Nutrition Program Officer at Helen Keller International 3 Openings

Founded in 1915, Helen Keller International is dedicated to saving the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. We combat the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision, health and nutrition. We currently have more than 180 programs in 21 African and Asian countries. Part of this work is focused on preventing blindness and vision loss for millions of vulnerable people through cataract surgery, vision correction, vitamin A supplementation, screening and treatment for diabetic retinopathy, and distribution of treatments and cures for neglected tropical diseases. We also work to reduce malnutrition by promoting solutions aimed at improving nutrition practices for millions of families. These include vitamin A supplementation, maternal and child nutrition education, fortification of staple foods with essential nutrients, globally recognized family-led agricultural programs, and community based management of acute malnutrition. Helen Keller International also reaches tens of thousands of under-served youth in the United States each year through ChildSightÂ. This unique program provides free vision screenings and prescription eyeglasses to students living in poverty in California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio.

Location: Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, Sokoto

Closing date: September 8, 2025

Purpose / Scope of Work: 

The success of this nutrition project depends largely on timely implementation of achievements and achievement of set targets. Hence, the objective of the Program Officer position is to provide technical support leadership in the roll-out of the project planned activities in the state which include program management, reporting, and documentation of best practices.

Management and Functional Relationships: 

Under the supervision of the State Team Lead, and technical leadership from the Program Manager, the Program Officer will develop and manage program interventions, supervise the Program Associate and provide mentorship to the program interns.

Job Responsibilities:

The Nutrition program Officer will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) activities, including Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP), and community mobilization as well as effective referral system for SAM children with medical complications to nearest In-patient care centers and referral of MAM children to existing Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP). The officer will ensure quality service delivery, capacity building of community and facility health workers. Activities will include the promotion / supporting adoption of recommended Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) practices and Homestead Food Production (HFP), monitoring and supervision of community-level nutrition screening including the rollout of Mother Led Middle Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) approach, support the education and referral of pregnant women for supplementation with multiple micronutrient supplement as well participation in planned nutrition surveys and assessments.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Responsible for developing a detailed monthly and weekly implementation plan and track activity progress in collaboration with M&E associate.
• Responsible for monitoring and supervision of the day-to-day implementation of nutrition and related activities and ensuring they are in accordance with the agreed work plan and global best practice.
• Lead capacity-building activities for field-level nutrition staff including on-the-job training and supportive supervision.
• Support the rollout of IMAM services in targeted health facilities and communities.
• Ensure proper admission, treatment, and discharge procedures for SAM cases.
• Monitor stock levels and distribution of RUTF and other nutrition supplies.
• Support the integration of IMAM into routine health services.
• Conduct regular supervision visits to supported sites and provide on-the-job mentoring
• Work closely and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
• Supervise activities during OTP clinic sessions aimed at promoting appropriate Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Practices and Homestead Food Production (HFP) to improve household dietary diversity and multiple micronutrient supplementation of pregnant women.
• Regularly monitor and ensure that the nutrition team in the field has the necessary tools (i.e., data collection tools, job aids, IEC materials, etc.) and supplies required for quality implementation of planned nutrition activities.
• Participate in nutrition assessments and surveys planned in the catchment area.
• Participate in periodic program monitoring and evaluation activities including baselines, end lines, midterm reviews, lesson learning exercises, and compilation of success stories.
• Ensure timely submission of quality weekly and monthly nutrition activity reports.
• Develop monthly financial forecast and quarterly financial need forecast in line with the detailed project activity plan/Monthly activity plans and send it to Program Manager
• Ensure sound monitoring and joint supervision of program activities in close collaboration with other programs.
• Participate in the Nutrition Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings.
• Support the state to plan for special events like World Breast Feeding (WBF) week, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week etc.
• Perform any other duty as assigned by the state team lead or program manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, Public Health, Nursing or other related fields, a relevant master’s Degree is a plus
• Verbal and written language skills in English required.
• Minimum of (4) years’ experience in implementing IMAM programs
• Familiarity with national CMAM guidelines and protocols.
• Previous experience working in the project states.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to learn complex program procedures.
• Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and manage a variety of activities in a time-sensitive environment and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality.
• Strong office and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member in a complex and fast paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact professionally with culturally diverse staff, clients and consultants.
• Demonstrated ability in computer skills for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations (Microsoft Office applications preferred); and ability to learn new software packages.

Success Profile

• Able to work with minimal supervision and able to meet up set deadlines.
• Ability to use the Internet and computer software such as Microsoft Office, Outlook etc
• Must possess good interpersonal skills and be a good team player
• Demonstrate excellent personal integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to speak the local language is highly desirable and an added advantage.
• Willingness to travel to remote areas.

How To Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to: [email protected] using the position as subject of email.