Health and Nutrition Program Manager

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Health and Nutrition Program Manager
Location: Jubaland
Country: Somalia
Deadline Date: February 15, 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which provides humanitarian relief in over 40 countries worldwide in the sectors of nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Established as an independent NGO, Action Against Hunger-USA currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Cambodia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Somalia. The organization has over $75 million in programs and approximately 2000 staff based in various country offices, with its headquarters in New York City and an operational center in Nairobi. The organization is committed to addressing hunger and malnutrition, and anticipates additional growth in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Health and Nutrition Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the implementation of all health and nutrition activities in Jubaland State. This role involves ensuring compliance with guidelines and policies set by WHO, MOH, ACF, and health and nutrition clusters for each program component. The manager will directly supervise field officers in Jubaland and coordinate with the Ministry of Health and clusters at various levels. The nutrition programming includes community-based management of acute malnutrition through various programs, while health programming encompasses services through hospitals, health centers, and public health campaigns. The manager's purpose is to implement health and nutrition programs according to Action Against Hunger standards and align them with the essential package for health services in Somalia. They will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health in Jubaland State, develop opportunities for the organization and the sector, and monitor trends and issues to address challenges in the state.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health and Nutrition Program Manager will liaise with other program sectors to analyze health and nutrition needs in Jubaland State. They will promote and supervise activities related to healthcare practices and organize child play activities and support groups within nutrition and health centers. The manager will ensure high-quality care for clients by aligning with the EPHS framework and reproductive health strengthening. They will participate in assessments of the health sector's status, verify reports of infectious diseases, and ensure timely data collation from ACF-supported health facilities. Responsibilities also include drug management, establishing work schedules for staff, monitoring budgets, and preparing routine reports. The manager will ensure timely reporting, support supervision of health facilities, and coordinate with MoH and UNICEF for adequate supplies. They will prepare new project proposals and ensure that reporting indicators are relevant to the program, compiling summaries of indicators for internal reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, midwifery, or related health fields. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the humanitarian health and nutrition field is required, along with experience working on nutrition projects. Candidates should have humanitarian experience in medical and nutrition programs in Somalia, excellent knowledge of working with MoH, UN, and NGO health systems, and good analytical capacity. Competence in training and team management, as well as proficiency in computer skills such as Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and EPI info, is essential. Candidates must also have experience in designing, managing, and forecasting budgets, and in conducting coverage surveys and rapid nutrition assessments.

Educational Background:
The position requires a degree in Public Health, Medicine, Nursing, midwifery, or related health fields. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health and nutrition programming in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in the humanitarian health and nutrition field. This experience should include working on nutrition projects and familiarity with the health systems in Somalia, particularly in the context of humanitarian assistance.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Somali, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local authorities, beneficiaries, and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Jubaland State and requires regular attendance at least five days a week. The candidate must be available to work outside normal office hours or on weekends as required. Travel may be necessary for domestic and international business purposes, and the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and basic living conditions. The organization provides equal employment opportunities and complies with all applicable laws governing non-discrimination in employment.