Nutrition Program Manager

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, focusing on disaster response, economic development, and conflict mitigation. The organization partners with communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger, more resilient communities. In Nigeria, Mercy Corps has been active since 2012, responding to humanitarian needs and implementing programs that address the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly in the Northeast region.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition Program Manager is a pivotal role within Mercy Corps’ Nigeria Humanitarian team, responsible for delivering high-quality and impactful nutrition programming. This position is essential for the successful implementation of life-saving nutrition interventions in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Northeast Nigeria. The Nutrition Program Manager will oversee the design, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of nutrition programs, ensuring they align with international best practices and donor requirements. The role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including technical coordinators and program staff, to enhance program quality and relevance. The Nutrition Program Manager will also engage in program development, proposal writing, and strategic planning to shape Mercy Corps’ overall program strategy from emergency response to resilience-building initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Nutrition Program Manager will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Conducting situational analyses for the nutrition sector to inform program design and management.
• Identifying opportunities for program and proposal development in alignment with Mercy Corps and donor guidelines.
• Leading technical assessments to monitor community needs and adjust program priorities accordingly.
• Ensuring quality implementation of nutrition program activities in accordance with approved objectives and work plans.
• Developing project-specific strategies, tools, and implementation plans for the nutrition team.
• Overseeing the collection and analysis of program data, ensuring timely reporting in line with Mercy Corps and donor requirements.
• Providing technical support and guidance to sector partners on cash and voucher assistance (CVA) for nutrition programming.
• Conducting capacity-building initiatives for the nutrition team and partner staff through training and mentoring.
• Representing Mercy Corps at nutrition sector working group meetings and coordination forums. 1
• Monitoring the context and implementation environment to ensure conducive conditions for nutrition interventions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field preferred. Relevant technical certifications are considered an asset. A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in providing technical support in relevant fields is required, including experience in proposal development and technical analysis. Candidates should demonstrate strong theoretical and applied knowledge in nutrition and related fields, with practical field experience in emergency response or crisis situations. Familiarity with major donors and the ability to travel frequently to project sites, including high-risk areas, is essential. Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree as a minimum qualification, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree (M.A., M.S., M.Sc., or equivalent) in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field. Relevant technical certifications are advantageous and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The Nutrition Program Manager should have at least 10 years of progressive experience in relevant fields, demonstrating a strong background in providing technical support, proposal development, and program implementation. Experience in emergency response and crisis management is crucial, as is the ability to adapt methodologies to complex operational contexts. Candidates should also have experience in delivering capacity-building initiatives and mentoring field teams.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is an unaccompanied position based in Maiduguri, Borno State, where the living conditions are basic but functional. The position holder will reside in shared staff housing and must adhere to strict security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols due to the high-risk operational environment. Mercy Corps is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respect local laws and customs at all times. The organization encourages ongoing learning and development, allowing team members to dedicate a portion of their time to personal and professional growth.