Nutrition and Health Program Manager – ACTION AGAINST HUNGER

Health Care

ACTION AGAINST HUNGER

Action Against Hunger is an International, Non-Governmental humanitarian organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger through implementing relief and development programs in different regions of Ethiopia. The country Office was established in 1985 in response to severe drought and subsequent famine, implementing relief and development projects in Eritrea (prior to 1993), Tigray, Amhara and Oromia regions. Since then, Action Against Hunger, worked periodically in all regions of Ethiopia responding to different crisis and building people’s resilience.

4-January-2024 

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VACANCY  ADVERTISEMENT For Nutrition and Health Program Manager Country Office: Ethiopia Work Base: [Borena] Availability: As Soon As Possible Salary Scale: EMS – 09  level 1 $1,407 Insurance – (Life, Group Personal Accident and Medical Insurances are covered upon the organization policies). Seniority Allowance – paid depending up the years of service. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply for this position.

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger-USA is a global humanitarian organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger. We save the lives of malnourished children and we enable entire communities to be free from hunger. With more than 8,000 staff in over 50 countries, our programs reached 17 million people in 2019. 

About the Country Program in Ethiopia

Action Against Hunger has been operational in Ethiopia since 1984 responding to both chronic and acute needs through a multi-sectoral strategy where nutrition, Food Security and Livelihoods, WASH, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support activities are integrated to have a meaningful impact on people’s resilience. Action Against Hunger currently operates in 5 different regions (Oromia, Somali, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, and Gambella) with a portfolio of 20m USD/year of emergency, resilience building, research, and innovation programs. We have a country team of around 600 staff in 17 regional and satellite offices. Our main donors in Ethiopia in 2020/2021 are BHA, ECHO, Europaid, UNHCR, UNICEF, GFFO, BPRM, SIDA, EHF, WFP, CIAA, and others. 

I. Summary of position

The Nutrition and Health Program Manager is responsible for the overall management of Nutrition and Health projects in the host communities in Borena, Oromia region under the direct supervision of the Field Coordinator and with technical support by capital based experts/advisors. The Nutrition and Health Program is responsible for providing collective and close budget monitoring of Nutrition and Health projects, ensuring strict compliance to organizational policies, procedures, set standards, protocols and guidelines. The Nutrition and Health Program Manager will ensure that RMNCH, CMAM, IYCF-E, GMP, innovative activities such as Family MUAC approaches, Surveys and assessments and operational researches in the respective base are delivered in accordance with standard guidelines. S/he is expected to lead and participate in designing high quality nutrition and health project proposals and generating program lessons in close collaboration with his technical supervisors, other departments and other key stakeholders at local level. S/he is also expected to capacitate, encourage, supervise and guide the nutrition and health team at the base level to ensure that basic life-saving services are provided to intended beneficiaries or clients to the highest standard of care and norm. The Nutrition and Health Manager is expected to strengthen and maintain productive working relationships within and outside the organisation, and should work effectively with local government authorities, beneficiaries or clients, key donors and other partners. In addition, he/she will represent Action Against Hunger at regular local level nutrition and health sector task force meetings and coordination platforms. S/he will be expected to establish and maintain the highest standards of professional integrity in line with Action Against Hunger’s values, principles and code of conduct.

The Nutrition and Health PM role’s purpose, engagement, and delivery are:

Purpose (The substantive focus of the job encompassing scope, depth and difficulty of work both conceptual and applied)

• S/he will closely monitors contextual situation, needs, gaps, and analyses program data to contribute to project proposal for new funding opportunities that can improve the service delivery quality, access and coverage of essential lifesaving services in host community operational areas.
• Provides technical support and supervision to the nutrition team on the services and analyses the implementation of activities to improve service delivery quality in the camp supported by Action Against Hunger.

Engagement: (The focus of interaction both internally and externally needed to deliver a service seek collaboration and build effective partnerships)

• Collaborates with the Action Against Hunger staff and partners such as RHB, RDRMC, UNICEF, WFP and humanitarian actors at base level to amplify our work in tackling acute malnutrition as well as building synergies with other sectors to promote a multispectral approach to address underlying causes of undernutrition. Engages with nutrition-related working groups within the camp and represents Action Against Hunger’s nutrition efforts externally.

Delivery: (The focus on the execution of the work and the role on the team for supporting business/operational functions in terms of timeliness and quality)

• Leads/monitor the day-to-day activities in host communities, provides technical oversight to the host community nutrition and health response, undertakes regular supportive supervision to the team, ensures program delivery and data quality in accordance with the existing procedures, standards, MEAL system. S/he further aims to meet the quality standard of reports that are related to Action Against Hunger, donors and other stakeholders. Supports the operational coordination at various levels, and ensures the beneficiaries have got the right service.

