Job Openings at Helen Keller International

Background

• The USAID Advancing Nutrition implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners. The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.
• The overall purpose of the project in Nigeria is to provide technical support to the Government of Nigeria, and other nutrition stakeholders and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria.

Functional Relationships

• The Senior Finance Officer reports directly to the Chief of Party (COP) with dotted line reporting relationship to the Associate Director - Program Finance and Financial Services.
• The Senior Finance Office works closely with the Country Director, Finance Manager, and Program Managers, facilitating integration between accounting, finance and program staff towards the common goal of ensuring that USAID Advancing Nutrition project objectives are met.
• Helen Keller Intl has a matrixed reporting structure that respects both the line management and authority within departments and geographical hierarchies as well as the accountability and oversight duties of subject matter experts outside of each department and geography. Regular communication and a spirit of teamwork among colleagues, both hierarchically and laterally are essential to make this structure thrive.

Scope of the Position

• The Senior Finance Officer is responsible for the overall financial management and compliance support to the project, in accordance with USAID Acquisition rules and regulations and Helen Keller policies and procedures.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting the Chief of Party to safeguard the assets (financial and physical) of Helen Keller and the U.S. Government against fraud, loss or misuse. S/he will ensure that any resources expended on the project is done in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Helen Keller policy, and USAID cost principles.

Specific Responsibilities

• Oversee the project’s financial operations, setting up and overseeing financial procedures in line with USAID and Helen Keller requirements
• Ensures management of project finances is conducted with highest integrity and transparency, and in accordance with Helen Keller’s Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy.
• Serve as in-house project team expert on financial requirements under USAID Acquisition, including working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, the USAID Acquisition Regulations, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, and local laws. Understand and comply with Helen Keller internal review and approval procedures.
• Work with the Helen Keller global and local office teams to ensure that day-to-day project’s financial processes procedures are implemented and working properly, with the appropriate checks and balances in place and local owners identified.
• Lead local financial activity, including but not limited to reviewing: liquidations of employee advances and all project payments (petty cash, invoices, employee advances, employee reimbursements etc); to ensure that liquidations/payments are submitted on time in accordance with approved budget and properly supported in compliance with HKI and USAID requirements.
• Manage time and expense reporting, finance, accounting policies, procedures and standards in alignment with USAID and Helen Keller procedures
• Work with field based leadership (i.e. COP and CD) and Global finance staff, prepare quarterly financial reports and other ad hoc required financial reports for submission to Helen Keller Global finance.
• Maintain complete financial knowledge of the project including but not limited to monthly monitoring of actual expenses against budget; project implementation rates and variance analysis and share these reports to and/or alert the COP; Global Finance and other stakeholders.
• Prepare proposal budgets and budget amendments and related budget narrative in conformity with the workplan.
• Manage the project start-up and/or closing processes, in coordination with local and Global Finance and Grants and Contract Unit staff.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge USAID rules and regulations.
• Coordinate with Global and local finance staff to ensure that financial information e.g. obligated amount, project end date etc are properly reflected and updated in the financial and project management systems. Manage hard copy and electronic financial records for the project.
• Manage audits related to the project (country office/l audits and/or internal audits).
• Conduct visits to field offices and/or meet with other stakeholders, as required, to assist in the financial management and/or provide capacity building.
• Ensure contract terms are being met and help the team closely follow and monitor the annual budget and work plan.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Finance Management, Accounting or an equivalent university degree; plus
• Professional experience of at least eight (8) years in a similar position, preferably in an international NGO, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Required: Working knowledge and experience with USG Regulations, including Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR), U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and others.
• Experience with budgeting and financial reporting requirements on multimillion-dollar USAID-funded projects
• Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices, financial reporting standards, financial management processes and procedures
• Excellent English written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience operating in developing country environments, including managing projects, budgets, and work streams as well as local national staff
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to solve complex problems
• Understanding of key aspects of accounting. Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, especially Excel spreadsheets, or comparable software.
• A creative and proactive approach to all areas of work with a ‘can do’ attitude, in line with the Helen Keller’s values
• Strong team working orientation with a flexible and adaptable approach to work demands across the whole organization
• Commitment to accuracy and attention to detail
• Collaboration Skills. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally
• Ability to plan, balance and cope with competing priorities

