State Program Manager at Helen Keller International

Scope of the Position

The State Program Manager will oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition programs within the assigned state. The successful candidate will work closely with local government officials, community leaders, and partner organizations to ensure effective program delivery. He/She will work under the direct supervision of the Program Advisor to carry out the following key responsibilities:Specific

Responsibilities 

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition programs within the assigned state, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives.
• Manage project personnel in the state by providing guidance, support, performance evaluations, and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Maintain clear and accurate documentation of programmatic achievements and required data. Keep project senior management informed of state activities on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Oversee the management of the state project budget and resources, ensuring judicious use under the guidance of the Program Advisor.
• Ensure that project partners execute activities according to their respective project plans and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress and adjust plans as necessary to keep the project on track, ensuring timely and successful completion.
• Establish a communication schedule to keep stakeholders, including organizational staff, updated on the progress of state project activities.
• Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies, ensuring up-to-date financial records for accountability.
• Ensure that project deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and meet the required international standards set by donors.
• Support and, when necessary, lead project research activities. Disseminate research findings to contribute to organizational learning and policy development.
• Identify potential risks to project implementation and develop mitigation strategies to address these challenges.
• Build the capacity of local staff and partners to enhance skills and ensure sustainable project outcomes.
• Liaise with relevant partners and collaborators to improve project visibility, coordinate activities, and promote a shared advocacy agenda within the state.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with government officials and key stakeholders at all levels to strengthen advocacy opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with donor and organizational reporting requirements, meeting deadlines and maintaining transparency in project operations.
• Promote the integration of gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches into the project\'s design and implementation strategies.
• Act as the project\'s representative at the state level, advocating for the project\'s goals and objectives in relevant forums and meetings.
• Ensure cost-effective management of resources in the state while maintaining responsiveness in delivering on internal processes and external requests.
• Maintain timeliness in fulfilling reporting requirements, meeting deadlines, and providing prompt responses to information requests and meetings.

Required Qualifications/Competencies 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in public health, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in project management or a relevant field, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Familiarity with the local context and dynamics within the assigned state is desirable.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities with a demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships.
• Proven experience in project coordination and stakeholder engagement.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and challenging environment.

In the spirit of our founder and namesake, Helen Keller is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is fully valued.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. 
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and support during the application or interview process, please contact us at the email above

Note: There are no relocation allowances available for this position.