Job Vacancies at International Rescue Committee (IRC)

Job Overview / Summary

Under the supervision of the Health and Nutrition Manager, the Nutrition Officer will be responsible for the Nutrition project in all Local Government of implementations and is expected to ensure integrity, high-level transparency, and commitment in the implementation of the project. He or she is responsible for overseeing all nutrition activities for IRC-supported OTPs in assigned LGA in Borno state. The Nutrition Officer will oversee and supervise supported SMOH OTPs staff/CHVs and report to the Health and Nutrition Manager

Major Responsibilities

Program Management, Technical Quality, and Strategy

Nutrition program management:

• Support planning and implementing the project activities and outputs at the field level to ensure the project achieves its objective of improving access to quality Nutrition services
• The Nutrition Officer will be reviewing all the technical reports from the Implementing LGAs.
• Track the performance of the project activities and targets against the expected results and advise on the implementation process to ensure the project is progressing towards attaining its targets in each LGA.
• Conduct periodic analysis of the progress of the project at the LGA level and promote learning and sharing of best practices and lessons learned through documentation
• Identifying program gaps in the supported OTP services with immediate solutions for further necessary steps to address those gaps.
• Provide capacity building and on-the-job coaching to Facility staff in CMAM services including IYCF best practices in supported facilities.
• Oversee the implementation of quality Nutrition program activities at all IRC-supported health facilities in the targeted areas
• Design and lead assessments to ensure the voices of women and girls inform Nutrition program design
• Support proper Nutrition data collection and recording in the IRC-supported OTP units and support the compilation of data and generation of quality Nutrition reports on a regular and timely manner;
• In line with the communication strategies of the ECHO Project, ensure visibility of the project and project strategies at the field level
• Support the collection of stories and photographs that demonstrate the positive impact of the project.
• Monitor the performance of each supported OTP facility with regular visits to the field where CMAM is being implemented.
• Track work plan progress and participate in the review meetings with LGAs of implementation.
• Act as liaison between the IRC, LGA, and other implementing partners in the assigned LGA.
• Create an enabling environment to promote information sharing, partnerships and cordial relationship between community, government structures and target communities where the project works
• Foster inter-program linkages, exchange information and experiences and contribute actively to protection and disaster risk reduction mainstreaming in the Nutrition program.
• Collaborate with other relevant sectors, especially Environmental Health, as well as Health, Women Protection & Empowerment, and Child Protection to ensure holistic service package is available in response to the needs
• Participate in the development of nutrition sector proposals, including budgets and following up on their effective implementation.
• Coordinate routine project reporting, including mid-term and end of grant reports to the donor.
• Conduct nutritional surveillance in the program sites, including host community and internally displaced persons (IDPs)based on agreed methodologies including surveys, process monitoring, SMART, LQAS, SQUEAC and other rapid methods.
• Work with the field-based nutrition staff and community health Volunteers to establish, implement and monitor community-based management of acute malnutrition activities, coupled with patient follow up, referrals and education for their better management at community level.
• Coordinate with other IRC departments and implementing partners to develop training curricula and implementation plans for community Health Volunteers (CHV’s).
• Assist in response and management of any nutrition emergencies e.g., acute food shortages and participate in the development of disaster preparedness systems.
• Promote mother infant and young child feeding best practices in various health facilities.
• Oversee implementation and integration of comprehensive growth monitoring program/Mass MUAC screenings at community level and report accordingly.
• Participate actively in execution of operational research and Documentation of Best Nutrition practices in various health facilities/Outreach sites if need be.
• Participate actively in planned program Rapid Nutrition assessment, nutrition surveys and KAP Assessments.
• Monitoring and supervising both IRC and MOH staff seconded to IRC to ensure work is performed efficiently.
• Routinely monitor staff performance according to their job description and provide written feedback in a timely manner.
• Oversee continuous training programs for the nutrition staff as well as organizing trainings with consultants as per the annual work-plan & budget.
• Review personnel issues and concerns of nutrition staff and assist with determining and implementing solutions.
• Participate in the recruitment of nutrition staff as appropriate.
• Participate in the development of proposals, budgets and concept notes in coordination with the Nutrition Coordinator, DDP, Grants team, and HQ Technical Unit
• Monitor the purchase and use of materials, equipment and supplies
• Monitor and evaluate appropriate implementation of projects against program objectives and IRC’s Program Framework.
• Identify opportunities for program development.
• Directly supervise other Nutrition staff.