Terms & Conditions

• This is a local posting in Nigeria, and as such, is subject to local terms and conditions

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Number of Openings: Adamawa (21), Akwa Ibom (31) and Katsina (34)
Duration: Training - 2 days; Field Activities/Intervention - 5 days.
Reports to: M&E Specialist.

Background

• Helen Keller International is a global health organization dedicated to eliminating preventable vision loss, malnutrition and diseases of poverty. Cofounded by Helen Keller and guided by her fierce optimism and belief in human potential – the organization delivers life-changing health solutions to vulnerable families where the need is great but access to care is limited. In the US, Africa, and Asia, Helen Keller’s proven, science-based programs empower people to create opportunities in their own lives and build lasting change.

Job Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the M&E Specialist, the Independent Monitor assists with monitoring and supervision of MNCHW in assigned LGAs/state and administering standard questionnaires using a programmed smartphone and submit a comprehensive report of activities and intervention at the end of the exer

Specific Responsibilities:

• Participate in supervising MNCHW intervention teams and monitoring of intervention in communities within assigned state.
• Participate in filling 20 health worker supervisory questionnaires daily for a 4-day period.
• Participate in interviewing 20 caregiver exit interview questionnaire daily for a 4-day period.
• Complete 1 picture / video / interview form on the 5th day of the intervention.
• Document lessons learned, successes / best practices challenge and proffer possible solutions.
• Produce and submit a detailed preliminary report of the MNCHW in assigned state.
• Return assigned Smart phones, chargers, power banks and ID Cards.
• Specifically, the consultant shall ensure that the various SMART Phone-based VADI.

Required Minimum Education / Experience / Skills

• Degree in sciences, Public Health, Public Administration, Management or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• At least 1 year working experience in Nutrition program or carrying out data collection using smart phone.
• Willingness to travel within all parts of the state.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
• Computer skills: Windows applications for word processing and spreadsheet software
• Extraordinary verbal and written communication skills to manage project communications and disseminate project information are required.
• Demonstrates technical knowledge pertaining to the job requirements
• Critical thinking, problem-solving skills and supportive supervision skills;
• Able to work under pressure, hard to reach areas and able to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated excellent personal integrity and confidentially.

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Background

• The USAID Advancing Nutrition implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners. The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.
• The overall purpose of the project in Nigeria is to provide technical support to the Government of Nigeria, and other nutrition stakeholders and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria.

Scope of the Position

• The Senior Procurement Officer will lead the procurement of commodities and services for the USAID-funded Advancing Nutrition project. The Senior Procurement officer will report to the Chief of Party, with dotted-line reporting and communication to Helen Keller Global Grants & Contracts unit. The position is expected to work closely and coordinate with the Helen Keller colleagues in the Nigeria country office and field offices, regional office, and headquarters offices, as well as any other staff assigned to support the project. Regular communication and a spirit of teamwork among colleagues is essential to this position.

Job Responsibilities

• Establish, lead, and implement procurement processes to support activity implementation for the project, from initial sourcing through delivery and in accordance with USAID Acquisition rules and regulations, and Helen Keller Intl policies. This involves the process of overseeing competitive solicitation and selection vendors, 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.
• Serve as in-house project team expert on procurement under USAID Acquisition, including working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations, the USAID Acquisition Regulations, U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, and local laws. Understand and comply with Helen Keller Procurement Manual and templates, and internal review and approval procedures.
• Work with Chief of Party and technical leads to prepare a Procurement Plan to maximize efficiency and coordination in the procurement of goods and services.
• 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 bid evaluation committee.
• Identify evaluation committee members, with Chief of Party approval. 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, in 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 accounts payable 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.
• Travel to field-based offices to provide support, training, and oversight of procurements in those offices. Support a structured reporting structure with field-based staff and ensure all field-based procurements are conducted in accordance with Helen Keller policies and USAID regulations.
• Ensure robust documentation of all procurements and maintain all procurement documentation in organized file system.

