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. An office has been established in Yola, Adamawa State, North East Nigeria and serves program implementation in four local government authorities (LGAs). The health and nutrition program currently provides critical humanitarian assistance to conflict affected people and host communities. Support is provided through 20 health facilities and 10 make shift internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
SCOPE OF WORK:
The Health & Nutrition Coordinator (HNC) will be responsible for the vision, strategy, design, implementation and management of IRC’s health program in Nigeria, working in collaboration with the senior management team in Abuja, and directly with the team in the field. As the focal point for health programs in Nigeria, the HNC will ensure the implementation of quality primary health care including nutrition programing in Adamawa state and other IRC locations in Nigeria. The HNC will provide technical support to the health and nutrition program for project design, proposal development and reporting, ensuring that IRC programs are of high quality and that programs are driven by data and learning, working in conjunction with other colleagues in the IRC Nigeria program. The HNC will be responsible for maintaining regular contact with all partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health care Development Agency (PHCDA), UN agencies and other NGOs, and will also be responsible for fulfilling IRC strategic objectives for the health sector.
RELATIONSHIPS:
The position is based in Yola with regular trips to IRC’s health programs throughout Nigeria, with up to 50% of time spent in project sites. The HNC supervises other health staff as per the Nigeria health sector organigram, and reports to the Adamawa Field Coordinator. The HNC will receive technical support from the Technical Advisor Health Programs.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Management
Provide technical supervision and guidance of all IRC primary health care and nutrition projects. Extend technical support and supervision to the IRC’s implementing partners as the need arises.
Ensure that the health and nutrition projects in Nigeria utilize standardized protocols, policies and guidelines, as outlined by the Federal Ministry of Health and WHO. Ensure that all activities are consistent with established best practices.
In collaboration with the other health program staff in Nigeria, oversee the implementation of health and nutrition projects implemented by IRC Nigeria, including grant management and budget forecasting and spending in collaboration with other departments.
Promote the quality of the IRC’s health programs by setting up quality assurance mechanisms and checks in collaboration with other staff.
Prepare all necessary documentation for Grant Opening, Review and Closing meetings
Technical Monitoring and Program Quality
Provide technical supervision of, and technical support to IRC Nigeria health and nutrition programming activities;
Oversee the collection and timely reporting of data and statistics for all health and nutrition programs in line with IRC’s REL (Research, Evaluation & Learning) guidelines and according to internal and donor requirements;
Ensure that the stated goals and objectives of all health projects are met with strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) follow up, including any required operational research, with technical support from the Health Information Management team in New York Health Unit and the Country Technical Advisors for health and nutrition as needed.
Participate in the design of robust M&E plans and design/adapt health information systems including surveillance systems for the IRC health and nutrition programs in Nigeria
Ensure sound data collection and information management systems are in place for ongoing performance analysis and programmatic action based on data and identified needs.
Lead technical assessments as a basis for primary health care and nutrition program development;
Monitor evolving needs of the target communities and adjust the programmatic priorities as necessary;
Coordinate and develop project proposals (logical frameworks and appropriate, realistic and measurable indicators) for the IRC Nigeria Health & Nutrition Program under the supervision of the Field Coordinator and Country Director.
Strategic Planning and Program Development
Provide supportive supervison to the other health staff to develop work plans that guide implementation of approved grants. Support the Field teams in the implementation and monitoring of the work plans ensuring that activities reflect the commitments IRC made to the donor and community.
In collaboration with the Health Technical Advisor, Nutrition Technical Advisor , Field Coordinator and the Country Director, lead the development of an IRC Health & Nutrition Program strategy in line with IRC Nigeria Strategy Action Plan.
Oversee the implementation of health sector priorities, ensuring that program growth is in line with country strategy action plans
Staff development
Participate in the development of staff development plans for health staff based on performance reviews in collaboration with the human resources department and contribute to the training of health staff (mentoring, on-the-job sessions as well as formal trainings). Review performance evaluation of all health and nutrition staff in collaboration with their line managers.
Develop/organize training opportunities to build the capacity of the health staff and local partners in order to transfer skills. This includes staff training in program management areas such as reporting, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, and supervision.
Ensure respect for IRC HR policies during the recruitment process.
Promote the IRC Way with all supervisees
Coordination, Representation AND ADVOCACY
In coordination with the Country Director and the Field Coordinator, actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders in Nigeria including donors, government actors such as the PHCDA and LGAs, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, and other relevant actors. Establish and maintain effective, professional relationships with relevant stakeholders.
Develop strategic partnerships with local organizations, wherever possible.
Represent IRC to local communities, government departments, international agencies, local partners and donors as required. Establish and maintain effective, professional relationships with relevant stakeholders.
Upon request by the Senior Management in Nigeria, assist in organizing donor site visits by supporting field staff in the smooth design and implementation of agendas and visit activities.
Participate in the national and State level Health and Nutrition Cluster Coordination Mechanisms as needed;
Participate in internal coordination and management meetings to promote effective and efficient information sharing, problem-solving and decision making.
Reporting:
Review Budget vs. Actual expenditure for health programs on a monthly basis with staff.
Review all reports prepared by the health staff and provide appropriate feedback to the concerned staff, and ensure that reports are written and submitted to concerned bodies in a timely manner.
Submit timely and accurate reports to the CD as required
Security:
Ensure health and nutrition staff are trained on, aware of and in compliance with IRC security policies and the local SMP.
Other
Other relevant duties as assigned.
EDUCATON AND REQUIREMENTS
Degree in Health, Nutrition or related field e.g. MBChB, Public Health, B.Sc Nutrition etc
Minimum 5 years experience in primary health and nutrition programs in resource poor settings with at least 3 years in project management position, experience managing nutrition programs; specifically in the Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and nutrition BCC approaches.
Experience working in Nigeria/West Africa a plus. Willingness to travel extensively in Nigeria
Background in conducting situation analysis, health and nutrition assessments. Training and competency in LQAS, SPSS, SQUEAC and SMART methodology for conducting surveys is an added advantage. Demonstrated skills in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies; Knowledge, skills and experience in participatory methods, community development and partnership.
Experience and competency in proposal development, report writing and grant management.
Competent in Windows, MS office programs (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint), email and database (HMIS, DHIS, EPI-Info) experience.
Experience implementing health programming in hard to reach areas/displaced communities
Experience in capacity building and mentoring of health staff
Demonstrated leadership, communication, and facilitation skills; Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills; Excellent coordination and networking skills; Excellent written and oral English skills
Additional qualities: ability to multitask, ability to handle pressure well, ability to improvise, be flexible , and adaptability to transitions.
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