Nutrition Program Manager ‐ ICCM & CMAM study

Established in 1915 with Helen Keller as a founding trustee, Helen Keller International works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, Helen Keller Intl currently offers programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia, as well as in the United States. The organization combats the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research. In Kenya Helen Keller collaborates with the Ministry of Health in implementing health and nutrition projects that focus on strengthening health system and provision of vitamin A and deworming treatment to children 6-5 years in various counties.

About the Position

The position consists in providing technical and administrative leadership, management and coordination for the Community-based Management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) project implemented by Helen Kellert International in Kilifi County, Kenya. The project consists in conducting a operational research on innovative approaches that will allow CMAM services to reach high coverage of children in a cost-effective way. These innovations include the provision of CMAM treatment by community health workers, the integration of mass screening and referral in Malezi Bora campaigns and the combination of Integrate Community Case management services with CMAM treatment.

Position Program Manager

Where Kilifi

Level of responsibility Reports to the National Coordination with one direct report

Scope of the position Objective of the Position:

1. Provide technical leadership for the design and implementation of the research project and ensure quality implementation of activities
2. Ensure coordination of the project at the county and national level with the Ministry of health and relevant stakeholders
3. Continuously monitor and supervise the project activities evaluating progress and communicating feedback.
4. Provide administration leadership and financial management of the project

Specific Objectives

1. Provide technical leadership for the design and implementation of the research project and ensure quality implementation of activities

· Facilitate the design of the ICCM – CMAM study with all relevant stakeholders and provide technical leadership to ensure all details of the project are coherent, realistic, and are included in a workplan and monitoring framework

· Monitor the implementation of activities as per the work plan

· Provide technical leadership to ensure all activities are implemented with the highest standards of quality

· Develop and produce monthly, quarterly and annual technical reports for the project

· Review and monitor project budget and follow the burn rate throughout the project duration. Propose and follow adjustments to budget to match the needs identified in the field.

2. Ensure coordination of the project at the counties and national level with the Ministry of health and relevant stakeholders

· Organize and animate project coordination with external and internal stakeholders

· Facilitate and lead the coordination and activities of the project dedicated steering committee at county and national levels.

· Organize and facilitate all relevant meetings and events with Ministry of health and partners throughout the life of the project, including design workshops, evaluation reviews, regular monitoring meetings and project closure

3. Continuous monitoring and supervision of project activities evaluating progress and communicating feedback

· Track project performance and regularly update the project monitoring framework

· Document lessons learnt, human interest stories and success stories from the project implementation

· Provide leadership and technical support in implementation of operational study embedded in the project

· Ensure relevant project data are collected, analyzed and reports developed to inform program impact.

4. Provide administration leadership and financial management of the project

· Ensure respect for HKI budgeting and procurement procedures for the program.

· Support and facilitate the logistics activities of the project particularly in relation to purchasing supplies and equipment for the project activities to ensuring quality and timeliness

· Manage project budget to ensure all expenses are within the approved limits and meet HKI standards regarding financial management, accountability and good governance.

· Provide support to the project staff through coaching and mentorship, foster teamwork through regular communication, information sharing, and provide opportunity for feedback

Qualifications & competencies

· Master of Nutrition, public health or equivalent

· At least ten years’ experience in humanitarian programs

· Demonstrated experience in ICCM and/or CMAM programming

· Demonstrated experience in nutrition and health projects management and coordination

· Demonstrated experience in research and/or operations studies

· Excellent English writing skills

· Demonstrated experience in advanced statistical analysis and operational research

· Ability to analyze data and produce quality reports

· Ability to validate and interpret health data

· Excellent communication, representation and analytical skills

· Demonstrated experience in preparation of donors’ proposals, budgets, and reports

· Able to prioritize clearly, oversee multiple tasks, set clear objectives for staff and delegate.

· Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels.

· Creative, open-minded, flexible, self-learner.

· Team-player with good inter-personal skills.