Nutrition and Disease Surveillance Officer at Sahei Gender Development Initiative (2 Openings)

Sahei Gender Development Initiative, was formally known and called Sanitation and hygiene education initiative (SGDI). The organization is a Nigerian non-governmental and not-for-profit making organization incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in November 2014. It is an organization that facilitates, advocates, and raises awareness for access to improved services among vulnerable individuals. The organization focuses in the areas of WASH, Protection/GBV, Empowerment/livelihood, Waste Management, Health/Nutrition, Climate Change and Peace Building. The organization has experienced staff that are equipped with knowledge, skills to response when the need arises. The organizations staff can work all over the liberated LGAs of Borno State.

The organization was established to promote well-being of individuals and alleviate the suffering of conflict affected people and the vulnerable groups of people in Northeastern Nigeria. In pursuit of its mission, the Organization works with partners to execute programs aimed at improving the livelihood and living standards of vulnerable children, women and girls, men, widows, internally displaced persons, and persons living with disabilities.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Nutrition and Disease Surveillance Officer

Location: Gujba and Nguru LGAs, Yobe
Reports to: Nutrition Focal Person
Department: Health and Nutrition

Position Summary

• The Nutrition and Disease Surveillance Officer will play a critical role in the planning, coordination, and implementation of nutrition and disease surveillance activities across Gujba and Nguru LGAs.
• Working closely with the Nutrition Focal Person and the LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO), the officer will ensure effective delivery of lifesaving and preventive nutrition interventions, with a strong focus on community engagement, case management, and data-driven decision-making.
• The position will lead community-based surveillance, screening, referral, and follow-up of malnutrition cases through CMAM, IYCF, and micronutrient supplementation programs.
• The officer will also promote positive nutrition, health, and hygiene behaviours at the household and community levels to sustain long-term health outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
Program Implementation and Coordination:

• Plan and implement nutrition and disease surveillance activities in target communities in coordination with the Nutrition FP and LGA DSNO.
• Conduct regular community-based screening of children under five, pregnant and lactating women (PLWs), and other vulnerable groups.
• Facilitate referrals and follow-ups of malnutrition cases to health facilities and CMAM sites.
• Support IYCF counselling, micronutrient supplementation, and deworming activities in line with national protocols.
• Lead the establishment and functioning of community surveillance task forces.
• Collaborate with health facility staff and community structures to strengthen the continuum of care and case tracking.

Surveillance and Data Management:

• Conduct routine surveillance for nutrition-related diseases and outbreaks, ensuring timely reporting and response.
• Collect, verify, and submit accurate data on screening, referrals, and surveillance to the Nutrition FP and M&E team.
• Maintain updated databases and records of nutrition and health surveillance indicators.
• Participate in joint data review meetings and contribute to early warning system strengthening.

Community Engagement and Behaviour Change:

• Facilitate community dialogue sessions, mother support groups, and household visits to promote optimal nutrition, hygiene, and health practices.
• Conduct health and nutrition education sessions focusing on exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding, WASH, and disease prevention.
• Strengthen community feedback mechanisms, ensuring that caregivers’ and households’ concerns inform program improvements.
• Build the capacity of community volunteers and local leaders on nutrition surveillance and preventive health practices.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Support routine monitoring and supervision of nutrition and disease surveillance activities at community and facility levels.
• Contribute to the development of weekly, monthly, and quarterly progress reports.
• Participate in assessments, surveys, and program evaluations as needed.
• Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories for program learning and visibility.

Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Nursing, Community Health, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant experience in nutrition programming and health surveillance.
• Demonstrated experience in CMAM, IYCF, and community-level health systems.
• Familiarity with humanitarian settings and local context (Yobe/Northeast Nigeria preferred).

Skills:

• Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and community engagement abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office and digital data tools (Kobo, ODK).
• Fluency in English and Hausa or Kanuri.

Key Competencies

• Accountability and attention to detail
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Results-oriented and proactive

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their CV and Cover Letter (as a single PDF) to: hr.recruitment@sahei.info using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.