State Team Lead at Helen Keller International (HKI) - 3 Openings

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: State Team Lead

Location: Akwa Ibom, Kebbi and Sokoto
Employment Type: Full-time

Scope of the Position

• The State Team Lead will oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition programs within the state.
• The successful candidate will work closely with local government officials, community leaders, and partner organizations to ensure effective program delivery.

Specific Responsibilities 
Oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition and other programs within the assigned state.

• Manage project personnel in the state, providing guidance, support, and performance evaluations.
• Provides clear documentation of programmatic achievements as well as required data and keep project senior management informed of state activities on monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Take responsibility for management of the state project budget and all other resources under the direction of the Program Manager.
• Ensure that project partners execute the project according to their respective project plans.
• Document project activities and ensure that all project information is appropriately secured.
• Monitor the progress of the project implementation and adjust as necessary to ensure the project remains on track and is successfully completed.
• Establish a communication schedule to update stakeholders including appropriate staff in the organization on the progress of state project activities
• Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures and ensure that all financial records for the projects are up to date.
• Ensure that the project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of international standards as set by donor.
• Internally and when requested, support project research activities as required.
• Disseminate findings from research to support organizational learning and contribute to policy processing or development.
• Liaise and network with relevant partners and collaborators in the state to improve project visibility, coordination of activities and promotion of shared advocacy agenda.
• Build and maintain meaningful working relationships with both government and key project stakeholders at all levels to strengthen opportunities for advocacy and higher visibility.
• Represent the project at the state level.
• Effectively manage project resources and processes
• Cost effectiveness (Judicious use of available resources in the State)
• Responsiveness (Timeliness in delivering on internal processes such as reporting, request for information, promptness for meetings etc.)

Required Qualifications / Competencies 

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Public Health, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in project management or a relevant field, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Familiarity with the local context and dynamics within the assigned state is desirable.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities with a demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships. 
• Comfortable working in a matrixed, integrated work environment. 
• Proven experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement. 
• Ability to work effectively in a team and coordinate with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to program effectiveness and impact
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and challenging environment.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel regularly to the project LGAs within the state as needed.

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
30th January, 2026.