Monitoring and evaluation of the project

• Maintain documentation/filing: Ensure all relevant project documents are clearly located both in hard and soft copy.
• Data collection and analysis: Ensure that implementation includes data collection that answers all the project indicators.
• Track the progress of the project on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• Reporting against set targets/indicators: Prepare monthly/quarterly project reports that answer all the set project targets and indicators.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports and ensure timely submission as per the reporting schedule (You can remove this if captured in another part of the JD)
• Work with the Monitoring and evaluation team and Nutrition Manager to carry out the project

ANY OTHER ACTIVITY ASSIGNED BY THE SUPERVISOR

Program Development

• Contribute to design, planning, and drafting new proposals.
• Contribute to donors’ reporting whenever necessary.
• In collaboration with Nutrition Managers, develop an expenditure plan, review budget vs. actual expenditure for Nutrition grants monthly and take necessary actions.
• Ensuring budgets are used appropriately and efficiently and spending is in line with the IRC financial procedures and donor requirements.
• Ensure data collection, data compilation, timely preparation and submission of all internal reports including weekly and other associated monthly, quarterly, donor and special reports.

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development:

Required for all positions with supervisory responsibility, if special considerations are needed (e.g. remote management), make this additive to the base language here.

• Supervise and build the capacity of team members in relevant technical and management competencies.
• Develop and implement remote management capacity building approaches to build the strengths of the team in Syria.
• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promote a strong team spirit and provide oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Approve and manage all time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.
• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, at least monthly.
• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths.
• As required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff.
• Look for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate. As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identify, train and develop capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment.
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures and communicate through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

Research, Learning, and Analysis

Monitoring Nutrition program implementation:

• Monitor project implementation and provide on-sport support to field teams and propose modifications as necessary.
• Ensure regular health program data analysis and review, take follow up action on project implementation and prepare relevant action reports.
• Supervise and provide technical oversight in the interpretation of data for improved programming and implementation.
• Monitor and promote integrated programming in a way that increases the overall impact of Nutrition program at the community level.

Coordination & Representation

• Represent the program to Local government representatives, partner agencies, etc. as required.
• In coordination with the Health and Nutrition Manager, actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders with government actors, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors.
• Attend all relevant meetings in relation to the Nutrition program as may be required and feed in the IRC priorities during meetings.
• Facilitate field visits for internal and external stakeholders, when required.

Qualifications

• Health professional (Nutrition and dietetics, MD, RN or Diploma in Nursing) with strong Nutrition background.
• Strong computer skills with knowledge in Monitoring and Evaluation
• A mature person of high professional discipline and moral integrity, able to work independently and under stress as the situation may dictate.

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CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND

The IRC has been present in Nigeria since 2012 when the organization responded to flooding in Kogi state. In February 2014 the IRC moved into Adamawa State in NE Nigeria to provide humanitarian interventions through a multi-sectoral, integrated approach for conflict affected populations. IRC Nigeria now operates a country office in Abuja and field offices in Mubi and Yola of Adamawa State, Maiduguri and Monguno of Borno state, Damatru of Yobe State and Gusau Zamfara state.

Job Overview/Summary

• The Stabilization Center Medical doctor will be responsible for running day-to-day activities of Anka General Hospital stabilization center and pediatric unit and he/she reports to the Health and Nutrition manager.
• The stabilization center Doctor ensures the implementation of quality clinical care of children admitted to the pediatric units in accordance with National and international standards.
• The Medical Doctor will identify gaps in SC and pediatric unit and take the necessary steps to address those gaps.
• He/she provides technical oversight assistance in planning, implementing, and monitoring of high impact intervention and provides support in system strengthening and promotion of childhood nutrition, with special focus to the most vulnerable and unreached population groups.
• He/she will directly supervise the MoH seconded staff while collaborating with the Health and Nutrition Capacity Building Officer and ensure staff maintain high professionalism throughout.
• The Stabilization Doctor will ensure quality of services in the stabilization center, pediatric unit and CMAM PROGRAM through strengthening capacities on the clinical management of   SAM and facilitating integration of services related to newborn and child health, with the support of the health and Nutrition coordinators and health and nutrition manager.
• The Stabilization Center doctor will also support the outpatient Consultation and Inpatient Care for all under five in Anka general Hospital
•  The stabilization center Doctor will oversee night coverage activities/services provided to admitted cases (and caregivers) at the stabilization center and will generally be responsible for documentation and stock management of commodities, medicines/consumables and data tools

