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 focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring the dignity and rights of all individuals involved in their programs are respected and protected. The agency operates with a mission-driven culture that emphasizes collaboration and a commitment to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world. The organization welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share their values and commitment to serving those in need.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition Project Officer will be responsible for the overall management of the day-to-day activities of the nutrition program in assigned locations. This role involves working closely with the Senior Nutrition Project Officer to ensure effective project cycle management, technical direction, and implementation of field activities. The officer will support field-level technical assessments, coordinate community-led supplementary programs, and provide technical support in various nutrition implementations such as MAMI, IMAM, and MIYCN. The position requires regular engagement with community leaders, ensuring the quality of program delivery, and maintaining adherence to humanitarian standards. The officer will also be responsible for data collection, reporting, and identifying capacity-building opportunities for partner staff, thereby contributing to the overall success of the nutrition program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support field-level technical assessments and organize CRS community-led supplementary programs in project locations.
• Provide technical support in MAMI, IMAM, and MIYCN implementations.
• Supervise and support nutrition partner officers to ensure program standards are met.
• Engage community leaders for beneficiary organization in project locations.
• Conduct weekly supervisory visits to all assigned project locations.
• Ensure availability of food and material supplies for collection by local managers from vendors.
• Oversee bi-weekly redemption of Tom Brown grain by local managers.
• Submit weekly field data and reports to the Senior Nutrition Project Officer.
• Report progress and challenges in a timely manner. 1
• Ensure effective follow-ups on beneficiaries in all project locations. 1
• Identify gaps and propose plans for capacity building. 1
• Attend regular nutrition meetings and assist with additional tasks as required. 1
• Maintain respect for the dignity and culture of beneficiaries and community members. 1
• Ensure compliance with humanitarian relief standards as per the Sphere Charter and Red Cross Code of Conduct. 1
• Collaborate with local partners to prepare reports according to the established schedule. 1
• Support coordination and implementation of project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan, adhering to CRS program quality principles and donor requirements. 1
• Ensure partner officers are familiar with their responsibilities and any changes. 1
• Identify information for case studies on program successes and learning. 1
• Coordinate project evaluation activities and assist partners in data collection and analysis.

Required Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented mindset.
• Solid analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Knowledge and skills in training and facilitation.
• Team spirit and excellent interpersonal relations.
• Strong writing and review skills for developing high-quality success stories.
• Holds self and others accountable to deliver on agreed goals and standards of behavior.
• Demonstrates professionalism and integrity.
• Provides adequate administrative and logistical support to meet financial and program outcomes. 1
• Actively seeks support in addressing difficulties in executing duties. 1
• Strategic thinking and effective contribution to organizational development. 1
• Sound judgment and decision-making in complex situations. 1
• Strong emotional intelligence, including self-awareness. 1
• Leads by example to motivate high performance in others. 1
• Commitment to continuous learning.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Food Science, or a related field is required. Equivalent qualifications may also be considered. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in nutrition principles and practices, particularly in the context of public health and community engagement.

Experience:
A minimum of 3 years of experience in implementing nutrition programs, including IMAM, particularly TSFP and/or MIYCN, preferably within an international or local NGO context. Experience in conducting nutrition assessments and understanding nutritional surveillance and information systems is essential. Familiarity with MAMI, SBC, and Tom Brown nutrition programs is advantageous. The candidate should demonstrate excellent communication skills and a willingness to empathize with beneficiaries, along with experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Hausa is required for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly if they enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Plateau State, Nigeria, and requires a willingness to travel up to 60% of the time. The role includes supervisory responsibilities and involves working closely with various internal and external stakeholders, including local partners, government agencies, and community members. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture and is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals involved in its programs. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.