The Micronutrient Initiative (MI) : PROGRAM OFFICER, CHILD HEALTH AND NUTRITION

The Micro-nutrient Initiative (MI) is an international NGO dedicated to ensuring that the world's most vulnerable people get the vitamins and minerals they need to survive and thrive.
Our vision is of a world free of hidden hunger. We seek to develop, implement and monitor innovative, cost effective and sustainable solutions for hidden hunger, in partnership with others.

POSITION TITLE: PROGRAM OFFICER, CHILD HEALTH AND NUTRITION
REPORTS TO/POSITION TITLE: Country Director


OVERALL PURPOSE/BROAD FUNCTION:
In line with MI’s strategic objectives in Africa, and in partnership with key stakeholders in Nigeria, provide technical and management support to the Government of Nigeria and other stakeholders to improve coverage of Vitamin A Supplements (VAS) to children aged 6 – 59 months, and access to adequately iodized salt by women of child bearing age, in order to reduce child mortality and morbidity in Nigeria on a sustainable basis.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT:
With the support and guidance of relevant members of the MI technical team and the Country Director:
Ensure a regularly updated situation analysis is available on the status of VAS and Universal Salt Iodization (USI) in Nigeria including the status of work by organizations involved in provision of these services in Nigeria.
Design and plan projects in Nigeria in collaboration with key stakeholders and partners that respond to programming gaps in the situation analyses and that aim to ensure appropriate intake of micro-nutrients by targeted groups.
Ensure regular coordination for VAS programming with UNICEF, HKI and NPHCDA to ensure CIDA funding for this intervention is being used cost-effectively.
Develop project budgets and agree on financial commitments with Country Director Nigeria and ensure appropriate inputs are made in MI Contracts Database.
Be alert to opportunities for MI engagement in other fortification work, outside of salt.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION AND MANAGEMENT
Assist the Country Director with the management of MI-funded programs in VAS in Nigeria and manage USI and any other fortification programs that arise.
Review and analyze financial and technical progress reports, produce relevant project documents as per MI procedures.
Troubleshoot and recommend corrective action drawing on internal MI expertise in the Nigeria and Regional Offices and beyond as necessary.
Ensure the Contracts Database is regularly updated, in line with MI contract management procedures.
Ensure regular coordination meetings with HKI, UNICEF and NPHCDA to ensure CIDA funding for VAS is being used cost-effectively during implementation

PROJECT REVIEW
Review programs for lessons learned and document and share appropriately.

PROGRAM EVALUATION
Support formal evaluations of programs with view to informing improved practice in Nigeria and elsewhere.

EXTERNAL RELATIONS
Build and maintain productive collaborative relations with: FMOH, NPHCDA, NAFDAC, SON and other relevant government agencies (both at central and state level as appropriate); UN agencies; and NGOs to promote information sharing and effective coordination of effort to improve and sustain effective and efficient VAS and USI.
Participate in national and regional fora relevant to VAS and USI and other food fortifications.
Keep up to date with developments in child survival and development, micro-nutrient supplementation and fortification.
Any other duties as requested.
 
EDUCATION/PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS/EXPERIENCE:
EDUCATION
Masters degree from a recognized university in one or more of the following areas: child health, nutrition, food sciences, food technology, health sciences, public health.
Training in epidemiology, research methodologies and food science/technology, desirable.

EXPERIENCE
At least 3 years experience in child health, public health, nutrition, food sciences and/or related field in Nigeria or elsewhere.
Experience in program/project implementation/supervision, monitoring and evaluation.
Experience with micronutrient programs desirable.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluent English.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Based in Abuja, Nigeria, around 15% of time will be spent travelling in Nigeria.

OTHER SPECIFIC
Skill Requirements:
Excellent interpersonal skills
Very good presentational skills
Good report writing skill
Excellent team working skills
IT competency
Discretion
Integrity.
This job description can and will be amended as required from time to time.

TO APPLY:
2013-AFR-NIG-08 selection process is open to all citizens of Nigeria and those entitled to work in Nigeria. The position is location in Abuja. The salary is paid in NGN and is subject to Nigeria’s taxation laws. Candidates’ evaluations may include both a written exam and an interview. You must submit the following documents in one file: your curriculum vitae in English (typed), a presentation letter, in English, explaining how you meet the qualifications for the job and your motivation (typed), plus the names of 3 referees by email to the following email address: hr@micronutrient.org. Please quote number 2013-AFR-NIG-08 on your application.

Failure to submit the documents in the format required may result in the rejection of your application.

DUE DATE: 30th April, 2013 at noon (Abuja’s time).