Senior Nutrition Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that all staff and partners respect and protect the dignity and rights of everyone. CRS has a diverse workforce and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's mission is deeply rooted in its Catholic identity, which guides its operations and interactions with communities.

Job Overview:
The Senior Nutrition Project Officer (SPO) plays a crucial role in managing and providing technical direction for various nutrition programs, including the Management of At-risk Mothers and Infants under six months (MAMI) care pathway, Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), and Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) approaches. This position targets vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities, ensuring that nutrition interventions are effectively implemented and aligned with international best practices. The SPO will report to the Emergency Coordinator and supervise partner Nutrition Officers, Community Mobilizers, and MiYCN counselors. The role involves project cycle management, technical guidance, and program development, with a strong emphasis on collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve program objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Nutrition Project Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Ensuring quality and timely implementation of nutrition programs in accordance with established objectives and work plans.
• Advising partner nutrition teams on developing project-specific strategies, tools, and plans.
• Developing activity work plans for the nutrition program and coordinating with other sectors and implementing partners.
• Overseeing data collection and reporting for nutrition programs, ensuring compliance with CRS guidelines and donor requirements.
• Conducting field visits and assessments to monitor program progress and identify challenges.
• Leading the development of monitoring tools and IEC materials to support community advocacy for nutrition initiatives.
• Contributing to situation analyses for the nutrition sector to inform project design and management.
• Participating in proposal writing and budget development for nutrition programs.
• Ensuring capacity building for CRS nutrition teams and partner staff through training and mentorship. 1
• Representing CRS in nutrition sector meetings and coordinating with stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness. 1
• Supporting the development of field-based reports and tracking progress of program activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of 6 to 8 years of relevant work experience in community development, mobilization, and management of nutrition projects in emergency settings is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting nutrition assessments and a solid understanding of nutritional surveillance and information systems. Excellent communication skills, a respectful and empathetic approach to beneficiaries, and the ability to adapt to challenging working conditions are essential. Proficiency in report writing, budget review, and concept note development is also required, along with experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex nutrition issues. Candidates should have a strong foundation in nutrition science and public health principles, as well as familiarity with international nutrition guidelines and best practices.

Experience:
The position requires 6 to 8 years of work experience in community development and the management of nutrition programs, particularly in emergency contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully implementing MAMI, CMAM, and MIYCN-E projects, preferably in regions such as Northeast or Northwest Nigeria. Experience in conducting nutrition assessments and familiarity with nutritional surveillance systems are critical for this role. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong skills in report writing, budget management, and community engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel up to 40% of the time, depending on program needs and field activities. The role involves supervisory responsibilities, and candidates should be prepared to lead and mentor a team of nutrition professionals. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization is committed to fostering a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on improving the lives of the poor globally. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's safeguarding policies and complete mandatory safeguarding training upon hire and annually thereafter.