Programme Officer (Nutrition)

Job Title: Programme Officer (Nutrition)
Duration: 12 months
Post Grade: Service Contract, NOB Equivalent
Duty Station: Nairobi
Date of issue: 3rd January 2014
Deadline for application: 17th January 2014

Background of the Position:
Micronutrient deficiencies are highly prevalent in Kenya, especially among children under five years of age. In response to the high prevalence of the micronutrient deficiencies and poor quality of diet among young children, the Government of Kenya (GoK) in 2011 launched a national Micronutrient Powder (MNP) supplementation programme for children 6-23 months as part of High Impact Nutrition Intervention (HINI) which are based on the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) priorities. The objective of the MNP intervention is to improve the quality of the children diet in order to improve the micronutrient status. WFP supports the GOK with implementation of the MNP programmes in the seven arid counties of Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Samburu, Garissa, Wajir and Mandera.

WFP as a result is looking for a Programme Officer (Nutrition) to manage the implementation of the MNP programme in these arid counties. The Programme Officer (Nutrition) will be under the supervision of Head of Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping (VAM)/Nutrition Unit of WFP-Kenya. S/he will be responsible for managing the roll out of the national programme of Micronutrient Powder (MNP) intervention for children 6-23 months in seven counties in the food insecure areas that are supported by WFP.

In particular, the Programme Officer (Nutrition) will:
 Oversee the effective implementation of MNP intervention for children 6-23 months in seven arid counties;
 Provide the detailed work plan of MNP intervention and ensure that accomplishments of activities are in timely manner;
 Contract partners for each county who will ensure successful implementation at community level;
 In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Human Nutrition and Dietetic Unit (HNDU) conduct the training of MNP to the partners including health staff, NGOs staff and others;
 In coordination with WFP-PRRO team ensure that the logistic supply of MNP is on track;
 Ensure that the Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategy of MNP is in place;
 Support the MNP Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) component ;
 Together with WFP-M&E team ensure that the monitoring and evaluation of MNP is conducted appropriately;
 Oversee the implementation of social mobilization at community level that conducted by WFP Cooperating Partners (NGOs), including reviewing their progress report and providing feedback;
 Undertake field visits to monitor the programme implementation, identify constraints and bottlenecks and recommend relevant improvement measures;
 Coordinate programme activities with the HNDU, Ministry of Health; cooperating partners and other key stakeholders, through the Micronutrient Deficiency Control Committee (MNDCC) and other coordinating bodies.
 Disseminate the findings of MNP monitoring and evaluation to the stakeholders
 Report the progress of the MNP programme to the MNDCC, in coordination with all partners.
 Provide Standard Project Report (SPR) for WFP and programme report for donor
 Liaise with technical nutrition adviser of WFP-HQ for valuable inputs on MNP issues
 Represent WFP in the nutrition meetings particularly related to the micronutrient issues
 Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications, Experience, Critical Success Factors and Language:
 University Degree in Nutrition, Public Health or other related field. Knowledge of latest development and technology in nutrition field. Advanced Degree in Public Health and/or Nutrition or related area will be an added advantage.
 Minimum of three years of postgraduate progressively responsible professional in experience in the field of public health and/or nutrition programmes.
 Strong experience and expertise in implementing projects and programmes in rural settings, especially with implementing micronutrient powder or similar operations
 Working experience with field based organizations in the area of improvement of food and nutrition security’
 Strong organizational and logistic design capacity
 Experience in collaborative work with national governments, other UN agencies and key stakeholders in field based projects and programme
 Strong experience with Behaviour Change Communication, Monitoring and Evaluation, both their design as well as conduct
 Experience in reporting and presenting outcomes of projects and programmes
 Ability to analyze budget implications of adjusted plans and implementation of projects and programmes
 Written and oral fluency English.

Interested and qualified Kenyans are requested to submit online applications only according to the following procedures:
 Go to: http://i-recruitment.wfp.org/vacancies/14-0014759
 Step 1 : Create your online CV
 Step 2: Click on “Description” to read the position requirements and “Apply” to submit your application.
 NOTE: You must complete Step 2 in order for your application to be considered for this vacancy.

If you have any queries relating to this VA please send them to: Nairobi_Hr@wfp.org
WFP is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.