Job Summary:
The Senior Nutrition Project Officer is responsible for the overall management and technical direction of Sokoto Emergency response program (MAMI, CMAM and MIYCN-E) activities, targeting vulnerable IDPs and host communities. Reporting to the Emergency Coordinator with accountability to the partner's Nutrition Officers, and Nutrition Community Mobilizers, MiYCN counsellors. The Nutrition SPO will undertake the following responsibilities related to project cycle management, technical direction, and program development:
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
- Technical/Administrative, Program Quality and Implementation
- Ensure quality and timely field level implementation of the Nutrition program against set objectives, targets, and work plans.
- Advise and assist CRS nutrition team in developing project-specific strategies, tools, systems, and plans.
- Develop activity workplans and ensure activities are developed in coordination with other sectors.
- Ensure utilization of international best practices in line with Ministry of Health and WHO/UNICEF.
- Oversee timely collection and reporting of data and statistics.
- Monitor programs through field visits and resolve issues promptly.
- Lead development of monitoring tools and IEC materials.
- Program Development and Strategic Planning
- Support situation analysis and ensure availability of nutrition data.
- Identify program and proposal development opportunities.
- Coordinate procurement and logistics for Nutrition programme.
- Participate in proposal writing and budget development.
- Lead technical assessments and monitor evolving needs of target communities.
- Capacity Building and Supervision
- Ensure capacity building of CRS and partner staff through training and coaching.
- Provide technical feedback through regular field visits.
- Develop training plans and identify training opportunities.
- Assist with staff recruitment and performance evaluation.
- Develop quality and safety processes for nutrition activities.
- Coordination and Representation
- Represent CRS in nutrition sector meetings and coordination forums.
- Coordinate with CRS partners and nutrition teams, providing feedback.
- Manage relationships with key stakeholders.
- Promote protection, safeguarding and gender mainstreaming in nutrition activities.
- Reporting
- Support development of field reports for CRS, sector and donors.
- Develop reporting templates and track program indicators.
- Handle any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.
Required Languages: English and Hausa required; Kanuri preferred.
Travel: Up to 40% travel required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Observation, active listening and analysis skills.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proactive and results-oriented attitude.
- Strong writing, facilitation, coordination, and innovative skills.
- Adaptability to fragile program contexts.
- Excellent writing skills for success stories.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Project Nutrition Officers
Key Working Relationships:
- Internal: Head of Office, Emergency Coordinator, Nutrition Program Manager, Nutrition Project Officers, Accountability Officer, procurement, fleet, finance, enumerators, protection officer.
- External: Partner staff, contractors, volunteers, CNMs, lead mothers, promoters, care group volunteers, vendors.
Qualifications:
- B.Sc. in Nutrition, Public Health or related field; Master’s preferred.
- 6-8 years of experience in community nutrition and emergency response.
- Experience in CMAM, MIYCN-E, nutrition assessments, and community engagement.
- Proficiency in report writing, budget management, and participatory planning.
- Computer skills in MS Office and familiarity with nutrition surveillance systems.
Agency Competencies:
- Personal Accountability
- Acts with Integrity
- Builds and Maintains Trust
- Collaborates with Others
- Open to Learn
Agency Leadership Competencies:
- Lead Change
- Develops and Recognizes Others
- Strategic Mindset
Safeguarding:
CRS is committed to ensuring the safety and dignity of all people who interact with our work. All staff must comply with CRS safeguarding policies and complete mandatory training.
What We Offer:
CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including health insurance and retirement savings. For international staff, benefits vary by country of employment. CRS fosters a collaborative, mission-driven work culture focused on improving lives globally.