Job Opportunities at Helen Keller International

Job Responsibilities:

The Procurement Officer will provide support to the procurement team with project procurement processes, tracking procurements of goods and services through the procurement cycle, ensuring that adequate competition is achieved for procurements, and providing regular procurement mentoring to project staff to support project implementation. He/She will work under the direct supervision of State Program Manager/Procurement and Logistics Coordinator to carry out the following key responsibilities:

Procurement Compliance: Procure goods and services in strict adherence to Helen Keller\'s procurement policies and procedures, as well as donor compliance standards. Maintain comprehensive procurement records, including a supplier database, and uphold the efficiency of procurement processes, ensuring timely and cost-effective outcomes.

Project Procurement Oversight: Oversee and monitor the execution of project procurement plans, employing Strategic Planning, Sourcing and Supplier Management strategies. Engage and follow up with relevant staff to ensure seamless project procurement.

Contractual Management: Manage the end-to-end procurement process, including the development and execution of contractual agreements with suppliers. Foster positive relationships within the supplier network, conduct effective negotiations, and oversee contract management.

Specific Responsibilities: Procurement Management

• Support to establish, lead, and implement procurement processes to support activity implementation for the project in Akwa Ibom, from initial sourcing through delivery and in accordance with donor rules and regulations, and Helen Keller Intl policies. This involves the process of overseeing competitive solicitation and selection vendors, due diligence, negotiation of contracts, forecasting demand, and managing the fulfilment of supply.
• Ensures all procurements are implemented with highest integrity, transparency, and competitively, and in accordance with Helen Keller’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy.
• Understand and comply with Helen Keller Procurement Manual and templates, and internal review and approval procedures.
• Coordinate with project team members, both operations and technical, to identify procurement needs and timelines, providing timely feedback and updates to project teams on progress of their procurements and organizing regular meetings as needed to troubleshoot and review best practices.
• Prepare and issue procurement solicitations based on approved purchase requisition and in accordance with Helen Keller policies. Manage and oversee receipt of offers, ensuring confidentiality of all offers until such time offers are evaluated by the bid evaluation committee.
• Coordinate committee members to attend committee meetings, conduct proper evaluation of offers, and document discussions and decisions following Helen Keller templates.
• Prepare and issue procurement contracts, using Helen Keller templates. As applicable, negotiate contract terms with vendors. 
• Support purchase requestor in overseeing the receipt of goods/services from vendor, ensuring requestor completes the required Goods and Services Received Note. Document any errors with the vendor and maintain follow-up action items.
• Work collaboratively with the purchase requestor and finance team to analyze invoices to ensure payment is made against confirmed/accepted goods and services and at cost matching procurement contract.
• Provide coaching and mentoring for project staff in understanding and following required procurement procedures, roles and responsibilities.
• Support a structured reporting structure with field-based staff and ensure all field-based procurements are conducted in accordance with Helen Keller policies and donor regulations.
• Ensure robust documentation of all procurements and maintain all procurement documentation in organized file system. 
• Undertake any other duties as assigned.

Success Factor:

The successful Procurement Officer possesses the ability to learn quickly, exercise sound judgment, take initiative, maintain excellent organizational skills, adhere to procedures and deadlines, and pay meticulous attention to detail. She/he upholds high professional work ethics, collaborates effectively with diverse individuals, and ensures compliance with Helen Keller and donor policies. She/he also demonstrates proactivity, creative problem-solving, and a strong commitment to teamwork.

Qualifications Required:

• University Degree in purchasing or related field.
• 5 years’ experience in procurement. 
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Planning and scheduling skills.
• Experience in a USG or donor funded project or NGO preferred. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to interact professionally with a culturally diverse staff, clients and consultants. 
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and ability to meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality. 
• English fluency including business terminology required. 
• Demonstrated intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite applications

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

Location: Akwa Ibom State (5 LGAs)

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. The project incorporates the village savings loan association (VSLA) which will aim to alleviate poverty by improving the livelihood of households vulnerable and marginalized groups in Akwa Ibom State. 