Education

• Required: Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent related experience.

Experience:

• Required: 8+ years of experience in managing donor-funded project procurement and operations, with minimum 5 years managing procurement under USAID Acquisition (e.g. contracts) funded projects.
• Required: Working knowledge and experience with USG Regulations, including Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR), U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), and others.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of sourcing and procurement strategies, tactics, processes, procedures, and systems.
• Proficiency with Procurement Systems and Sourcing tools. Strong ability to develop and use management and tracking systems for procurement.
• Experience supervising staff
• Capacity building/facilitation skills
• Proficiency in spoken and written English required.
• Experience in cross-cultural work environments
• Ability to work under pressure in fast-paced environment.

Competencies:

• Adaptable, creative, collaborative and able to think strategically.
• Critical thinking and technical expertise - uses logic and methods to solve complex business problems, seeing hidden problems, decision making effectively under pressure.
• Purpose driven and outcome focused - moving roadblocks, tackling difficult problems and is action oriented.
• Operate as a nimble learner - knowing personal strengths, weaknesses and limits, has a growth mindset.
• Committed to continuous improvement and willing to develop new skills over time.
• Keen customer focus on internal/external Impeccable negotiation and problem solving skills
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and rapport building.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to travel to and work in UAN project states- Bauchi, Kebbi and Sokoto

Terms & Conditions

• This is a local posting in Nigeria, and as such, is subject to local terms and conditions.

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Background

• We are seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Advisor who will be the focal point for M&E activities, including operational research (OR) for the USAID Advancing Nutrition Project. S/He will have overall responsibility for M&E including establishment of an M&E strategy and framework for monitoring performance of the IDIQ and all Task Orders (TOs), development of an M&E plan that specifies baselines, output, outcome and impact indicators, annual targets, data sources, and major assumptions for TOs.
• The UAN project will strengthen systems, programs, and platforms; applying evidence and innovation; and bringing multi-sectoral actors together to build country-level commitment and capacity to scale up what works. This project will also strengthen the enabling environment for innovation, commitment, capacity strengthening, coordination, collaboration, and support for multi-sectoral nutrition policies and programs among government, donors, civil society and private sector stakeholders in Nigeria.
• The overall purpose is to provide technical support to the Government of Nigeria, and other nutrition stakeholders and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria. The project will provide technical assistance, and in some cases will undertake direct implementation at the community and/or state level, to enhance nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programming to improve diets, nutritional status, and resilience of vulnerable populations, especially women, adolescents, and children aged 0-59 months.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and management for overall monitoring and evaluation functions of the UAN. These tasks include, among others:
  • Develop and implement M&E technical strategy for the IDIQ for the project specifying baselines, outputs, outcome and impact indicators, annual targets, data sources, and major assumptions.
  • Develop detailed annual work plans for the project
  • Develop and implement a project work plan performance monitoring framework/plan that ensures that project activities align with required deliverables and project targets.
• Establish a system and tools for collecting, analyzing and reporting on IDIQ and Task Order performance; and take the lead for timely and complete reporting by all project staff, consortium partners, and grantee partners.
• Tailor the data to each core audience’s needs and organize internal data review meetings to ensure data is used to improve project performance, and flag underperformance or issues with the Nutrition/Food Systems Advisor and the Chief of Party
• Provide TA in adapting M&E tools and techniques to improve the quality of data generated and reported.
• Provide TA to government and other partners in the areas of data quality, data analysis and visualization
• Compile lessons learned from project implementation and make strategic technical inputs at technical meetings and TWGs to support adoption of M&E best practices.
• Lead the design and conducting of project studies and research
• Coordinate the preparation of all IDIQ and Task Orders quarterly progress reports, annual project reports, inception reports, ad-hoc technical reports, and success stories for submission to USAID.
• Recruit, supervise and appraise project M&E staff at the state levels, and strengthen their technical and managerial capacity through hands-on training, mentoring and coaching.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Master's Degree in Social Science, Epidemiology, Statistics or other relevant field and at least 10 years of relevant work experience in monitoring and evaluation of donor-funded public health programs or equivalent combination of skills and experience; Excellent understanding of M&E and systems strengthening in Nigeria; Experience with USAID systems is an asset.
• Successful experience designing and implementing M&E programs, including developing logical framework, M&E strategies and approaches.
• Experience establishing data quality assurance systems, proven analytical skills and ability to design data collection instruments, and analyze and interpret data. Evidence of successful implementation of quantitative, qualitative and participatory research methods.
• Knowledge of and experience in training and developing local capacities on M&E.
• Prior experience in design and implementation of a project learning agenda.
• Demonstrated experience with software applications related to project planning and monitoring.
• Experience working on complex projects.
• Experience integrating gender in M&E plans.
• Demonstrated strategic agility, diplomacy, conflict management, team building, and negotiation skills; experience leading teams and ability to make timely effective decisions.
• Willingness to travel within project areas as needed.
• Must possess excellent management, documentation, presentation, and written communication skills.