Essential Duties:

1.       Ensure the implementation and compliance to quality standards of major nutrition and health activities in host community:

• Provide an overall strategic guidance and support to the nutrition and health team, including the Deputy Nut and Health PM at the host community level on effective and efficient implementation of projects in line with the country strategy and technical framework, donor requirements.
• Ensure the quality implementation of integrated nutrition and health services, such as SC, OTP, TSFP, IYCF-E, Family MUAC, IMNCI, RMNCH in accordance with standard protocols and guidelines both in host communities programs.  
• Provide regular supportive supervision, mentoring and coaching of the nutrition and health team in host community districts and health facilities in a manner that supports the growth of internal capacity using standardized and harmonized checklists.
• Ensure a strong and functional service referral linkages and network within host community response for the early detection, referral and treatment of acutely malnourished as well as treatment of critical medical cases.
• Assess the training needs and gaps of nutrition and health team and plan to organize appropriate trainings in a timely manner.
• Ensure the timely and consistent procurement, availability and utilization of essential drugs, medical and nutrition supplies and equipment in all nutrition centers through internal and external coordination mechanism.
• Ensure the availability and proper utilization of standard manuals, guidelines and SOPs at each health facility for ease of reference and harmonized service delivery approach.
• In collaboration with IT team, ensure the proper handling and application of IT systems and devices (Laptops, tablets, printers…etc) that support effective and efficient nutrition assistance provision in host communities.
• Closely support and assist in the pharmaceutical management system in host communities for a standardized and uniform practice.
• Inspire and motivate team to achieve and maintain desirable nutrition and health project performance outcomes as per the SPHERE standard and national guidelines.
• Coordinate with other sectors and thematic areas in Action Against hunger such as WASH, FSL and Protection Gender MHPSS/ program managers and ensure an effective integration of services at  each service delivery point and to maximize impact and benefit.
• Identify and propose the development of new innovative Nutrition and Health programs and projects in collaboration with Health and Nutrition PM at capital based technical advisers.

 

2.       Participate in project MEAL activities:

 

• Develop annual health and nutrition master beneficiaries and BoQ for host communities in close coordination with capital based technical advisors and MEAL department.
• Prepare Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) and APRs for nutrition and health projects in close consultation with capital based technical advisors and other team members at the base level.   
• Ensure and support the implementation of project activities according to the Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) stipulated in each project or grant.
• Make a close follow up of project budget utilization status through close monitoring of BFUs and identifying and addressing outstanding challenges on timely manner in close consultation with line manager.
• Lead and participate in regular base level BFU and APR review meetings; provide up to dated information and inputs in a manner that would enhance the timely and effective implementation of projects.
• Organize a bilateral one-to-one meeting and collaborate with base finance in reviewing, planning/forecasting and financial utilisation of specific projects that demand due attention, follow up and action.
• Preparing quality grant reports (Narrative and Qualitative), including APR narrative and quantitative reports, both for internal and external purposes in line with agreed timeframes and standards.
• Ensure that project staff are adhering to the standard reporting and recording system of Action Against Hunger.

• Participate in relevant nutrition and health surveys and assessments, including SMART survey that are carried out in host communities in collaboration with Nutrition Survey Manager and MEAL department.

·       Ensure that weekly/ monthly data compilation and reporting of activities for internal and external consumptions are produced and submitted timely.

• Evaluate the relevance and appropriateness of the intervention in view of the evolution of the context, needs, and introduce new interventions as required.
• Ensure Nutrition and Health activities in host community are running as per recommended and agreed key performance indicators and tracked, and stated project goal and objectives are continuously met.  
• Ensure regular collection, analysis and interpretation of nutrition and health program data and trends in the host community in close consultation with MEAL department and make program reflection, adjustments and recommendations as necessary.
• Make sure that there is a continuous documentation and dissemination of evidences, program lessons and best practices, success stories mainly at base level and summarize key findings for advocacy and program implication purposes.

• Organise and conduct periodic project review meetings in coordination with MEAL. 
• Ensure the application of standard and appropriate recording and reporting and respect reporting procedures etc in line with Action Against Hunger and donor standards.

• Ensure nutrition and health updates are developed and shared with capital based TAs on regular basis and feedback is receive and addressed timely.  

3.       External coordination, representation and communication in the field of Nutrition and Health at regional and local level:

• Represent Action Against Hunger and participate in regional and district level Nutrition and Health taskforce and coordination platforms to provide updates and receive guidance.
• Liaison and coordinate with other like-minded international and local partners to advocate for greater political and social commitment for multisectoral nutrition response and end hunger.
• Lead and facilitate on donor field visit to respective operational area in Gambella and assist the field coordinator and Senior Nutrition and Health Program Manager in providing the necessary inputs.
• Share minutes and summary of action points of relevant coordination and joint meetings attended.

