Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Coordination Specialist at Helen Keller International - Kebbi & Sokoto

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: Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Coordination Specialist

Locations: Kebbi & Sokoto
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Duration: Up until August 31, 2023

Background

• The USAID Advancing Nutrition implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners.
• The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition.
• Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.
• The overall purpose of the project in Nigeria is to provide technical support to the Government of Nigeria, and other nutrition stakeholders and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria.

Scope of the Position

• The Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Coordination Specialist will be responsible for managing the engagement with the State Committee on Food and Nutrition and ensure the timely implementation of the ‘food and nutrition policies, strategies and activities. 
• S/he will be responsible for fostering alignment and coordination of the state government ministries, departments and agencies and other key multi-sectoral stakeholders, maintaining effective communication and relationships.

Job Responsibilities

• Facilitate the project’s engagement, coordination and partnerships with multi-sectoral actors and stakeholders.  Ensure that the project is connected and engaging with the right policy and decision makers
• Ensure effective multi-sectoral nutrition coordination among implementing departments/offices. Manage the successful implementation of technical and administrative project activities in the multiple sectors.
• In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, ensure the functionality of state food and nutrition committees providing support to implement work plans and other activities.
• Facilitate regular state level coordination and technical committee meetings and monitor the progress of each sector towards achieving nutrition objectives. Identify challenges faced by multi-sectoral partners in the implementation of policies and strategies and report to the relevant bodies for solutions. 
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholders to support resource tracking for effective implementation of the project
• Together with other stakeholders, organize learning and experience sharing platforms to strengthen multi-sectoral nutrition coordination and implementation. 
• Support the cascade of food and nutrition policy initiatives and strategies and mainstream nutrition across socioeconomic sectors
• Engage in professional forums, workshops, seminars and other events organized at state level that contribute to the success of project activities
• Perform any other relevant duties as assigned by the State Coordinator

Expected Deliverables

• Development of quarterly and annual plans of the State Food and Nutrition Committee, clearly defining activities and resources required
• Schedule and organize regular State Food and Nutrition Committee meetings and other coordination meetings with external stakeholders. 
• Development and implementation of a routine multi-sector nutrition monitoring system, including process monitoring and annual outcome monitoring solutions for the program.
• Implementation of resource tracking system for multi-sectoral contributions to the nutrition sector.

Requirements
Education:

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent related experience.

Experience:

• Required: 8+ years of experience in coordinating multispectral activities, partners and stakeholders.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Capacity building/facilitation skills
• Understanding of the coordination mechanisms for multi-sectoral nutrition activities in the state
• Deep knowledge of key actors in the state’s food and nutrition ecosystem
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and spoken Hausa required.
• Experience in cross-cultural work environment
• Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environment.

Competencies:

• Adaptable, creative, collaborative and able to think strategically.
• Purpose driven and outcome focused - moving roadblocks, tackling difficult problems and is action oriented.
• Operate as a nimble learner - knowing personal strengths, weaknesses and limits, has a growth mindset.
• Impeccable negotiation and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and rapport building.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel regularly within the state as needed.

Terms & Conditions:

• This is a local posting in Nigeria, and as such, is subject to local terms and conditions.

Application Closing Date
17th February, 2023.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.