Program Officer at Helen Keller International

Scope of the Position

• The Program Officer, will work in conjunction with the program team and be responsible for providing technical and managerial support for the development, implementation and monitoring of activities, for the USAID Advancing Nutrition Project.
• S/He will provide support in ensuring the achievement of project objectives and completion of activities while adhering to scope, budget, and schedule requirements.
• Responsibilities include project start-up, managing the development and monitoring of implementation plans and budgets, program reporting and documentation, donor and partner relations, compliance, programmatic monitoring, and close-out.

Specific Responsibilities

• Support the development of work plans and track performance against project timelines, budget, objectives, and deliverables
• Support the development of project budgets and budget modifications, and monitor project expenditures to ensure activities are implemented within budgetary guidelines
• Support implementation teams to achieve timely, high-quality project deliverables and ensure they meet project objectives and donor requirements
• Provide technical support and assist in the implementation and coordination of program activities, particularly for multi-sectoral partnerships, capacity development to local partners, and M&E activities in the target states.
• Support the documentation and dissemination of project accomplishments, results, challenges, and lessons learned among internal and external partners.
• Working closely with the Senior Program Officer, to build and maintain partnerships and relationships with program partners, such as non-profits, federal agencies and community organizations, in order to expand resources, and educate the public about the work of the project.
• Participate in the development of project Implementation Plan, training manual/curricula, and other various standard operational procedures (SoP).
• Assist in developing and monitoring annual work plans, program initiatives, and budget development
• Work with the Grants office to support effective project management, and coordination, and provide support to partners on the project implementation procedure, data management, and effective financial management.
• Provide support as needed, the preparation and timely submission of detailed reports by the partners on project activities on a quarterly and annual basis in compliance with project requirements.
• Support the development of annual, quarterly donor, and government report writing including management and updates.
• Participate in project monitoring and supportive supervision of partners, project sites, and communities.
• In collaboration with USAID Advancing Nutrition Communications team, produce program content for program website and activities as required.

Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field.

Experience:

• 5+ years of professional experience working in complex programs, preferably with direct experience in Nigeria; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Experienced and demonstrated success in coordinating activities with multiple stakeholders to optimize use of limited resources, including development of joint work plans.
• Prior experience in project management cycle.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft software packages: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively in teams and cross-cultural settings
• Must possess excellent management, documentation, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Experience in cross-cultural work environment.
• Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environment.

Competencies:

• Adaptable, creative, collaborative, and able to think strategically.
• Purpose-driven and outcome-focused - moving roadblocks, tackling difficult problems and action-oriented.
• Operate as a nimble learner - knowing personal strengths, weaknesses, and limits, has a growth mindset.
• Impeccable negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and rapport building.

Physical Demands:

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

Terms & Conditions

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