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 save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance 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, and it welcomes staff from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need.

Job Overview:
The Senior Nutrition Project Officer (SPO) is tasked with the overall management and technical direction of the Management of At-risk Mothers and Infants under six months (MAMI) care pathway. This role involves providing technical oversight to Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) and Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition - Education (MIYCN-E) activities, specifically targeting vulnerable Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host communities. The SPO will report to the Program Manager and will be accountable to the Emergency Coordinator, partner's Nutrition Officers, and Nutrition Community Mobilizers. The position requires a strong focus on project cycle management, technical direction, and program development, ensuring that all activities align with international best practices and donor requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Nutrition Project Officer will be responsible for ensuring quality and timely implementation of the MAMI Nutrition program, advising partner nutrition teams, developing activity work plans, and ensuring adherence to international guidelines. The SPO will oversee data collection and reporting, monitor program progress through field visits, and lead the development of monitoring tools. Additionally, the SPO will contribute to situation analyses for the nutrition sector, identify opportunities for program development, and participate in proposal writing and budget development. The role also includes capacity building of CRS nutrition team and partner staff, ensuring appropriate support through regular field visits, and representing CRS at nutrition sector meetings and coordination forums. The SPO will develop field-based reports and templates to track program activities and indicators, and will undertake any other programming responsibilities as delegated by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a B.Sc. in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field, with a Master's degree preferred. A minimum of 6 to 8 years of work experience in community development and management of nutrition projects in emergencies is required. Candidates should have experience in conducting nutrition assessments, understanding nutritional surveillance, and possess excellent communication skills. They should demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in challenging working conditions, and have a proven ability in report writing, budget review, and concept note development. Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement is also essential, along with proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office applications.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field as a basic qualification. A Master's degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in nutrition and public health initiatives.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 6 to 8 years of relevant work experience, particularly in community development, mobilization, and management of nutrition programs such as MAMI, CMAM, and MIYCN-E in emergency settings. Experience in conducting nutrition assessments and familiarity with nutritional surveillance and information systems is crucial. Additionally, candidates should have a background in monitoring projects and collecting relevant data, as well as experience in staff supervision and capacity building.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Hausa is required for this position, with Kanuri being strongly preferred. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders involved in the nutrition programs.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 40%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The work culture at CRS is collaborative and mission-driven, focused on improving the lives of the poor globally. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals interacting with the organization.