Job Summary

• The LGA Facilitator will provide support to selected LGAs to ensure the successful implementation of the project at the LGA and community level. They will work closely with key stakeholders, providing technical support in advocacy, capacity building, and coordination of LGA, facility, and community-based multisectoral nutrition project activities. Additionally, they will identify gaps and innovative solutions to improve nutrition outcomes for the LGA.

Key Responsibilities:

Facilitation and Coordination:

• Facilitate coordination and collaboration among key stakeholders at the LGA level to support nutrition activities aligned with project objectives.
• Organize and facilitate regular meetings with local government officials, community leaders, health workers, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of nutrition interventions.
• Serve as a liaison between the project and stakeholders at the LGA level, ensuring alignment with national and state-level nutrition strategies.

Technical Support and Capacity Building:

• Provide technical support and capacity building to LGAs on community-based nutrition practices and utilization of nutrition services.
• Provide close support to the local government Nutrition Focal Person (NFPs)
• As well Conduct trainings and workshops for community health workers and volunteers on nutrition-sensitive interventions and behaviour change communication.
• Support the implementation of innovative nutrition interventions at the community and facility levels, ensuring adherence to project standards and guidelines.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

• Monitor project activities within assigned LGAs, ensuring timely collection and reporting of data related to nutrition outcomes.
• Support the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation plans at the LGA level, in collaboration with project M&E staff.
• Prepare regular progress reports, success stories, and case studies highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.

Advocacy and Networking:

• Advocate for nutrition priorities at the LGA level, promoting awareness and mobilizing support for sustainable nutrition interventions.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government officials, NGOs, community-based organizations, and other relevant stakeholders to leverage resources and support for nutrition programming.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, Public Health, Local Government and Development, Community Development, or a related field. A master’s degree is desirable.
• Minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible experience in implementing nutrition programs, preferably with USAID-funded projects or other international donors.
• Experience in coordinating with government stakeholders on nutrition program at LGA and community levels
• Strong understanding of multisectoral nutrition approaches, community-based programming, and behaviour change communication strategies.
• Experience in capacity building, facilitation of stakeholder meetings, and coordination with government agencies and community leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Proficiency in local languages is preferable.
• Experience working/familiar in Akwa Ibom State 
• Experience working effectively in a multicultural team 
• An Indigene of Akwa Ibom State willing to travel frequently within assigned LGAs.

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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

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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. The project incorporates the village savings loan association (VSLA) which will aim to alleviate poverty by improving the livelihood of households vulnerable and marginalized groups in Akwa Ibom State. 

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

Job Summary

• The VSLA specialist will provide support to map out existing women groups and build their capacity on: Leadership, Economic Empowerment, Gender and Nutrition and MNCH issues using existing VSLA guidelines and manual in the development and implementation of the project’s strategy to ensure Gender mainstreaming and positive behavioral change for improved demand and utilization of nutrition and MNCH services within a cluster of Local Government Areas. The VSLA specialist will be responsible for establishing, strengthening and coordination of Village Savings and Loans Associations in the Advancing Nutrition in Nigeria intervention Communities.
• The VSLA specialist will work with the GESI advisor, to ensure gender equality is mainstreamed at the local level and project outputs are adequately documented to feed into Performance management framework. The VSLA officer will ensure compliance with all donor programs and operational requirements.
• The Village Saving and Loan Association (VSLA) specialist will facilitate and implement all VSLA and related activities, including micro, small and medium enterprises and vocational skills.
• She/He will ensure that all proposed objectives and targets are achieved concerning VSLA activities including guidance to successful formation of VSLAs, Rapid appraisal of IGA, and beneficiary training on business/entrepreneurial skills through the Nutrition project in Akwa Ibom.

