Nutrition Manager

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee, one of the world’s largest humanitarian agencies, provides relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict reconstruction support to victims of natural disaster, oppression and violent conflict in 42 countries. The IRC is committed to bold leadership, innovation and creative partnerships. Active in public health, education, livelihoods, women's empowerment, youth development, and protection and promotion of rights, IRC assists people from harm to home.

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. Offices were established in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, in North East Nigeria and are providing critical humanitarian assistance to conflict affected people.

SCOPE OF WORK:

The Nutrition Manager is the focal point for IRC's primary Nutrition care services in MMC/JERE LGA, Borno state; s/he reports to the Nutrition Coordinator and works closely and supervises other nutrition officers in the two LGAs inBorno states in the day to day administrative issues. The Nutrition Manager ensures the implementation of a quality Nutrition program, in accordance with national and international standards. The Nutrition Manager will identify gaps in Nutrition services and take the necessary steps to address those gaps. S/he provides technical oversight/ assistance in planning, implementing and monitoring of high impact interventions and provides support in system strengthening and promotion of childhood nutrition, with special focus to the most vulnerable and unreached population groups.In addition, provide co-ordinated support and technical assistance to Health Department and management of on-going programmes statewide and establishing nutrition surveillance systems.He/She will directly supervise All nutrition activities in the two LGAs which will comprise of CMAM which include outreach activities, and Robust Infant &Young child Feeding program and will directly supervise Nutrition staff working in MMC/JERE. He/she will coordinate nutrition program activities and report to the Nutrition coordinator.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 organisations 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