Nutrition Officer at Vision for Inclusive Solutions and Transparency Initiative (VISTA Initiative)

Vision for Inclusive Solutions and Transparency Initiative (VISTA Initiative) is a national non-governmental organization with a strong focus on women and girls, established in response to the humanitarian crisis in Nigeria. The organization prioritizes interventions in the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central regions, where communities face the impacts of armed conflict, natural disasters, climate-induced displacement, and deep socio-economic marginalization.

VISTA Initiative delivers life-saving humanitarian assistance while advancing sustainable development, climate-resilient programming, and peacebuilding solutions for crisis-affected and underserved populations. The organization places particular emphasis on addressing the needs of women, children, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly, ensuring that disability inclusion is fully mainstreamed across all programs. VISTA Initiative thematic areas of intervention include providing equitable access to Education, improving access to safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services, delivering essential Health care and Nutrition support, and ensuring protection for vulnerable populations. VISTA Initiative also strengthens Food Security, facilitates Early Recovery and Livelihoods, and provides critical support in Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM), Shelter, and Non-Food Items (NFI). The organization promotes Governance and Civic Engagement, fosters Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion, and integrates climate change adaptation and mitigation actions into all relevant sectors to strengthen community resilience against climate-induced risks.

VISTA Initiative is firmly guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, operating without political or religious bias and upholding a strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and non-discrimination. The organization employs a community-driven, rights-based approach, ensuring programs are informed by local needs, promote inclusive participation, and address barriers faced by marginalized groups. Its work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflects the Humanitarian Development Peace Nexus (HDPN) by bridging emergency response with long-term recovery, governance reform, climate resilience, and social cohesion.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Nutrition Officer

Location: Maiduguri, Borno (with travel to field locations across Northeast, Northwest, and North Central Nigeria)
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

• The Nutrition Officer will support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of nutrition programs in line with international standards, and donor requirements.
• The officer will also ensure referral pathways, support proposal development, support nutrition assessments, and contribute to the design of evidence-based interventions.

Key Responsibilities
Nutrition Program Implementation:

• Support the delivery of nutrition programs including Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), micronutrient supplementation, and nutrition counseling.
• Provide technical support for nutrition screening, assessment, and treatment of malnutrition cases.
• Ensure nutrition interventions are integrated with Health, WASH, Protection, and Food Security programs.
• Promote community nutrition education and behavior change communication.

Referrals and Case Management:

• Establish and maintain functional referral pathways for malnourished children, PLWs, and other high-risk individuals.
• Coordinate with health facilities, hospitals, and community health actors for timely referrals.
• Track referred cases and ensure follow-up, maintaining proper documentation.
• Ensure referral services are safe, accessible, and inclusive for women, children, PWDs, and other vulnerable groups.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Data Management:

• Monitor nutrition program indicators and ensure timely reporting.
• Conduct regular field visits, supervision, and quality assurance checks.
• Collect, analyze, and report data using standard tools and Nutrition Information Systems (NIS).
• Contribute to donor reporting, internal reports, and program reviews.

Proposal Support and Nutrition Assessment:

• Provide technical inputs for nutrition-related proposals, concept notes, and funding applications.
• Assist in budgeting, costings, and program planning for nutrition projects.
• Conduct nutrition assessments to identify food availability, access, gaps, and community needs.
• Contribute to program design and evidence-based advocacy.

Capacity Building and Community Engagement:

• Train staff, community health workers, and volunteers on nutrition protocols, guidelines, and referral systems.
• Conduct awareness sessions on nutrition, health, and hygiene for communities.
• Strengthen community engagement in nutrition program implementation.

Coordination and Partnership:

• Represent VISTA Initiative in Nutrition, Health, and Food Security coordination forums.
• Liaise with government ministries, UN agencies, INGOs, CSOs, and community actors.
• Support joint assessments, monitoring, and advocacy initiatives.

Compliance, Risk Management, and Safeguarding:

• Ensure nutrition programs comply with organizational, donor, and national standards.
• Support safeguarding, PSEA, and inclusion in all nutrition activities.
• Identify risks related to nutrition programs and propose mitigation measures.

Key Deliverables

• Nutrition programs implemented according to organizational and national protocols.
• Functional referral systems established and monitored, with documented follow-ups.
• Timely, accurate nutrition data and reports submitted to management and donors.
• Technical inputs provided for proposals, concept notes, and program design.
• Nutrition market assessments conducted, with actionable recommendations.
• Staff and community health workers trained and supported.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, Food Science, or related field (Master’s degree is an advantage).
• Minimum 3 - 5 years of experience in nutrition program implementation, preferably in humanitarian or crisis-affected contexts.
• Knowledge of CMAM, IYCF, micronutrient supplementation, and nutrition assessment tools.
• Experience in establishing referral pathways and managing malnutrition cases.
• Experience contributing to proposals, donor reporting, and program design is an advantage.

Core Competencies and Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge of nutrition programs and guidelines.
• Experience in referral systems and case management for malnutrition.
• Ability to conduct nutrition market assessments and program design support.
• Strong organizational, coordination, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in fragile, remote, and conflict-affected settings.
• High integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with nutrition information systems is an advantage.
• Fluency in English; local languages (Kanuri, Hausa, Fulani) is an advantage.

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct:

• The Nutrition Officer must adhere to VISTA Initiative Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Child Protection Policy, and PSEA Policy.
• Any form of exploitation, abuse, harassment, or misconduct will not be tolerated.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

• VISTA Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Application Closing Date
10th February, 2026 by 12:00 PM.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Submission Instructions
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents in a single PDF file, including at least two professional references:

• Cover letter detailing suitability for the role
• Updated CV
• Copies of academic and professional credentials

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• VISTA Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds.