Capacity Strengthening Officer at Helen Keller International

Helen Keller International is a global health organization dedicated to eliminating preventable vision loss, malnutrition and diseases of poverty.  Cofounded by Helen Keller – and guided by her fierce optimism and belief in human potential – the organization delivers life-changing health solutions to vulnerable families where the need is great but access to care is limited.  In the US, Africa, and Asia, Helen Keller’s proven, science-based programs empower people to create opportunities in their own lives and build lasting change.

Background

The USAID Advancing Nutrition implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners. The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.

The overall purpose of the project in Nigeria is to provide technical support to the Government of Nigeria, and other nutrition stakeholders and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria.

Scope of the Position

The Capacity Strengthening Officer will work with all members of the project team to guide capacity building activities.  She/he will facilitate and coordinate all training and capacity strengthening aspects of the project for stakeholders and project team. S/he will work closely with partners and stakeholders while delivering training sessions and be responsible for effective internal and external capacity building engagements and trainings. Under the guidance of  the Senior Program Officer [PO1] , s/he will be responsible for planning, budgeting and successfully delivering the project’s capacity building plans and objectives. The main responsibilities of the position are:

Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct a capacity needs assessment of the project and stakeholders and based on findings, develop a capacity development plan and ensure its timely implementation.
• Work with project team to identify and propose priority training and capacity sessions for staff and stakeholders.
• Effectively manage all budget items related to trainings and capacity buildings to ensure that spending is timely and in accordance with USAID and Helen Keller requirements.
• Ensure that all respective sectors have access to training and professional development resources appropriate to their skill gaps/needs.
• Where necessary identify and manage consultants to provide technical and institutional training in accordance to the requirements of the participating communities and based on the assessments provided.
• Work closely with other team members to develop and review appropriate training materials, guidance, and procedures
• Maintain clear records and data on all trainings and capacity building sessions in collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer. Prepare activity and training reports.
• Identify training needs of beneficiaries and stakeholders and coordinate the state teams to cover the gaps
• Participate in Training of Trainers’ sessions to enable she/he rollout of relevant trainings to other staff and stakeholders
• Support the Knowledge Management and Communications Officer to document best practices, success stories and taking good pictures for report writing.
• Be responsible for organizing all high level meetings at national level. Ensure that meeting objectives are clearly defined and ensure that meetings are structured to meet these objectives

Expected Deliverables

• Conduct capacity needs assessments t state and national levels
• Develop training plans and budgets
• Prepare training reports detailing training outcomes; records and data on trainings conducted

Education:

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent related experience

Experience:

• Required: At least 6 years’ experience in supporting capacity building initiatives at community level. Organizational development experience is highly desirable
• Experience in managing training programs for government and civil society organizations especially at state level,

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent communication, listening and facilitation skills especially in adult learning
• Ability to apply conceptual models to support project implementation
• Ability to work effectively in a highly collaborative team environment
•  Ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks
• Strong interpersonal skills including demonstrated communication and personnel
• management skills.
• Excellent report writing skills

Competencies:

• Adaptable, creative, collaborative and able to think strategically.
• Purpose driven and outcome focused
• Operate as a nimble learner, has a growth mindset.
• Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel regularly to the project states (Bauchi, Kebbi and Sokoto) as needed

Terms & Conditions

This is a local posting in Nigeria, and as such, is subject to local terms and conditions.

In the spirit of our founder and namesake, Helen Keller  is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is fully valued.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and need to request an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at the email above