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 worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that all staff and partners uphold the dignity and rights of everyone involved in their work. The work culture at CRS is collaborative and mission-driven, dedicated to improving lives globally. The organization has a comprehensive benefits package for its staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement savings plans, tailored to the country of employment for international staff.

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 is crucial in providing technical oversight to Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) and Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition - Essential (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 guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and WHO/UNICEF. The SPO will also be responsible for developing work plans, monitoring program implementation, and ensuring quality and timely reporting of data and statistics for all nutrition programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Nutrition Project Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities including:

• Technical/Administrative, Program Quality and Implementation: Ensure the quality and timely implementation of the MAMI Nutrition program, advising partner nutrition teams on project-specific strategies and tools. Develop activity work plans and ensure coordination with other sectors and implementing partners. Oversee data collection and reporting in line with CRS guidelines and donor requirements. Conduct field visits to monitor progress and resolve issues.
• Program Development and Strategic Planning: Contribute to situation analysis for the nutrition sector, identify opportunities for program development, and participate in proposal writing and budget development.
• Capacity Building and Supervision: Build the capacity of CRS nutrition team and partner staff through training and coaching, monitor staffing needs, and assist in recruitment.
• Coordination and Representation: Represent CRS at nutrition sector meetings, ensure good coordination with partners, and manage relationships with stakeholders.
• Reporting: Support the development of field-based reports and create reporting templates for tracking program activities and indicators.
• Additional responsibilities as delegated by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Senior Nutrition Project Officer position should 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, mobilization, and management of MAMI, CMAM, and MIYCN-E projects in emergencies is required, preferably in Northeast Nigeria. Candidates should have experience in conducting nutrition assessments, understanding 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 necessary.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a B.Sc. 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 programs and community health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires 6 to 8 years of relevant work experience, particularly in community development and the management of nutrition programs in emergency settings. Experience in conducting nutrition assessments and familiarity with nutritional surveillance systems is crucial. Candidates should also have a background in participatory action planning and community engagement, as well as experience in staff supervision and project monitoring.

Languages:
Proficiency 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 Senior Nutrition Project Officer position may require travel up to 40%. The role is full-time and involves significant interaction with various stakeholders, including local partners and community members. CRS is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals involved in its programs, and all staff are expected to adhere to the organization's safeguarding policies and procedures. The successful candidate will be expected to sign and comply with CRS's Code of Conduct. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.