The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
IRC entered Nigeria in October 2012 in response to a widespread flood disaster. IRC’s Emergency Response Team, with local partner CISCOPE (Civil Society Coalition for Poverty Eradication), implemented a project to support livelihoods and improve WASH in Kogi State from February to May 2013. This was followed by a 3-month nutrition and food security program in the same location from October 2013 to January 2014. The IRC is now in the process of establishing long term presence in Nigeria. An office has been established in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria and are providing critical humanitarian assistance to conflict affected people.
SCOPE OF WORK:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to people affected by war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home
The Nutrition Manager will be responsible for technical oversight and support on nutrition and Social Behavior Change Communication components of IRC focusing on Nutrition and WASH promotion. In addition, He/she is responsible as technical focal for technical collaboration and capacity building of local partner organizations. Represent IRC as technical focal and technical collaboration with donor, fund management offices and counterpart ministries of Nigeria at different levels.
Responsibilities:
I. Program Management & Development
Participate in the development of nutrition sector budgets and following up on their effective implementation.
Develop nutrition sector work plans for all the IRC nutrition grants assigned to s/he by the nutrition coordinator. Supervise and coordinate the implementation and monitoring of nutrition project activities in the two LGAs in Borno states in line with proposal targets and work plan timelines.
Conduct nutritional surveillance in the programme 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 programme 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 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 officers,
ANY OTHER ACTIVITY ASSIGNED BY THE COORDINATOR.
Staff Management
Recruit national staff in conjunction with the Human Resources Department
Maintain updated job descriptions, conduct interviews, orient new staff to the IRC and the Protection program
Supervise the nutrition staff directly, providing ongoing leadership to the project team and overseeing implementation and coordination of activity plans to ensure targets are met
Provide ongoing supervision, leadership, training and technical support and guidance to nutrition staff, and ensure all nutrition staff adhere to best-practice principles in all aspects of program implementation
Overall responsibility for Nutrition team’s timesheets, work plans, vacation schedules, and staff training/development activities
Ensure Performance Management System documentation for all staff is in place and followed up regularly
Build staff capacity in work plan development and reporting to ensure accurate monitoring and documentation of activities
Recommend and implement a capacity building/development plan for project staff based on documented capacity needs assessments exercise
Ensure nutrition staff understands and follows IRC and donor Policies and Procedures
Technical Monitoring and Program Quality
Provide technical supervision of, and technical support to IRC nutrition programming activities
Ensure that nutrition programs utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as prescribed by the Ministry of Health and WHO/UNICEF
Ensure that all nutrition activities are consistent with established best practices
Oversee the collection and timely reporting of data and statistics for all nutrition programs in line with IRC guidelines and according to internal and donor requirements
Ensure appropriate follow-up and decision-making on data relevant to IRC nutrition programs
Ensure good coordination with the health teams and with the Nutrition, Health, and iCCM Coordinator
Monitor evolving needs of the target communities and adjust the programmatic priorities as necessary
Conduct nutritional surveillance in the programme sites, including host community and internally displaced persons (IDPs)based on agreed methodologies including surveys, process monitoring, SMART, LQAS, SQUEAC and other rapid methods.
Grants Management and Reporting
Manage and oversee all the nutrition grants; develop and maintain work, spending and procurement plans for all projects
Participate in Grants Opening, Mid-Term and Closing meetings
Prepare internal and external reports within agreed deadlines using IRC and donor formats, as required
Assure appropriate and timely spending of grants to achieve program goals, grant reporting contributions, use and distribution of supplies and resources.
Representation & Coordination
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders - including Ministry of Health, community leaders, NGOs, UN agencies, community based organizations and other IRC sectors to enhance cooperation and coordination
Ensure that information from coordination meetings is shared internally and with other sectors, as appropriate
Attend the nutrition coordination meetings or represent the IRC in other relevant forums
Qualifications
Bachelor degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics or Registered nurse or Medical doctor with strong Nutrition Background from a recognized University.(Masters in Public Health (MPH)/Nutrition preferred)
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in nutrition, public health, nutrition planning and management and/or in relevant areas of maternal, infant and child nutrition care at program management level is required.
Knowledge in computer statistical packages such as SMART and basic data analysis skills.
Experience in designing and implementing nutrition surveys and other methodologies.
MUST be registered by Nigeria Nutritionist and Dietitians Institute or other relevant Bodies, such as SQUEAC, SLEAC surveys techniques.
Experience in managing a nutrition program in emergencies or among refugee/ displaced populations is an added advantage
Excellent management skills
Ability to write clear and concise reports and proposals and to meet required reporting deadlines.
Able to work independently while being a strong team player.
Experience supervising health staff in a complex setting; ability to support and build staff capacity.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to live and work under pressure in an unstable security environment.
Excellent computer skills: MS Word, Excel, Power-point, Epi-Info/SPSS, Outlook and the internet.
Fluency in English. Skill in local languages an advantage.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
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