Major Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the project Health and Nutrition manager, the stabilization center Doctor will have the following functions: - In collaboration with MoH staff, overseeing the Day-to-day planning, clinical services, and management of children at the nutrition stabilization Centre. - Daily calculation of the quantity of therapeutic milk needed for the day-to-day stabilization center inpatient treatments based on the number of children present at the stabilization center. - Quantify, forecast, and order Nutrition commodities (F-75, F-100, Resomal) and data tools.  For the SC In collaboration with the hospital dietician and the MOH doctors. - In collaboration with the MOH doctors/hospital pharmacist Prepare drug consumption report, quantify, forecast, and order the drugs for the SC. - Ensure daily records of all referred and admitted cases of severe acute malnutrition with medical complications in the facility register. - Weekly checks and submission of the SC statistics/data to the Health and Nutrition Manager - Conduct monthly SC Audits/reviews in collaboration with MOH, develop action plans, and follow up to ensure implementation of the plan. - Provide regular feedback on SC reviews to the hospital team to take appropriate action. - Compiles weekly and monthly reports and submits them to the Health and Nutrition Manager and hospital/state leadership/Nutrition cluster. – Work collaboratively with Nutrition and Health capacity Building Officer Anka and provide Supervision of Nurses, Nutrition Assistant, dietitians to ensure Provision of high-quality care to complicated SAM cases. - Provide clinical care to complicated cases of SAM admitted at the stabilization center (SC) in line with the National guideline of CMAM implementation in Nigeria. - Mentor and provide on-the-job training to MOH staff on stabilization care. - Participate in the development and review of Program monitoring and evaluation tools where necessary. - Ensure timely collection, compilation, and analysis of quality data as well as production of quantitative and qualitative reports regarding all ECHO activities. - Produce case studies related to patient care, at least one per quarter and properly document success stories. - Regularly evaluate the impact of the activities and propose changes for improvement. - Monitor the stock of commodities, medicines, and medical supplies: calculate needs, decide quantities to be delivered to the stabilization center. - Plan logistics and materials needs for the SC in collaboration with the program support officer. - Participate in stakeholder/Nutrition sector technical working group. - Facilitate integration of services for a holistic approach of SAM by working in collaboration with partners - - Provide coaching and capacity building to health facility based MoH staff to improve knowledge and skill on inpatient management of SAM cases. - Ensures and role models respect for the dignity of the patients and the accompanying caretaker. - Ensure that mothers/ caretakers are well informed about the functioning of the center, the state, and the evolution of their children.

Program Learning & Development:

• Conduct regular assessments to identify gaps in the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) with medical complications at the Stabilization Center (SC) in Anka.
• Design studies to evaluate patient outcomes, treatment success rates, and the effectiveness of protocols implemented in the SC.
• Gather qualitative and quantitative data on patient recovery rates, mortality, and default rates to inform evidence-based decisions.
• Collaborate with health teams, community leaders, and stakeholders to collect data on referral pathways and barriers to service uptake.
• Ensure research findings support the development of improved clinical protocols and patient care strategies at the SC.
• Document lessons learned from patient management, including successes and challenges faced in treatment adherence and quality of care.
• Organize on-site training sessions, case reviews, and workshops to build the capacity of staff on updated SAM treatment protocols and best practices.
• Share findings and best practices across health teams and with partners to improve outcomes and strengthen coordination in the Anka SC.
• Promote a culture of learning through regular debriefs and post-discharge follow-ups to identify areas for improvement.
• Apply evidence from learning initiatives to enhance clinical supervision, mentorship, and patient-centered care at the SC.
• Analyze patient records and treatment data to track trends in recovery, mortality, and length of stay for SAM cases.
• Use findings to identify patterns, challenges, and factors contributing to treatment success or failure at the Stabilization Center in Anka.
• Provide actionable recommendations based on data analysis to improve case management, referral systems, and patient outcomes.
• Develop tools for ongoing monitoring and evaluation, including dashboards for real-time analysis of SC performance.
• Support reporting and analysis of SC outcomes to donors, local authorities, and partners to ensure transparency and accountability.

Staff Performance

Required for all positions with supervisory responsibility, if special considerations are needed (e.g. remote management), make this additive to the base language here.

• Supervise, and build the capacity of team members in relevant technical and management competencies.
• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, at least monthly.
• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths.
• As required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff.
• Look for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate. As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identify, train and develop capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment.
• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures and communicate through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.

Coordination & Representation

Participate in Health and Nutrition Sector technical working group and technical Coordination meetings at Anka LGA, as required. - Facilitate planning processes at LGA levels, to ensure an inclusive approach that engages stakeholders and communities to reflect health needs in the local context. - Jointly planning with health facilities and the HMB and organizing community-level and facility-level meetings - Work in close coordination with UNICEF and WHO to improve capacities of the MOH staff on inpatient management. - Participate at program coordination meetings with consortium and implementing partners. - Coordinate with other consortium partners program staffs to ensure harmonization of implementation of SC activities.

Key Working Relationships

• Position Reports to: ECHO Health and Nutrition Manager
• Indirect/Technical Reporting:
• Position directly Supervises: Stabilization center and pediatric ward MoH staff

Qualifications

• Education: Medical Doctor
• Work Experience: 2 to 3 years’ working experience
• Demonstrated Technical Skills:
• Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:
• Languages:  Proficiency in English and Hausa