Terms & Conditions

• This is a local posting in Nigeria, and as such, is subject to local terms and conditions.

go to method of application »

Background

• We are seeking a Nutrition/Food Systems Advisor to provide technical guidance on the design of program strategies and activities as well as on-the-ground support to program implementation through which the USAID-funded Advancing Nutrition project can make the most significant and sustainable positive impact on nutrition and food security.
• The project will strengthen systems, programs, and platforms; applying evidence and innovation; and bringing multi-sectoral actors together to build country-level commitment and capacity to scale up what works. This project will also strengthen the enabling environment for innovation, commitment, capacity strengthening, coordination, collaboration, and support for multi-sectoral nutrition policies and programs among government, donors, civil society and private sector stakeholders in Nigeria.
• The overall purpose is to provide technical support to the Government of Nigeria, and other nutrition stakeholders and generate evidence to enhance nutrition programming toward achieving the overall goal of improving nutrition for a healthy, productive, and resilient Nigeria. The project will provide technical assistance, and in some cases will undertake direct implementation at the community and/or state level, to enhance nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programming to improve diets, nutritional status, and resilience of vulnerable populations, especially women, adolescents, and children aged 0-59 months.

Scope of the Position

• The Nutrition/Food Systems Advisor will provide collaborative technical leadership for the project in Nigeria. The position will work under the direct management of the Chief of Party and provide technical support to the members of the project team, government and other partners.
• This position is based in Abuja, with frequent travel to the project states – Bauchi, Kebbi and Sokoto (up to 50%).

Specific Responsibilities
The Nutrition/Food Systems Advisor will be responsible for the following