4.       Human Resource Management and staff development:

• Support evaluation of the skill and technical competence of team members under her/his direct supervision. (e.g. Deputy Nutrition and Health PM).
• Identify training needs of nutrition and health under direct supervision in collaboration with the HR, Senior Nutrition and Health Program Manager, Deputy Nutrition and Health PM and develop the capacity of the team on regular basis.
• Enhance the motivation, inspiration and commitment of nutrition and health team and closely follow their wellness and safety.
• Support and encourage team members to deliver their specific tasks and duties towards beneficiaries in compassionate, respectful and caring (CRS) manner.
• Collaborate closely with the HR, Senior Nutrition and Health Program Manager, and Field coordinator on the timely recruitment of staff and submission of timesheets on regular basis.

• Conduct individual staff performance appraisal on regular basis in coordination with base HR and in line with HR procedures, templates and set timelines.  
• Collaborate with HR on any staff disciplinary issues that require her/his due participation.
• Follow up on staff leave planning and attendance in close collaboration with camp supervisors.
• Take the responsibilities and tasks assigned by Nut and Health PM in his/her absence.

II.    Supervisory Responsibilities

•  S/he will act as the direct technical supervisor for Deputy Nutrition and Health PM for host community and could also supervise Nutrition and Health Supervisors in the absence of the Deputy program manager.

III.                 Gender Equality Commitments  

• Foster an environment that reinforces values of people of all genders equal access to information.
• Provide a work environment where people of all genders must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.
• Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, particularly for children, beneficiaries, and members of staff.
• Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Respect beneficiaries’ women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status.
• Value and respect all cultures.

IV. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA):

• Beware of minimum operating standards of SEA.
• Protect and prevent others from SEA.
• Report SEA.
• Strictly compile with ACF child protection, safeguarding and SEA policies. 

V.   Fiscal Responsibility

• Ensure timely budget utilization of health and nutrition programs and project activities in liaison with base level finance colleagues and line manager, primarily for the assigned host community in Gambella.
• Ensure budget expenditure is in line with program/ project objectives, timeframe and project tolerance level. 
• Provide regular follow, support and guidance to the health and nutrition staff on ways to effectively and efficiently utilize project resources, including project-committed budget while ensuring the quality standards of services in the host community.
• Promote and support the applications of standard operating procedures and policies of Action Against Hunger, national and international humanitarian rules and regulations.

VI.  Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to make a frequent visit to the host community camp to undertake the aforementioned key responsibilities with a requirement of sitting in office to prepare reports and undertake other office based activities.
• S/he is required to deliver assignment and commitments with in short periods under stressful situations in the context of emergency.
• Must be able to proofread own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis.
• S/he is expected to work under minimal supervision of the line manager or Field Coordinator.  
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

VII. Working Conditions, Travel and Environment

• The duties of the job require regular job attendance at least five days per week in Action Against Hunger Operational area.  Must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required.

• Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international business purposes. While performing the duties of this job in the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well as to infectious diseases. 

I. Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a major social or health science field of study, preferably Food Security, Nutrition, Public Health and Epidemiology with more than (5) years of relevant experience  in the field of humanitarian and development nutrition and health, public health and integrated programs in host and IDP/refugee camps.
• or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a major social or health science field of study, preferably in Doctor of medicine, public health, human nutrition and a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience  in the field of humanitarian and development nutrition and health, public health and integrated programs in host and IDP/refugee camps.
• Master’s Degree University Degree in health science and related field of study, including Public Health, Nursing, Human Nutrition, Medical Doctor preferably with Masters of Public Health (MPH) from recognized University or College.
• Minimum of 7 years professional experience in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating high impact Nutrition, RMNCH and other nutrition sensitive programmes.
• Experience in managing nutrition and health projects funded by major donors USAID, ECHO, SIDA, EU, UNICEF, WFP, etc.

• Good knowledge in the management of projects with practical exposure to budget management.
• Commendable experience and knowledge about current national and global nutrition and health policies and strategies.
• Practical exposure to and participation in national and sub-national nutrition and health coordination platforms and various Technical Working Groups (TWGs).
• Having practical experience of working in INGOs is preferable.

II. Required Skills and Experiences 

• Having a practical exposure and experience in managing high impact nutrition and health programs such as CMAM, IMNCI, EPI, and RMNCH etc.
• Practical exposure and experience in capacitating (Training, mentoring, coaching and supervising frontline health workers and supervisors.
• Experienced in managing team and staff in humanitarian and development context.
• Adaptive enough in following organization policies and protocols, having good judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize multiple tasks with minimum supervision.
• Well-developed interpersonal, organizational, strong communication skills and documentation habits.
• Knowledge and skill of MS Office Suite and other statistical software (Epi Info 7, ENA for SMART, and SPSS) is required and comfortable working with computers with minimal IT support.
• Good command of English  and Oromiffaa is essential and knowledge of one or more local language is desirable, including Amharic.   
• Possess strong documentation habit and attention to detail.
• Genuine interest in and commitment to the mission and principles of Action Against Hunger.

1407.00

Lien