Senior Technical Officer, Maternal, Newborn, Child Health (MNCH) /Nutrition

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a global health and development organization that has been working to improve lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on various health and development issues, including HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, nutrition, and public health systems strengthening. FHI 360 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable populations and ensuring that all employees and beneficiaries are protected from abuse and exploitation.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Officer (STO) for Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCH/N) will play a crucial role in the EpiC project in Bauchi State, Nigeria. This position involves providing technical leadership and operational support for the implementation of MNCH/N activities. The STO will work closely with the Associate Director, Technical, to translate national and state priorities into effective service delivery at the primary healthcare level. The role requires ensuring that the implementation of MNCH/N activities aligns with national guidelines and strategies, while also focusing on quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and client outcomes. The STO will be responsible for mentoring field teams and strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers and community health workers, thereby contributing to the overall goal of improving health outcomes for mothers, newborns, and children in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Technical Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing technical oversight for MNCH/N activities across supported primary healthcare facilities and community platforms in Bauchi State.
• Leading the implementation of high-impact MNCH and nutrition interventions, ensuring alignment with national guidelines and EpiC technical strategies.
• Supporting quality improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery and client experiences.
• Coordinating integrated supportive supervisory visits and following up on identified gaps in service delivery.
• Strengthening the integration of MNCH/N services within primary healthcare systems, ensuring effective linkages between facility and community services.
• Providing direct technical supervision and mentorship to Assistant Technical Officers (ATOs) and other field staff.
• Engaging with stakeholders, including the Bauchi State Ministry of Health and local partners, to facilitate MNCH/N implementation.
• Collaborating with Strategic Information staff to ensure accurate data collection and reporting for decision-making.
• Reviewing performance data and supporting adaptive management and learning processes. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Associate Director, Technical.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, Nutrition, Medicine, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. A clinical background with specialization in MNCH or Nutrition is essential. Additionally, candidates should have at least 6 years of experience in MNCH and Nutrition program implementation, along with knowledge of national policies and best practices in Nigeria. Familiarity with U.S. Department of State-funded programs and experience in stakeholder engagement are desirable. Strong communication, mentoring, and coordination skills are also required, along with experience in leading quality improvement and primary healthcare strengthening activities.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, Nutrition, or Medicine. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in maternal and child health and nutrition. Candidates should have a clinical background that supports their technical knowledge in MNCH/N.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in MNCH and Nutrition program implementation. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of national MNCH and Nutrition policies, guidelines, and best practices in Nigeria. Experience working in Bauchi State or similar contexts is an advantage, as is a proven track record of success in multicultural and multidisciplinary environments. Candidates must also have experience supervising teams and managing competing priorities effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Bauchi State would be considered an asset, as it would facilitate better communication with community members and local partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require travel up to 50% of the time to various locations within Bauchi State. The role is part of a larger project funded by the United States Department of State, which emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and protecting vulnerable populations. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and supports professional development and work-life balance for its employees.