Junior Associate, Better Diets for Children (BDC), Nigeria at Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

Classification: Junior Associate, R2
Location: Kaduna
Travel Required: Up to 50 % to project areas

Overall Purpose

• The focus of this project revolves around GAIN working with public and private sectors as well as other development partners at the national and state level to improve feeding practices and dietary diversity in children 6-59 months. 
• The project will start with a formative research to identify barriers and enablers to consumption of nutritious foods and optimal feeding practices; this will shape and/or validate the intervention strategy and formulate appropriate messages and mediums for delivery.
• The approach will advocate for national strategies and guidelines to be finalized; and to be adopted in a focal state; Engage with the private sector and government for increased accessibility and demand for specific nutritious foods; and design and implement an SBCC strategy that addresses relevant findings in infant and young child feeding practices.
• The Junior associate will support the Project Manager in the coordination of different executing agencies, so that overall project milestones and goals are met.  S/he will be expected to provide technical support as required. 
• S/he will support consultants taken on to support project delivery.   

Job Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the BDC project by fostering strong collaboration with implementing agencies. 
• Support timely delivery against plan of the Project, reporting, technical and financial documentation for all GAIN, donor and Government of Nigeria requirements. 
• Closely follow up with project partners responsible for implementing and technical assistance and undertake regular supervision under the direction of the PM to ensure the smooth running of the project contributing to project deliverables and reporting systems.
• Support timely convening, facilitation and associated documentation of the project governance teams. 
• Support timely flow of project-related information between project partners, and the PM as is relevant to successful project implementation and the good standing of GAIN’s brand and Country Office.
• Visits the field regularly to ensure that project progress is on track and to implement risk mitigation plans as directed by the PM  
• Contribute to program progress reports including monthly, quarterly and annual reports for internal GAIN and government requirements. 
• Educate and influence key opinion leaders, professionals and Associations on the importance of increasing uptake of nutritious infant and young child feeding foods. 
• Support the PM to facilitate the adoption of National policies, guidelines and strategies at the State Government level. 
• Contributes to the knowledge mobilisation activities, including the gathering of national and regional trends in MIYCN policies as they relate to nutrition.  
• Perform any other functions as assigned by the Project Manager 

Key Organizational Relationships

• Reports to the BDC Project Manager
• Regular engagement with Nigerian Government, project partners and other key stakeholders
• Works closely with Better Diets for Children global team
• Works closely with the GAIN Nigeria country team   

Job Requirements
Competences (Skills and Attributes):

• Ability to multi-task with high attention to detail
• Negotiation skills with the ability to manage contractors/vendors to deliver high quality results
• Innovative, problem solving work approach 
• Strong communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environment
• Flexible, goal oriented and willingness to travel in challenging environments
• Experience of project management 
• Experience of stakeholder management
• Strong communication and advocacy skills
• High level of professionalism and integrity
• Able to demonstrate good judgment, problem solving, and creativity.
• Computer literacy with good Excel, MS Word, Outlook, and Power Point skills.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in international development, public health, including at least 2 years in an existing network in Nigeria 
• Experience of development work in Kaduna State  
• Demonstrated success in managing time-bound projects.  
• Strong understanding of Kaduna State’s public health sector required.
• Experience of integrated nutrition / IYCN program highly desirable.  
• Experience working on demand creation projects
• Experience working in a public/private partnership environment desirable 
• Private Sector experience desirable

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in Science /Social Sciences, Nutrition, food science, Public Health, or a suitable equivalent.
• Diploma or equivalent certification in project management, communication or stakeholder management is highly desirable

Other Requirements

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written): fluent in English and Hausa mandatory.
• Must be willing and able to travel in challenging environments
• Comfortable with working under pressure/tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment,
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work alone and in a team setting.