• Provide technical guidance and support to achieve timely, high-quality project deliverables and meet project objectives and donor requirements, in a manner conducive to professional growth and development for everyone.
• Develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the health and nutrition issues in Nigeria including national policy development, key players in government, INGOs, UN and national/regional and local civil society organizations.
• Guide the technical aspects of the project. Ensure that activities are implemented in compliance with the requirements of the donor and with best practices. Develop work plans and activity budgets for the project.
• Ensure accountability to project participants, partners, colleagues and donors by providing ongoing feedback in a context of mutual respect.
• Model collaboration within the team: effectively consult with and inform colleagues to maximize efficiency and knowledge sharing and integrate guidance and direction from other subject matter experts and technical advisors in the global organization to optimize project designs and outcomes.
• Participate or lead the development of training manuals, tools, procedures, materials in nutrition management and dietary diversification practices. Work with the technical team to organize and conduct training programs on best practices and innovations in nutrition and provide technical support to ensure effective nutrition messaging.
• Integrategender transformative and socially inclusivestrategies to food system interventions to increase leadership, income generating opportunities, and access to/utilization of nutrient-rich foods by women, adolescents and children.
• Engage with the private sector (including the Scaling Up Nutrition Business group) to leverage expertise, and resources to deliver sustainable and scalable access to locally available ingredients, such as high-quality grains, aflatoxin-free peanuts, soy beans, milk powder, premixes and micronutrient supplements.
• Engage with the Government of Nigeria and relevant partners to support local production at scale, of affordable, and locally available formulation (when and where possible), to RUTF and RUSF for the sustainable management of children with wasting.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with technical partners in-country. Interface with government official’s other nutrition value chain stakeholders; Represent the project in technical forums, as needed.
• In conjunction with the Chief of Party, provide thorough and timely reports to the USAID on project activities. Ensure regular communication and sharing of lessons learned and challenges with the program team and partners
• Support the MEAL team to collect and analyse the data related to the project. Conduct regular monitoring of activities, document findings and provide recommendations to inform improvements in program implementation
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed.
• Other duties as required by Chief of Party.

Qualifications

• Education: Degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Food Systems, Public Health Nutrition or a related field and a minimum of 8 years work experience or equivalent combination of skills and experience.
• Experience: Prior experience working in complex nutrition programs, preferably with direct experience in Nigeria
• Knowledge of agricultural and/or market systems with experience enhancing the diversity, productivity, nutritional-value, income-producing potential and sustainability of agricultural production and/or leading the development of nutrition-sensitive food systems enterprises
• Demonstrated experience working and/or collaborating with government ministries and other development partners in multi-sectoral nutrition programming.
• Substantial institutional and staff expertise in implementing complex capacity building programs, in resource-constrained environments.
• Strong experience and demonstrated success in coordinating activities with multiple stakeholders to optimize use of limited resources, including development of joint work plans.
• Excellent capacity building and coordination skills. An ability to delegate responsibilities effectively and coach and mentor staff from different cultures.
• Ability to respond rapidly to shifting implementation scenarios. An ability to work in challenging and changing environments, and to see through challenges to find solutions; an ability to maintain balance when under stress.
• Demonstrable respect for all persons regardless of religion, ethnicity, class or gender, with a high comfort level working in a diverse environment with a demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards.
• Experience working effectively in partnership with staff, collaborating organizations, international donors and agencies, U.S. Government agencies, host country governments and ministries and other relevant stakeholders.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft software packages: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.
• Excellent English language skills, both written and spoken with strong presentation skills. Ability to prepare and disseminate project findings, success stories, and other documents effectively.
• Willingness and ability to undertake travel outside Abuja (up to 50%).

Required Competencies:

• Superior technical knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: food systems for nutrition (including post-harvest processing, value chain enhancement, horticulture and small-animal raising, market systems, and income-oriented production of nutritious foods) and/or public health nutrition (including prevention and treatment of acute malnutrition, adolescent health and nutrition, maternal/infant/child health and nutrition).
• Superior leadership, management and communication skills--this includes professional experience interacting with US Government agencies, host country governments and other relevant stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively in teams and cross-cultural settings.
• Excellent time management and personal organization skills.
• Ability to respond rapidly to shifting implementation scenarios.
• Comfortable working in a matrixed, integrated work environment.
• Confident giving and receiving feedback in a direct, professional manner.
• Capacity to direct multiple long and short-term activities simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with local government and NGO stakeholders.
• Skilled in fostering new and effective partnerships facilitating meetings, and effectively participating in technical working groups.
• Knowledge of USAID regulations, policies, strategies, and program priorities.

Terms & Conditions

• This is a local posting in Nigeria, and as such, is subject to local terms and conditions.