Main Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement community components of VSLA strategies.
• Identify capacity gaps of VSLAs, design and implement most feasible capacity building activities based on identified gaps
• Facilitate community mobilization, meetings and training during community-led activities.
• Work closely with community structures to follow up on the implementation of income-generation activity plans
• Gather information and data on Income Generation Activities at the site level through surveys, assessments, regular post-distribution monitoring, and field supervision and monitoring visits to beneficiary households.
• Train and mentor, the programme participants on VSLA and its benefits
• Ensure timely procurement of and delivery of the right quality and quantity of VSLA kits/tools required by the beneficiaries and ensure they are appropriately used.
• Train and continue sensitization of beneficiaries on the importance of record keeping and re-investment plan.
• Develop and ensure a clear sustainability plan is followed from the beginning of project VSLA activities
• Supervise and monitor the capacity building of stakeholders on VSLA and other activities of project partners at community and household levels, in line with project standards.
• Participate in program research processes in the project.
• Work with Social Protection Officer, GESI Advisor, SBCC Advisor and Nutrition advisor to strengthen linkages and ensure alignment of demand and supply side interventions, including addressing demand/supply side issues.
• Work with and support community resource groups and other stakeholders to ensure safe spaces for greater participation of women and adolescent in decision making around Nutrition and other MNCH issues, including the development and implementation of advocacy and community mobilization packages and plans and sustainability of community interventions. 
• Regularly support the documentation and review community level data, including collection processes.
• Responsible for regular and timely updates and reports, including success stories, best practices on demand side activities.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of other social protection initiatives, ensuring regular communication to identified stakeholders, on nutrition events, issues and activities.
• Work with Gender Advisor in identifying gender barriers to positive MNCH outcomes and addressing them, including supporting the gender responsive referral process.
• Assume any other responsibility as assigned by the Supervisor or the Chief of Party.
• Mobilize and raise awareness about Helen Keller Intl, program objectives and activities to local authorities and the population, and act as a link between Helen Keller and the beneficiaries at the program site and LGA level.

Key Deliverables:

• Produce VSLA and other Livelihood updates that include in-field visit reports
• Develop a VSLA tracker to monitor VSLA activities on a weekly basis to include share purchase, social fund contribution, loan taking and loan repayment. 
• Support the M&E team in the collation and analysis of programme participants data.
• Support assessment teams during thematic surveys, needs assessment and data collection for research.
• Contribute to the development of systems, procedures, tools, and associated methodologies for the implementation of VSLA activities.
• Monitor, supervise and report day-to-day VSLA/IGA-related activities in Akwa Ibom
• Prepare weekly and monthly plans and facilitation of community awareness sessions on VSLA and other Livelihood activities and their management,
• Support and coordinate with M&E Officer and enumerators, data clerks for surveys, post-distribution, and other program monitoring activities.
• Support program teams to ensure M&E aspects of the VSLA and other Livelihood activities and learning experiences are captured and appropriately shared 

Qualifications and Experience

• A First Degree in social sciences/arts or communication from a recognized higher institution.
• At least 6 years’ experience in mobilisation and organisation of savings and loans groups
• At least 7 years’ practical work experience in social and behaviour change communication and public relations of public health programs especially MNCH programs.
• Experience working with PHC workers, local communities, Ward development communities and social groups.
• Experience facilitating focus group discussions and other community participatory processes, including trainings.
• Knowledge and experience with some donor program frameworks and approaches will be an added advantage.
• The position will require 80% of time spent in the Local Government Areas and communities.
• Very good interpersonal skills, particularly in networking, and working with communities, local civil society and authorities.
• Previous experience in using and adapting community-led approaches
• Proven analytical skills
• Understanding of monitoring processes, learning, adaptation and evaluation
• Excellent computer knowledge and skills of using Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel

Skills & Knowledge               

• Ability to contribute to research processes and analyse and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data. 
• Strong interpersonal, Cultural and Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team
• Ability to work under pressure and unsupervised
• Possession of good report writing skills
• Good computer literacy skills 
• Good working knowledge of local cultural norms is a MUST.

