SNR Nutrition Manager at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Senior Nutrition Manager will be the focal point for IRC's primary Nutrition care services under the UKAID grant in Borno  state; s/he reports to the Nutrition Coordinator and works closely and supervises other nutrition managers  in Borno state in the  day to day administrative issues while coordinating with program managers in Adamawa and Yobe states. The senior Nutrition Manager will ensure the implementation of  quality Nutrition program, in accordance with national and international standards. S/he will identify gaps in Nutrition services and take the necessary steps to address those gaps. S/he shall provide technical oversight/ assistance in planning, implementing and monitoring of high impact interventions and support in system strengthening and promotion of childhood nutrition, with special focus to the most vulnerable and unreached population groups. In addition, provide co-ordinated support and technical assistance to Health Department and management of on-going programmes statewide and establishing nutrition surveillance systems. S/he will directly supervise all nutrition activities which will comprise of all the CMAM components which includes outreach activities, outpatient/inpatient care, and robust Infant &Young child Feeding program and will directly supervise Nutrition staff. S/he will coordinate nutrition program activities and report to the Nutrition coordinator.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management & Development

• Coordinate with Governance sector and Green code all activities under UKAid grant in MM/JERE and Monguno LGAs.
• Participate in the development of nutrition sector proposals, including budgets and following up on their effective implementation.
• Develop nutrition sector work plans for all the IRC nutrition grants assigned to him/her by the nutrition coordinator. Supervise and coordinate the implementation and monitoring of nutrition project activities in line with proposal targets and work plan timelines.
• Coordinate routine project reporting, including mid-term and end of grant reports to the donor.
• Conduct nutritional surveillance in the programme sites, including host community and internally displaced persons (IDPs)based on agreed methodologies including surveys, process monitoring, SMART, LQAS, SQUEAC and other rapid methods.
• Work with the field based nutrition staff and community health Volunteers to establish, implement and monitor community based management of acute malnutrition activities, coupled with patient follow up, referrals and education for their better management at community level.
• Coordinate with other IRC departments and implementing partners to develop training curricula and implementation plans for community Health Volunteers(CHV’s).
• Assist in response and management of any nutrition emergencies e.g. acute food shortages and participate in the development of disaster preparedness systems.
• Promote mother infant and young child feeding best practices in various health facilities.
• Oversee implementation and integration of comprehensive growth monitoring program/Mass MUAC screenings at community level and report accordingly.
• Participate actively in execution of operational research and Documentation of Best Nutrition practices in various health facilities/Outreach sites if need be.
• Participate actively in planned programme Rapid Nutrition assessment,nutrition surveys and KAP Assessments.
• Monitoring and supervising both IRC and MOH staff seconded to IRC to ensure work is performed efficiently.
• Routinely monitor staff performance according to their job description and provide written feedback in a timely manner.
• Oversee continuous training programs for the nutrition staff as well as organizing trainings with consultants as per the annual work-plan & budget.
• Review personnel issues and concerns of nutrition staff and assist with determining and implementing solutions.
• Participate in recruitment of nutrition staff as appropriate.
• Participate in the development of proposals, budgets and concept notes in coordination with the Nutrition Coordinator, DDP, Grants team, and HQ Technical Unit
• Monitor the purchase and use of materials, equipment and supplies
• Monitor and evaluate appropriate implementation of  projects against program objectives and IRC’s Program Framework.
• Identify opportunities for program development.
• Directly supervise other Nutrition officers,
• ANY OTHER ACTIVITY ASSIGNED BY THE COORDINATOR.

Staff Management

• Recruit national staff in conjunction with the Human Resources Department
• Maintain updated job descriptions, conduct interviews, orient new staff to the IRC and the Protection program
• Supervise the nutrition staff directly, providing ongoing leadership to the project team and overseeing implementation and coordination of activity plans to ensure targets are met
• Provide ongoing supervision, leadership, training and technical support and guidance to nutrition staff, and ensure all nutrition staff adhere to best-practice principles in all aspects of program implementation
• Overall responsibility for Nutrition team’s timesheets, work plans, vacation schedules, and staff training/development activities
• Ensure Performance Management System documentation for all staff is in place and followed up regularly
• Build staff capacity in work plan development and reporting to ensure accurate monitoring and documentation of activities
• Recommend and implement a capacity building/development plan for project staff based on documented capacity needs assessments exercise
• Ensure nutrition staff understands and follows IRC and donor Policies and Procedures

Grants Management and Reporting

• Manage and oversee all the nutrition grants; develop and maintain work, spending and procurement plans for all projects
• Participate in Grants Opening, Mid-Term and Closing meetings
• Prepare internal and external reports within agreed deadlines using IRC and donor formats, as required
• Assure appropriate and timely spending of grants to achieve program goals, grant reporting contributions, use and distribution of supplies and resources

Representation & Coordination

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders - including Ministry of Health,community leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, community based organisations and other IRC sectors to enhance cooperation and coordination
• Ensure that information from coordination meetings is shared internally and with other sectors, as appropriate
• Attend the nutrition coordination meetings or represent the IRC in other relevant forums

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics or Registered nurse or Medical doctor with strong Nutrition Background  from a recognized University.(Masters in Public Health (MPH)/Nutrition preferred)
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in nutrition, public health, nutrition planning and management and/or in relevant areas of maternal, infant and child nutrition care at program management level is required.
• Knowledge in computer statistical packages such as SMART and basic data analysis skills.
• Experience in designing and implementing nutrition surveys and other methodologies.
• MUST be registered by Nigeria  Nutritionist and Dietitians Institute or other relevant Bodies, such as SQUEAC, SLEAC surveys techniques.
• Experience in managing a nutrition program in emergencies or among refugee/ displaced populations is an added advantage
• Excellent management skills
• Ability to write clear and concise reports and proposals and to meet required reporting deadlines.
• Able to work independently while being a strong team player.
• Experience supervising health staff in a complex setting; ability to support and build staff capacity.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to live and work under pressure in an unstable security environment.
• Excellent computer skills: MS Word, Excel, Power-point, Epi-Info/SPSS, Outlook and the internet.
• Fluency in English. Skill in local languages an advantage.