Social Protection Officer at Helen Keller International

Program description 

Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria is a 5-year, USAID-funded multisectoral nutrition activity implemented by Helen Keller Intl and a diverse group of experienced local partners. The goal of the activity is to improve the diets, nutritional status, and resilience of vulnerable populations, especially women, adolescents, and children aged 0–59 months in selected states. Social protection activities within this program are designed to address poverty and support households with vulnerable and marginalized groups. The Social Protection Officer will be responsible for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring social protection interventions to ensure they align with the program’s gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) framework, aiming to improve the demand and uptake of nutrition services.

Duration: Full-time, 1-year contract (with possibility of extension based on performance and funding)

Job Summary

The Social Protection Officer will lead the design, execution, and monitoring of social protection strategies under the Advancing Nutrition program in Akwa Ibom. This role will require close collaboration with community groups, local authorities, and other stakeholders to strengthen linkages between social protection and nutrition, specifically targeting vulnerable groups. The officer will ensure all social protection activities are inclusive and responsive to gender dynamics, contributing to the sustainable development of community-led interventions.

Main Responsibilities

Coordination and Implementation

• Lead the implementation of community-led social protection interventions, ensuring alignment with the program’s objectives and GESI principles.
• Identify and address capacity gaps within existing community structures, designing relevant training and support programs.
• Coordinate with community stakeholders and structures to support the implementation of income-generation and social protection activities.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building

• Mobilize and facilitate community meetings, training, and awareness sessions around social protection and its integration with nutrition and MNCH services.
• Conduct training and mentorship for community members and program participants on social protection benefits and gender-sensitive service provision.
• Support and facilitate the establishment of safe spaces within the community for the participation of women and adolescents in decision-making related to nutrition and MNCH.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Collaborate with the M&E team to track progress and collect data on social protection interventions, ensuring proper documentation and reporting of success stories and best practices.
• Conduct field visits to monitor the implementation and sustainability of social protection initiatives, assessing the effectiveness of activities and their impact on nutrition uptake.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Advocacy

• Work closely with the Gender Advisor, Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) Specialist, VSLA Specialist and Nutrition Advisor to strengthen demand and supply-side linkages for social protection and nutrition interventions.
• Engage with Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and other local stakeholders to foster supportive environments for women’s and adolescent’s participation in nutrition-related decisions.
• Develop and implement community mobilization strategies and advocacy plans to promote the long-term sustainability of social protection interventions.

Reporting and Compliance

• Prepare and submit regular reports on social protection activities, challenges, and achievements.
• Ensure compliance with all donor guidelines and program requirements.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience working in social protection, community development, or public health programs, preferably with a focus on GESI and nutrition.
• Experience collaborating with PHC workers, local authorities, Ward Development Committees, and social groups.
• Proven experience in community mobilization and engagement, with skills in conducting focus group discussions and training sessions.
• Proven experience working with the community in activities like cash transfer, VSLA, entrepreneurship etc. 
• Familiarity with USAID and other donor frameworks is an asset.
• Willingness to work within local communities with 80% of time allocated to field visits across Akwa Ibom LGAs.

Skills & Knowledge   

• Strong interpersonal, networking, and communication skills, with cultural sensitivity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and knowledge of data analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Familiarity with the socio-cultural landscape of Akwa Ibom is essential.
• Ability to contribute to research processes and analyse and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data. 
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team
• Possession of good report writing skills