Nutrition Advisor at Care Best Initiative (CBI)

Background

• We have implemented various donor and self-funded projects/activities in several areas of humanitarian needs among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities. We are actively present in Northeast (Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, and Bauchi States) and Northwest (Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi states) Nigeria. CBI employs a multi-sectorial stakeholder-engagement and community-inclusion approach to the implementation of all her programs and activities and is well experienced in advocacy, influencing awareness creation, and behavioural change programming.
• Our thematic areas of operations cut across sectors like Health (FP, SRH, HIV/AIDS & RI), Education, Nutrition (CMAM, MIYCN), Protection (GBV, Child Protection, GE&I), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Food Security & Livelihood (FSL) among others with the objectives to improve access to basic and reproductive health services, and support distressed families.
• We also facilitate developmental programs, such as stakeholders’ advocacy campaigns against systemic and deep-rooted gender inequalities and barriers that will improve the socio-economic status of the most vulnerable (including orphans, PLWHA, PWDs, out-of-school children, Almajiri students, and Islamiyya students), promote infrastructural and environmental development, and promote equitable gender and social activities in communities.
• As our activities are also aimed at strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable and building their capacity and self-reliance through education, sensitization, and awareness creation, CBI works in partnership with the Ministry of Budget and Planning, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and Women’s Affairs, Ministry of Health as well as other relevant line-ministries for implementation.
• CBI also partners with other local and international partners and is an active member of several Clusters, working groups, and CSO Networks in all her states of operation and at the national level is a member of the Coalition of NGOs in Nigeria.

Job Purpose

• As a Nutrition Advisor, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the nutritional well-being of vulnerable populations affected by crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, or pandemics. Your primary responsibility will be to develop, implement, and monitor nutrition programs to prevent malnutrition and improve the nutritional status of communities in need.

Job Description / Principal Accountabilities

• Nutrition Program Development: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to assess the nutritional needs of target populations and develop comprehensive nutrition programs and strategies.
• Implementation and Monitoring: Oversee the implementation of nutrition interventions following established protocols and guidelines. Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation activities to assess the effectiveness of programs and make necessary adjustments.
• Capacity Building: Provide training and technical support to staff and partners involved in nutrition programming to ensure quality implementation and adherence to best practices.
• Advocacy and Coordination: Advocate for the prioritization of nutrition in humanitarian response efforts and engage in coordination mechanisms with other actors to ensure a coherent and integrated approach to nutrition programming.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyse nutrition data collected through various monitoring mechanisms and prepare comprehensive reports highlighting key findings, challenges, and recommendations for program improvement.
• Community Engagement: Foster community participation and ownership in nutrition activities through participatory approaches and community mobilization efforts.
• Research and Innovation: Stay updated on the latest research, trends, and innovations in the field of nutrition and integrate relevant findings into program design and implementation.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges to program implementation and develop mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and effectiveness of nutrition interventions.

Job Holder Entry Requirements
Knowledge (Education & Related Experience):

• A Degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
• Experience: At least 3-5 years of relevant experience in nutrition programming, preferably in humanitarian or emergency contexts. Experience in community-based nutrition interventions is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of nutrition principles, assessment methodologies, and program design. Proficiency in nutrition software and data analysis tools is an asset.
• Demonstrated commitment to humanitarian principles and values, including neutrality, impartiality, and respect for diversity and human dignity.

Skills (Special Training or Competence):
General professional competencies:

• Proven experience in computer systems and network administration
• Previous experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
• Team management
• Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities

Training skills:

• Clear written and verbal communication
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal
• Good knowledge of the local humanitarian and security context
• Context / Specific skills, Knowledge and experience:
• In-depth knowledge of the Office 365 suite
• Designing and managing IP networks
• Bandwidth optimization and high availability techniques.
• Knowledge of installation, configuration and maintenance of HF and VHF radios is an asset.

Performance Management:
The employee will be accountable for the responsibilities and the competencies, in accordance with CBI Human Resource and Performance Management manual. The following documents will be used for performance reviews:

• The Job Description
• The work and development plan
• The Mid-term / End of trial period Performance Review Template
• The End-term Performance Review Template
• The CBI Competency Framework.

Key Behaviours:

• Interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity.
• Social and receptive (active listener).
• High degree of integrity.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of the team, as the situation dictates.
• Proactive and ready to take initiative.
• Ability to assimilate and handle a wide range of information efficiently and effectively.
• High level of stress tolerance and ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.
• Willingness to undertake extensive field trips within the PCO working area.

Key Relationships (excluding own line manager and staff):
Internal:

• Program Coordinator
• Finance and Support Services team
• Various staff based in all CBI core departments, as and when necessary (e.g. funding, PDA, MEAL, finance, PPA)

External:

• Partners
• Consultants
• Service Providers/Stakeholders (Other NGOs)
• Government agencies
• Community leaders/CBOs