Anchor Gates III/Nutrition Advocacy Project Adviser at Save The Children

Role Purpose

• The Nutrition Advocacy Adviser will contribute to Save the Children’s efforts to influence and bring about change in the awareness, attitudes, behaviours and policies related to the rights of children in the country programme in the state of posting.

Key Areas of Accountability

• Accountable for the delivery of project objective and report on the implementation of Save the Children's investment in nutrition advocacy with particular reference to coordination and financing nutrition in Kaduna State.
• The post holder will also be expected to contribute to the implementation of the wider Save the Children Advocacy and Campaign Strategy.

Strategy Development:

• Identify policy and practice for change, on the basis of Save the Children’s experience, that would promote and protect the rights of children.
• Formulate key advocacy messages and targets from lessons learned, assessments, research and evidence gained through project implementation on Health and Nutrition.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy objectives and initiatives, both short and long term, encompassing a wide range of issues and audiences in Nutrition.
• Keep a watching brief on policy makers and other key players in relation to child health and nutrition issues and identify opportunities to raise awareness and influence policy change.
• Contribute to all efforts to raise/nurture CSO coalition and champions for nutrition at the state level.

Influencing:

• Develop good knowledge of state and national government structures, parliamentary and political processes and key decision making structures and how to influence them.
• Undertake a range of lobbying, communications and other activities to inform and persuade policy makers, including donors and politicians, of the value of Save the Children’s policy recommendations.
• Build systems for research, analysis and documentation that underpin evidence based advocacy and influencing at state level.
• Develop dissemination and communication strategies for key advocacy messages.
• Produce reports, briefing papers and presentations for internal and external audiences, as directed.

Collaboration & Representation:

• Develop strategic relationships with other agencies engaged in advocacy and policy work.
• Develop and maintain a network of external contacts with key individuals in the government, NGO sector, civil society and the media.
• The Nutrition Advocacy Adviser while supporting the delivery of Save the Children’s nutrition advocacy strategy will work with civil society organizations to ensure strong accountability for political and financial nutrition commitments and contribute to the development of nutrition-related policies, strategic frameworks and campaigns.
• Represent Save the Children at various policy forums and advocacy opportunities at State level, as directed.
• Act as a spokesperson for Save the Children to a variety of external audiences including policy makers and the media, as directed.
• Liaise closely with staff in the Policy and Communication units at Save the Children headquarters and coordinate with other Save the Children members.

Programme Development:

• Support the programme team in the development of research methodologies, data analysis, report writing and publication.
• Ensure clear links and mutual reinforcement between programmatic approaches and advocacy strategies.
• Write regular progress reports, including annual impact monitoring reports.
• Perform other tasks, as required, to ensure the smooth running of the country programme.

Skills & Experience
Essential:

• Minimum of Post-graduate Degree in Food and Nutrition Science; Public Health/Social Science or related field
• Knowledge of nutrition issues, voice and accountability and, advocacy research methodology, Experience of drafting and presenting complex information to a variety of audiences in a concise and accessible way
• Good understanding of the possibilities and tactics for influencing decision and policy makers, politicians, donors, and other key actors.
• Good understanding of strategies for achieving sustainable child Health and Nutrition policies through participatory processes, and the links with gender, diversity and other aspects of identity.
• Excellent conceptual and analytical skills and demonstrable ability to think strategically, innovatively and practically to ensure achievement of desired change objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences at local and national
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner agencies and key contacts in the government, NGO, civil society and media sectors.
• Fluent in English language skills (written and verbal).
• Commitment to the values, mission, aims and policies of Save the Children.

Administrative & General Skills:

• The post holder will possess a high degree of analytical skill, political acumen, ability to facilitate change, ability to influence, and ability to communicate key nutrition advocacy messages effectively and convincingly to a diverse audience at local and state levels.

Desirable:

• Experience in advocacy techniques and influencing tactics.
• Prior work experience in advocacy in Nigeria.
• Knowledge of the policies, functions, structures and decision-making processes of key national institutions with regard to child Nutrition.
• Local language skills (Ability to communicate in Hausa will be an advantage).