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Reports To: State Program Manager/HR & Operations Director   

Overall Responsibility:

Under the supervision of the State Program Manager/HR/Ops Dir, the Logistics Officer will be responsible for managing and coordinating all logistical aspects of the project within the state. The role ensures the efficient distribution of materials and equipment necessary for the project’s operations in the state. He/she works closely with finance and operations team to arrange logistics, manage state office assets, and coordinate the distribution of materials and equipment to ensure the smooth operation of the state office

Specific Responsibilities

• Arrange for hotel reservations
• Arrange office travels in collaboration with Finance Team
• Provides support to Technical / Program staff in executing programs 
• Maintain Helen Keller State assets register/Asset Panda 
• Arrange spaces for new employees making sure of availability of desks, chairs etc. i.e. ready for them to use on the start day.
• Coordinate the approved budget for activities making sure that materials, equipment, etc required for the activity are organized and ready for the activity.
• Assist in organizing for the dispatch of goods and equipment whenever required
• Maintain vehicle maintenance log, Log book control and filing
• Office Maintenance follow up
• Purchase of office and program consumables in collaboration with the Procurement team
• Prepares/Signs Good Received Note (GRN)
• Receives and Issues inventory/materials
• Maintains office supplies inventory logbook/card
• Official physical inventory count
• Maintain generator logbook
• Preparation & submission of monthly fuel consumption reports.
• Receives and sends out mails and correspondences   
• Properly code and label all office furniture, equipment and non-consumable inventory
• Keep track of location of all equipment and furniture by projects, including transfers between offices/staff by updating the Asset Panda using the asset transfer form.
• Keep all relevant information including, which project the property belongs, price, make, model, location, user, condition, etc.
• Carry out additional tasks, as requested.

Qualifications

• University Degree in Business Management or accounting. Postgraduate degree in related field preferred.
• Strong numeric skills and attention to detail and quality 
• Minimum of 5-year experience in a similar position 
• Ability to work independently and take initiative 
• Experience with USAID / DFID or other donor funded project
• Advanced written and verbal proficiency in English including business terminology.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment while maintaining an individual workload
• Logical and flexible approach to solving problems, especially when working under pressure
• Monitoring/assessing performance to make improvements or take corrective action

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Scope of the Position

The Quality Improvement Officer will report to the State Program Manager and support the implementation of high-quality nutrition services across targeted communities and health facilities. This role requires strong technical expertise in nutrition quality improvement (QI) and the ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, health providers, and community partners, to enhance the quality of nutrition interventions. The officer will lead activities in capacity building, supportive supervision, and quality assurance of nutrition services, focusing on maternal and child health.

Specific Responsibilities 

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

• Support the design and implementation of quality improvement plans for nutrition services across selected health facilities in Akwa Ibom.
• Deliver on-site capacity-building training for health facility staff, community health workers, and other stakeholders on nutrition quality standards and evidence-based practices.
• Conduct regular supportive supervision and mentoring visits to ensure adherence to established QI protocols, providing feedback and recommendations as needed.

Quality Improvement and Monitoring

• Implement QI frameworks and tools to monitor and enhance the quality of maternal, infant, and child nutrition services.
• Lead monthly data collection on nutrition service quality indicators across all designated facilities and community platforms, analysing data to identify areas for improvement.
• Support the development and tracking of QI targets, reporting progress to state-level and national program leadership.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Work closely with the State Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Development Agency, local government, and community partners to align project QI activities with state and national nutrition goals.
• Participate in state-level meetings, technical working groups, and stakeholder forums to advocate for and promote quality improvements in nutrition services.
• Act as the primary contact for health facility QI teams and ensure continuous collaboration and communication with National and other local partners.

Reporting and Documentation

• Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from the QI activities conducted in communities and health facilities.
• Contribute to the development of quarterly, and annual reports for USAID, highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations for future improvements.
• Support the production of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials to reinforce quality standards for nutrition service providers and community health workers.

Required Qualifications/Competencies 

• Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, Public Health, Nursing, Health Education or a related field (a Master’s degree in Public Health or a relevant field is preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in nutrition or public health program implementation in Nigeria, preferably with a focus on quality improvement.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Demonstrated expertise in nutrition quality improvement and training methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of maternal and child nutrition and experience working within the Nigerian health system.
• Proven skills in capacity building, clinical mentoring, data analysis, and using QI tools and methods.
• Experience with USAID-funded programs or other donor-funded projects is an asset.

Language and Computer Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; fluency in local languages is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel within Akwa Ibom.
• Strong organizational, teamwork, and interpersonal skills with an ability to adapt to dynamic program needs and community settings.