Nutrition Program Officer at Helen Keller International (HKI)

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: Nutrition Program Officer

Location: Katsina
Reports To: State Team Lead

Purpose / Scope of Work

• The success of this nutrition project depends largely on timely implementation of achievements and achievement of set targets.
• Hence, the objective of the Program Officer position is to provide technical support leadership in the roll-out of the project planned activities in the state which include program management, reporting, and documentation of best practices. 

Management and Functional Relationships:

• Under the supervision of the State Team Lead, and technical leadership from the Program Manager, the Program Officer will develop and manage program interventions, supervise the Program Associate and provide mentorship to the program interns. 

Job Responsibilities

• The Program Officer will Lead the daily implementation of both nutrition-sensitive and specific interventions that contribute to the prevention, detection, and management of malnutrition in the state.
• Activities will include the promotion / supporting adoption of recommended Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) practices and Homestead Food Production (HFP), monitoring and supervision of community-level nutrition screening including the rollout of Mother Led Middle Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) approach, support the supplementation of pregnant women with multiple micronutrient supplementation as well participation in planned nutrition surveys and assessments.
• The Program Associate will also support capacity building for health workers, Nutrition Focal Persons, and food systems actors to enhance the production and consumption of safe, diverse and nutritious foods. 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Responsible for developing a detail implementation plan and track activity progress in collaboration with M&E associate. 
• Responsible for monitoring and supervision of the day-to-day implementation of nutrition and related activities and ensuring they are in accordance with the agreed work plan and global best practice.
• Lead capacity-building activities for field-level nutrition staff including on-the-job training and supportive supervision.
• Work closely and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
• Supervise activities aimed at promoting appropriate Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Practices and Homestead Food Production (HFP) to improve household dietary diversity and multiple micronutrient supplementation of pregnant women.
• Regularly monitor and ensure that the nutrition team in the field has the necessary tools (i.e., data collection tools, job aids, IEC materials, etc.) and supplies required for quality implementation of planned nutrition activities.
• Participate in nutrition assessments and surveys planned in the catchment area.
• Participate in periodic program monitoring and evaluation activities including baselines, end lines, midterm reviews, lesson learning exercises, and compilation of success stories.
• Ensure timely submission of quality weekly and monthly nutrition activity reports.
• Develop monthly financial forecast and quarterly financial need forecast in line with the detailed project activity plan/Monthly activity plans and send it to Program Manager
• Ensure sound monitoring and joint supervision of program activities in close collaboration with other programs.
• Participate in the Nutrition Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings.
• Support the state to plan for special events like World Breast Feeding (WBF) week, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week etc.
• Perform any other duty as assigned by the state team lead or program manager.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Food Security, Agriculture or other related fields, a relevant Master’s Degree is a plus 
• Verbal and written language skills in English required.
• Minimum of (4) years’ experience in nutrition and/or food security and livelihood programming or a related sector.
• Previous experience working in the project states.

Required Skills:

• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to learn complex program procedures.
• Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and manage a variety of activities in a time-sensitive environment and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality.
• Strong office and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member in a complex and fast paced environment. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, clients and consultants.
• Demonstrated ability in computer skills for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations (Microsoft Office applications preferred); and ability to learn new software packages.

Success Profile:

• Able to work with minimal supervision and able to meet up set deadlines.
• Ability to use the Internet and computer software such as Microsoft Office, Outlook etc
• Must possess good interpersonal skills and be a good team player
• Demonstrate excellent personal integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to speak the local language is highly desirable and an added advantage.
• Willingness to travel to remote areas.

Application Closing Date
25th August, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: nigeria.recruitment@hki.org using the Job Title as the subject of the email.