Food Security Manager

The overall objective is to ensure the effective implementation of DRC’s food security programming, currently funded by WFP and targeting upwards of 150,000 beneficiaries across NE Nigeria with GFD and supplementary feeding. The Food Security Manager (FSM) will be expected to ensure timely, accountable and protection-sensitive delivery of the food distributions, mentor and manage field staff, ensure open lines of communication with WFP and with DRC Safety Unit and foster cross-sectorial linkages with shelter/NFI, WASH and protection where relevant. The FSM is responsible for reporting on program delivery to internal and external stakeholders, in collaboration with the Emergency Coordinator, PDQM and M&E Manager. Program development will also be a key aspect, looking at relevance and appropriateness of distribution modalities and working with the Emergency Coordinator, Head of Programmes and donors, particularly with a view to contingency planning for lean/rainy season, developing more of a Food Security strategy linked to different modalities of implementation (such as Cash Transfer Programming) as well as mutually reinforcing Livelihoods and Recovery activities.. 

 

• Overall responsibility for the management of Food Distributions by DRC Nigeria. This includes consideration of timeliness and accountability of distributions planned, as well as practical aspects (HR/personnel, logistics, safety, reporting, distribution process monitoring, PDM and other evaluations of impact, mainstreaming of protection, consideration of Age, Gender and Diversity in distributions etc) 
• Overall responsibility for meeting donor targets and compliance requirements through activities, means of undertaking activities, and in all documentation (financial, logistics etc).  
• Line manage national food security staff, conducting performance reviews, setting objectives and ensuring expected performance criteria are met 
• Adapt the FS team structure according to needs, resources and capacities 
• Ensure high quality project implementation in accordance with donor and DRC regulations as well as in line with agreed log frames/indicators, budgets, procurement plans, and work plans. 
• Oversee the expanding WFP-funded programming in Borno state (GFD and supplementary, potentially to include cash transfer in some locations) 
• Work closely with Safety Unit and logistics to ensure Duty of Care and staff/beneficiary safety considerations for all field travel, including sometimes to less secure locations 
• With HOFA ensure that activities and expenses are regularly monitored and, as needed, action plans with follow-up are developed to correct any over- or underspending in a timely manner. 
• Ensure effective information management from FS programming, working with M&E Manager, ensuring data protection where relevant 
• Ensure that the FS program is well documented and that the institutional memory of DRC Nigeria is preserved. 
• Work closely with Logistics and Procurement Manager and Supply Chain Officer in order to ensure that proper documentation and accountability of supplies is in line with donor requirements and best warehousing / distribution practices.  

• Pro-active communication and coordination with other DRC teams (programmatic and support functions) to ensure safe, timely, effective and accountable achievement of objectives and targets.  
• Regular coordination and liaison with WFP, the FS Sector Working Group partners and other actors in the field including ICRC and MSF, contributing to shaping the overall FS strategy of the NE Nigeria response. This includes contingency planning for lean/rainy season and any new emergencies.  
• Maintain strong links to WFP programme, logistics and M&E teams in Maiduguri to facilitate joint planning and smooth distributions from central warehouse to end point 
• Represent DRC in meetings relevant to DRC’s FS work in Nigeria, including at meetings with partners, donors, government officials and cluster/coordination meetings. 
• Ensure DRC’s programming approach is known and correctly understood by all stakeholders. 
• Pro-actively liaise and build good rapport with INGO, UN, local authority officials, community representatives, and any other relevant stakeholders. 
• Facilitate reporting and information sharing through protection sector and other coordination mechanisms back to DRC management – provide and collect information to inform the whole response 

• Continuous liaison with other actors (INGO, NNGO, UN, local authorities, civil society) and other DRC sector teams for context analysis to inform strategic approach 
• Contribute to the development of DRC Nigeria FS strategy ensuring relevance to the country SPD, context and cluster strategy 
• Roll out the strategy through effective programming and ensure its integration into the DRC Nigeria response as a whole. 

• Reports in a consistent and timely manner to DRC managers and donors with regard to project progress and future plans.  
• Represent the organization with implementing partners, government, and donor entities at field level – mainly WFP. Help build strong relationships with donors and UN agencies at field level to ensure predictable funding for DRC’s FS programming in Nigeria. 
• Monitor developments and determine strategic opportunities related to the FS sector 
• Contribute to development of high quality proposals according to DRC Nigeria priorities as identified in its country strategic planning. 

• Provide appropriate and timely feedback to program staff regarding their performance, including annual staff performance appraisals. Identify with protection staff their needs and opportunities for professional development. 
• Develop job descriptions and recruit qualified protection staff (national). 

• Participate as required in project kick-off, close-out and review meetings. Ensure documentation and follow up of action points in a timely manner. 
• Include the participation of beneficiaries and communities, particularly those most vulnerable or at-risk, in all stages of the project cycle where appropriate. 
• Ensure that all FS activities are included in project M&E plans and work closely with M&E Manager to ensure learning is institutionalised in programming. Ensure key lessons learned are incorporated in new FS project proposals. 
• Strengthen accountability activities for food/cash distributions, ensuring that feedback from all relevant stakeholders is considered in programme design. 
• Lead on monthly reporting to WFP (MDR), and contribute significantly to development of end of project narrative reports