Project Officer - Nutrition at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Summary: 

The Nutrition project officer will be responsible for the overall management of the day-to-day activities of the nutrition program in assigned locations. The Nutrition Officer, with guidance from the Program Manager, will undertake the following responsibilities related to project cycle management, technical direction, and field activities implementation.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

Program Support

• Support field level technical assessments in coordination plan and organize CRS community led supplementary program in project locations sites.
• Supervise and Support nutrition partner officers, to ensure all aspects of the program are understood and implemented according to stipulated standards.
• Ensure quality engagement of community leaders / their delegates for the organization of beneficiaries in each project location.
• Carry out weekly supervisory visits to all project locations assigned. 
• Submit weekly field data and report to the Program Manager
• Report any progress and any problems in a timely manner.
• Identify gaps and present plans for capacity building to inform effective programing. 
• Attend regular nutrition meetings and assist in any other tasks when required.
• Respect the dignity and culture of beneficiaries and other members of the community.
• Ensure adequate availability of food and material supplies for distribution in all project locations and share monthly distribution plan with the Program Manager
• Ensure effective follow-ups on beneficiaries in all project locations.
• Ensure that the minimum standards of humanitarian relief are maintained in accordance with the Sphere Charter and Red Cross Code of Conduct.
• Collaborate with local partner(s) to prepare reports per established reporting schedule.
• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Identifying information for case studies for reports on program successes and learning

 Capacity building.

• Identify learning and training opportunities for partner staff and communicate this to the Senior Nutrition Officer. 
• Ensure all partner officers are familiar with their responsibilities and up to date on any changes.
• Coordinate project evaluation activities and assist partners in their efforts to collect and analyze project data as per specified tools.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Computer knowledge - Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook
• Strong command of both written and spoken English and knowledge of local language 
• Solid analytical, writing skills, and communication skills.
• Sound knowledge and skills in training and facilitation.
• Team spirit and excellent interpersonal relations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none)

 Key Working Relationships:

• Consult the Nutrition Manager Maiduguri and Sokoto program Manager on the technical decision process.
• Timely updates to Program Manager on program data and activities
• Collaborate with other nutrition team members. 
• Establish and maintain good communication with partner officers.

Internal

• Emergency Coordinator
• Nutrition Manager
• MEAL and Accountability Officers
• Visiting National Offices, Partners and staff (Enumerators, Contractors, Volunteers, Consultants, Vendors)
• Other CRS staff
• GBV/Protection Officer

External

• Local and state governments
• International/national and state institutions, agencies, clusters, partners
• Children and their families
• Parents and other members of the communities
• Other partners

Basic Qualifications

• B.Sc. Nutrition / Public Health / BSc or equivalent
• A minimum of 4 years’ experience in implementation of nutrition programs, including CMAM especially SFP and/or IYCF preferably in an International or Local NGO.
• Experience in implementing Tom Brown nutrition program is an advantage.
• Experience in conducting nutrition assessments and an understanding of nutritional surveillance and information systems.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to be respectful, kind, sensitive and empathize with all beneficiaries.
• Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions.
• Demonstrable ability at report writing.
• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).