Nutrition Officer

Overview and Background

Jhpiego is initiating a project aimed at delivering and supporting nutrition interventions within health systems and communities across Nigeria. This multi-sector initiative integrates global nutrition expertise to design, implement, and assess programs targeting malnutrition’s root causes. The project emphasizes a systems approach to sustain gains by enhancing local capacity and strengthening the enabling environment to improve life quality, health, and resilience. The primary objective in Nigeria is to provide technical support, implement innovative nutrition-specific and sensitive life-saving interventions, and generate evidence to improve nutrition indicators among women of reproductive age, young children, and newborns. The activity supports donor efforts to fortify nutrition policies through innovation, capacity building, coordination, and multi-sector collaboration.

Scope of Role

The Nutrition Officer will manage the daily execution of both nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions within the Federal Capital Territory. Key activities include promoting the adoption of recommended Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) practices, managing Outpatient Treatment Programme (OTP) sites, supporting Homestead Food Production (HFP), overseeing community-level nutrition screening including Mother Led MUAC approach, and facilitating multiple micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women. The role also encompasses capacity building for health workers and food system participants to improve the production and consumption of nutritious foods.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and monitor detailed nutrition implementation plans alongside the M&E team.
• Oversee daily nutrition activities ensuring alignment with work plans.
• Support training, mentoring, and supervision of field nutrition staff.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve sustainable outcomes.
• Supervise initiatives to promote MIYCN practices and HFP to enhance dietary diversity and supplementation.
• Provide technical expertise for IMAM, MIYCN, and micronutrient supplementation programs.
• Lead the establishment and functioning of 20 OTP sites in the FCT.
• Enhance nutrition data quality, analysis, and reporting in partnership with the SI team.
• Integrate nutrition interventions effectively within primary healthcare services.
• Manage commodity supplies and ensure compliance with national nutrition protocols.
• Support and complement SQI Officers through specialized nutrition guidance.
• Strengthen supervision and training of healthcare workers for quality service delivery.
• Ensure availability of necessary tools and supplies for high-quality nutrition activities.
• Participate in scheduled nutrition assessments within the target area.
• Engage in program monitoring, evaluations, and documentation of success stories.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly financial forecasts linked to project activities for leadership review.
• Contribute to Nutrition Technical Working Group and relevant governmental meetings.
• Support planning and execution of special events like World Breastfeeding Week and MNCH Week.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition, Food Security, Agriculture, or related fields; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5 years’ experience in nutrition, food security, or livelihood programs.
• Proven capability in implementing nutrition initiatives.
• Adept at functioning within integrated, matrixed teams.
• Skilled in forging partnerships, facilitating meetings, and engaging technical working groups.
• Experience applying M&E frameworks to measure outcomes and impacts.
• Familiarity with community resources and support systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and reporting software.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for diverse community engagement.
• Background in community development, social work, or related fields.
• Good understanding of assessing community needs and program designs.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, exhibiting leadership as needed.
• Cultural sensitivity, empathy, and genuine community service interest.
• Effective organizational and problem-solving skills with ability to multitask.

Additional Expectations

• Demonstrate commitment to Jhpiego’s mission and values.
• Engage in business development activities and knowledge sharing.
• Make responsible decisions ensuring time and cost efficiency.
• Participate actively in teams taking ownership of assigned tasks.
• Manage multiple priorities to meet program and organizational goals.

Employment Details

The organization offers competitive remuneration and comprehensive benefits. Applicants must submit a consolidated document including cover letter, resume, and references. Selected candidates will undergo a pre-employment background check.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

Jhpiego is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to non-discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. The organization encourages applications from minorities, women, disabled individuals, and veterans.

Important Notices

• Jhpiego does not charge any fees during recruitment.
• All legitimate job postings appear on the official careers page.
• Official communications come from Jhpiego email addresses ending with @Jhpiego.org.
• Report any suspicious recruitment activity to the designated email.