Senior Program Officer, Maternal and Newborn Health and Nutrition @ MicroNutrient Initiative (MI) in Abuja

Job Description
The Micronutrient Initiative (MI) is the leading organization working exclusively to eliminate vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the world´s most vulnerable populations.MI focuses on strengthening and integrating delivery platforms for micronutrients and other health interventions; advising governments on how to use their own resources to finance the marginal costs related to adding micronutrient supplementation, including vitamin A, iron and folic acid to existing health services and programs.Position Title: Senior Program Officer, Maternal and Newborn Health and Nutrition, NigeriaRef Code: 2011-AFR-NIG-03Reports to the Senior Technical Coordinator, NigeriaReports indirectly to: Regional Technical Advisor, Maternal and Newborn Health, Africa Overall Purpose/Broad Function:In line with Micronutrient Initiative’s (MI) strategic objectives in Africa, and, in partnership with key stakeholders in Nigeria, to arrange and provide appropriate technical and other assistance to the Government of Nigeria and/or other stakeholders to enable them to provide, on a sustainable basis, antenatal care and newborn care services to all pregnant mothers, particularly those at most risk, within which appropriate micronutrient interventions are fully integrated and achieve sustained high coverage and utilizationKey Duties and Responsibilities:1. Project Development: With the support and guidance of relevant members of the MI technical team;Ensure a regularly updated situation analysis is available on the status of micronutrient supplementation and/or other relevant interventions for pregnant women in Nigeria, including as needed the status of work by organizations involved in antenatal care and safe delivery provision in Nigeria.Design and plan projects in Nigeria in collaboration with key stakeholders and partners that respond appropriately to the situation and aim to ensure appropriate intake of micronutrients (based on high levels of coverage and adherence to protocols) to benefit mothers and newborns.With support of the Regional Advisor, Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), help stakeholders develop relevant BCC programs for both women of childbearing age and health workers and to develop viable approaches for improving access and quality of provision of care for pregnant women in populations that are consistently under served by antenatal care and other relevant services.Solicit and review grant-proposals submitted by stakeholders or partners. ensuring they are in line with MI strategic objectives and that special attention is paid to improving utilization of micronutrient supplements, as well as coverage, and to improving sustained intake among women at elevated risk of severe anaemia at term.In collaboration with stakeholders, prepare Project Concept Notes for MI-supported interventions to support the implementation of the Ministry of Health’s (MoH) policies on Maternal and Newborn Health and Nutrition (MNHN) and Antenatal Care (ANC) including IFA supplementation.Agree on financial commitments with Director Nigeria and ensure appropriate inputs are made in MI Contracts Database2. Project Implementation and ManagementOversee the implementation and management of MNHN projects supported by MI.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.As required, provide the Director, Nigeria with technical and management support relating to other MI programs.3. Project Review Review program for lessons learned and document and share appropriately.4. Program EvaluationSupport formal evaluations of programs with view to informing improved practice in Nigeria and elsewhere.5. External RelationsBuild and maintain good collaborative relations with MoH, other government agencies, UN agencies, and NGOs to promote information sharing and effective coordination of effort to improve and sustain effective and efficient IFA supplementation programs as part of Antenatal Care services for pregnant women.Participate in national and regional fora relevant to antenatal care/safe motherhood.Keep up to date with developments in maternal health, antenatal care, BCC, and micronutrient supplementation.Other duties and responsibilities as may be requiredSupervisory Responsibilities:Position has shared supervision of one program assistant with other Senior Program Officers. Has no other direct supervisory responsibilities though may supervise consultants hired by MI to support IFA supplementation programs.Education/Professional Designations/Experience:Education:Masters degree from a recognized university in one or more of the following areas: reproductive health, nutrition, food sciences, health sciences, public health.Training in epidemiology and research methodologies preferred.Experience:At least 10 years experience in reproductive health, public health, nutrition and/or related field.Experience of reproductive health programs in Nigeria or elsewhere.Experience in supervising programs.Experience in program/project implementation/supervision, monitoring and evaluation.Experience with micronutrient supplementation programs desirable.Language SkillsFluent English.Travel RequirementsBased in Abuja, Nigeria, around 20-25% of time will be spent travelling in Nigeria.Other Specific Skill Requirements:Excellent interpersonal skillsVery good presentational skillsExcellent team working skillsDiscretionIntegrityThis job description can and will be amended as required from time to time.HOW TO APPLY:2011-AFR-NIG-03 selection process is open to all residents of Nigeria and those entitled to work in Nigeria. The position is located 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 by email the following documents in one file: your curriculum vitae in English (typed), a presentation letter, in English (typed), explaining how you meet the qualifications for the job and your motivation (typed), plus the names of 3 references to the following email address.Please quote number 2011-AFR-NIG-03 on your application. Only the candidates considered for the position will be contacted.Failure to submit the documents in the format required may result in the rejection of your application

Industry:

Minimum Experience Required: 10 Years

Specialization: Executive / Top Management, NGO

Minimum Educational Qualification:

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Application Deadline: 07 September, 2011

To Apply, go to link: http://www.connectnigeria.com/job/show/148803