procurement, and provide technical support to the nutrition team.   
• To ensure smooth implementation and delivery of quality gender responsive services on the project in Niger state.
• This includes providing guidance and support to the team as well as ensuring proper coordination with other sectors and organizational functions.
• The Project coordinator will also work closely with other support departments including logistics, finance, MEAL and HR to ensure proper procurement, forecasting and recruitment.

Accountabilities:

• Provide guidance and technical support to the implementing project team, in all phases of the project cycle
• Develop an activity implementation plan, spending plan and procurement plan with the project team
• Lead/organize regular monitor visits and if required project action plans revisions and modifications
• Provide direct hands-on technical and coordination support to Nutrition project staff and partners to effectively and innovatively manage nutrition projects with focus on key technical areas including Behavioural change communication, IYCF and nutrition in pregnancy.  
• Ensure documentation of good practices in nutrition project and effective communication of lessons within and outside the project with the aim to enhance learning to improve future planning and programming.
• Ensure the design, implementation and impact assessment of nutrition responses are fully in compliance with national & other international standards, national guidelines and policies and also in line with accountability principles, values and code of conduct
• Lead in the design and implementation of the behavioural change communication strategy and plan.
• Review and submit bi weekly/monthly and other nutrition related progress reports as well as other relevant data for stakeholders including partner forums, nutrition working group, ministry of health and others.
• Responsible for the development of all narrative and financial report (with support from Grants Officer and finance department) in line with donor and Plan’s requirements
• Ensure compliance with donor rules and regulations
• Monitor budget and ensure adequate burn rate with support from nutrition specialist
• Working with M&E Manager, nutrition specialist and child safeguarding advisor, to ensure adequate data capturing of project beneficiaries and quality of the project.
• Utilise data from M and E to improve project performance in terms of quality and quantity of target beneficiaries met.
• Liaise and provide project updates and reports on a frequent basis and whenever required and agreed as per FAD to the line manager
• Upholds the image and values of Plan international Nigeria at all times,
• Performs other related tasks as required, like control and facilitation of vehicle movement within the project area in the field Prepare and submit regular monthly and quarterly logistic activity reports to the project/office managers;

Finance, Admin and Logistics:

• Monitor and manage programme expenditure and budgets, ensuring resources are optimally utilized and spending is in line with Plan International financial procedures and Donor requirements.
• Lead in monthly financial review or expenditure against programme plan and implement revisions as required.
• Liaise with the Grant and finance officer, Logistics and admin Coordinator, Financial coordinator, and other Programme Managers, through coordinated planning to ensure efficient and timely procurement and use of supplies necessary for the smooth running of the programme.

Representation:

• Ensure effective networking and coordination with relevant stakeholders, such as Government authorities, other NGOs, and UN Agencies operating in the food and nutrition sector at field level.
• Participate and represent in NGO, and Government sub- sector meetings on nutrition at the state and LGA level.

Donor Compliance:

• Support the Nutrition Specialist during donor proposals, budgets and reports to ensure they are of high quality, up-to-date and delivered in a timely manner in accordance with Plan International policies/procedures, donor requirements and for other interested parties, including government departments, in collaboration with programme team colleagues.
• Be responsible for ensuring that donor strategy, donor guidelines, formats and processes are understood and being adhered to within Nutrition programme implementation and procurement.

Human Resources:

• Support timely recruitment to fill vacant positions, and new staff recruited are inducted and trained as per the needs of the programme and the organisation.
• Nurture team spirit in the various teams.
• Regular review of project staff performance and timely feedback to address staff performance.
• Ensure that all staff in nutrition team are aware of and comply with Plan International’s Nigeria policies and procedures.
• Ensure that all staff are provided with the necessary support and advice to carry out their duties.
• Responsible to manage the food security and nutrition field teams.

Security:

• Ensure the nutrition team carry out their work in accordance with Plan International’s security Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the Security Management Plan (SMP).
• Assist the Security manager and Project manager with security analysis through the sharing of important security information collected through field work.
• Participate in the revision of SOPs and the SMP when necessary and other security related duties when necessary.

Key Relationships:

• Support the preparation of reports for domestic and international consumption.
• Provide timely responses concerning queries linked with relevant projects or programmes.
• Report to the Nutrition specialist;
• Provide support to Plan International Nigeria’s programme delivery and resource mobilization.
• Work with other members of the programme units to ensure effective and efficient programme delivery.

Technical Expertise, Skills and Knowledge
Essential:

• Master's Degree in Public Nutrition, Public Health or equivalent and have a minimum of three-years field experience in coordination position with an NGO on nutrition programmes.
• Over threes (3) years’ experience in design and implementation of behavioural change communication programs especially in Nutrition programmes covering IYCF and Nutrition in pregnancy.
• Excellent report-writing skills is an additive
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Commitment to and understanding of PLAN’S aims, values and principles.

Desirable:

• Strong communication skills: oral, written and presentation skills.
• Should be a team player and culturally sensitive.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, email and utilization of the internet
• Strong leadership, team building, conflict resolution and ability to deliver PLAN’s strategic objectives.
• Extremely flexible, and have the ability to cope with stressful situations
• Excellent community mobilization skills
• Work closely with partners and their staff to ensure project activities are implemented in time and within the stipulated quality.

Physical Environment:

• Based in Niger state with frequent travel to LGAs and communities.

Level of Contact with Children:

• High contact- the job responsibilities of this position require the post holder to have very frequent contact with children. It is expected that children shall be protected at all times.

Application Closing Date
30th March, 2021.