General Food Distribution Officer at Albarka Health Spring Foundation (AHSF)

Albarka Health Spring Foundation (AHSF) is a non-governmental organization, fully registered with the Nigerian government through the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC/IT NO: 91613). Existing since October 2016, AHSF focuses on improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations across communities in Nigeria. AHSF operates both in emergency and developmental context and have its program principally rooted in identifying gaps that affects population or increases vulnerability of population and bridging those gaps through resource base planning and implementation. AHSF has experience working with various partners in the Northeast and Northwest of Nigeria implementing Nutrition, WASH, GBV, Food Security, Livelihood, Protection, and Health.

Our mission is to improve the quality of lives of children, women, the elderly, and other marginalized vulnerable groups through human development and interventions to strengthen communities.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: General Food Distribution Officer

Location: Tangaza, Rabah, and Illela LGAs, Sokoto
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Duration: 3 Months
Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

Project Implementation and Justification

• Northwest Nigeria is facing a food insecurity and malnutrition situation which continues to get worse because of banditry and conflicts between herders and farmers on one hand; and on the other hand, due to a volatile economic situation defined by inflation and devaluation of the Naira among others. The result of the recently concluded March 2024 Cadre Harmonise analysis indicates that 29 percent (6,285,032 individuals) of the estimated population in the three northwestern states are in CH phases 3-4; of which about 8 percent are in Sokoto. Since the year 2020, WFP had implemented several activities in response to the food and nutrition insecurity ravaging the NW of Nigeria.
• WFP plans to distribute 888MT of the wheat grain received from Ukraine to assist 39,084 of the vulnerable affected population in northwest Nigeria covering Sokoto for three months starting from the onset of the 2024 lean season, the month of July. This is part of an integrated approach that the WFP initiated to combine with other WFP ongoing/planned interventions to make a maximum impact on the food needs, well-being, and resilience of the affected population.

Job Summary

• The General Food Distribution (GFD) Officer will oversee and manage the planning, implementation, and monitoring of food distribution activities within the project.
• The GFD Officer will ensure that food distributions are conducted efficiently, transparently, and in accordance with established standards and guidelines. This role requires close coordination with the project team, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of food assistance.

Key Responsibilities
Planning and Coordination:

• Develop detailed distribution plans in coordination with the project team.
• Coordinate with local authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth distribution operations.
• Organize and manage distribution sites, ensuring they are prepared and secure.

Implementation of Food Distributions:

• Oversee the entire food distribution process, from planning to execution.
• Ensure distributions are conducted in a timely, orderly, and fair manner.
• Supervise distribution staff and volunteers, providing guidance and support as needed.

Beneficiary Management:

• Ensure accurate beneficiary registration and verification processes.
• Maintain up-to-date records of beneficiaries and distribution data.
• Address beneficiary concerns and feedback, ensuring their needs are met.

Compliance and Quality Control:

• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and organizational policies.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure the integrity and quality of distributed food.
• Monitor distribution activities to identify and address any issues or discrepancies.

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Conduct regular field visits to monitor distribution activities.
• Collect and analyze data to assess the effectiveness and impact of food distributions.
• Prepare and submit detailed reports on distribution activities and outcomes.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Train staff and volunteers on distribution procedures and protocols.
• Provide ongoing support and capacity building to ensure high standards of distribution.
• Promote best practices and continuous improvement in distribution activities.

Safety and Security:

• Ensure the safety and security of distribution sites, staff, and beneficiaries.
• Implement safety protocols and procedures to mitigate risks.
• Respond to security incidents and emergencies as needed.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders, including beneficiaries, staff, and partners.
• Represent the project in coordination meetings and forums.
• Foster positive relationships with the community and other stakeholders.

Qualifications
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Administration, or related discipline).

Experience:

• At least 3-5 years of experience in WFP food distribution or humanitarian assistance projects.
• Experience in managing large-scale distributions and working with diverse teams.
• Previous experience with international NGOs, INGO or UN agencies is an asset.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data management and reporting tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to train and support others in distribution processes.

Languages:

• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken) is required.
• Knowledge of the local language(s) is an asset.

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to travel to remote and insecure areas as required.
• Commitment to the principles of humanitarianism and the mission of the organization.

Application Closing Date
13th July, 2024.