Nutrition Officer at Vision for Inclusive Solutions and Transparency Initiative (VISTA INITIATIVE)

Job Summary

• The Nutrition Officer will support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of nutrition programs in line with international standards, and donor requirements.
• The officer will also ensure referral pathways, support proposal development, support nutrition assessments, and contribute to the design of evidence-based interventions.

Key Responsibilities
Nutrition Program Implementation:

• Support the delivery of nutrition programs including Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), micronutrient supplementation, and nutrition counseling.
• Provide technical support for nutrition screening, assessment, and treatment of malnutrition cases.
• Ensure nutrition interventions are integrated with Health, WASH, Protection, and Food Security programs.
• Promote community nutrition education and behavior change communication.

Referrals and Case Management:

• Establish and maintain functional referral pathways for malnourished children, PLWs, and other high-risk individuals.
• Coordinate with health facilities, hospitals, and community health actors for timely referrals.
• Track referred cases and ensure follow-up, maintaining proper documentation.
• Ensure referral services are safe, accessible, and inclusive for women, children, PWDs, and other vulnerable groups.

Monitoring, Reporting, and Data Management:

• Monitor nutrition program indicators and ensure timely reporting.
• Conduct regular field visits, supervision, and quality assurance checks.
• Collect, analyze, and report data using standard tools and Nutrition Information Systems (NIS).
• Contribute to donor reporting, internal reports, and program reviews.

Proposal Support and Nutrition Assessment:

• Provide technical inputs for nutrition-related proposals, concept notes, and funding applications.
• Assist in budgeting, costings, and program planning for nutrition projects.
• Conduct nutrition assessments to identify food availability, access, gaps, and community needs.
• Contribute to program design and evidence-based advocacy.

Capacity Building and Community Engagement:

• Train staff, community health workers, and volunteers on nutrition protocols, guidelines, and referral systems.
• Conduct awareness sessions on nutrition, health, and hygiene for communities.
• Strengthen community engagement in nutrition program implementation.

Coordination and Partnership:

• Represent VISTA Initiative in Nutrition, Health, and Food Security coordination forums.
• Liaise with government ministries, UN agencies, INGOs, CSOs, and community actors.
• Support joint assessments, monitoring, and advocacy initiatives.

Compliance, Risk Management, and Safeguarding:

• Ensure nutrition programs comply with organizational, donor, and national standards.
• Support safeguarding, PSEA, and inclusion in all nutrition activities.
• Identify risks related to nutrition programs and propose mitigation measures.

Key Deliverables

• Nutrition programs implemented according to organizational and national protocols.
• Functional referral systems established and monitored, with documented follow-ups.
• Timely, accurate nutrition data and reports submitted to management and donors.
• Technical inputs provided for proposals, concept notes, and program design.
• Nutrition market assessments conducted, with actionable recommendations.
• Staff and community health workers trained and supported.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health, Food Science, or related field (Master’s degree is an advantage).
• Minimum 3 - 5 years of experience in nutrition program implementation, preferably in humanitarian or crisis-affected contexts.
• Knowledge of CMAM, IYCF, micronutrient supplementation, and nutrition assessment tools.
• Experience in establishing referral pathways and managing malnutrition cases.
• Experience contributing to proposals, donor reporting, and program design is an advantage.

Core Competencies and Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge of nutrition programs and guidelines.
• Experience in referral systems and case management for malnutrition.
• Ability to conduct nutrition market assessments and program design support.
• Strong organizational, coordination, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in fragile, remote, and conflict-affected settings.
• High integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with nutrition information systems is an advantage.
• Fluency in English; local languages (Kanuri, Hausa, Fulani) is an advantage.

Safeguarding and Code of Conduct:

• The Nutrition Officer must adhere to VISTA Initiative Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Child Protection Policy, and PSEA Policy.
• Any form of exploitation, abuse, harassment, or misconduct will not be tolerated.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

• VISTA Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds.