Manager, Program-Nutrition

About Evidence Action

At Evidence Action we deliver data-driven interventions that transform lives at an unprecedented scale. We identify neglected global health issues and deploy proven solutions forging healthier futures for generations.

Our model operationalizes leading academic research (including from Nobel-winning economists). We measure progress and outcomes at every stage to ensure were making a real impact for people living in poverty and suffering from preventable or treatable health issues. Operating across 9 countries our team of 800 has reached over 500 million people working closely with governments to scale these interventions.

• Our Deworm the World program has delivered over 2 billion treatments significantly reducing worm prevalence and generating more than $23 billion in lifetime productivity gains.
• Through Safe Water Now weve saved the lives of over 15000 children.
• Our Accelerator explores untapped opportunities in global health testing low-cost interventions with the greatest potential to save and improve lives.

At Evidence Action your colleagues are your greatest asset. Youll partner with high-caliber colleagues in an environment blending innovation autonomy and teamwork. Our team excels in disruptive thinking and believes in rolling up our sleeves to get things done. If youre looking to work flexibly and with purpose join a team that delivers measurable change for millions.

Job Purpose

In Nigeria Evidence Action has a strong track record of delivering high-quality TA for health programs. Evidence Action has supported Nigerias national school-based deworming program since 2016 currently reaching 6 million children annually across five partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Evidence Action has also conducted pilots of multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) and intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in school-age children (IPTsc).

Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) are a WHO-recommended intervention to prevent malnutrition. Evidence shows that SQ-LNS prevents stunting and wasting and can reduce child mortality by 24%. Evidence Action is supporting the Nigerian governments rollout of SQ-LNS to children 6-18 months of age living in areas with elevated mortality and malnutrition.

Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) MMS during pregnancy improves maternal and child health outcomes by addressing multiple micronutrient deficiencies. Compared to iron and folic acid supplementation (IFA) MMS reduces stillbirths by 9% small for gestational age by 8% and low birth weight by 12%. Evidence Action is supporting the Nigerian governments scale-up of MMS for pregnant women in FCT Oyo and Jigawa states building on successful piloting of the program in FCT and Oyo State.

The successful candidate will provide technical assistance (TA) for the roll out of SQ-LNS at the central level and in nine high-burden states: Adamawa Bauchi Gombe Jigawa Kaduna Kano Kebbi Plateau and Sokoto. The successful candidate will also provide technical assistance to three states (FCT Oyo and Jigawa) for the scale-up of MMS. Our TA will include program planning and management supply chain support training and community sensitization and monitoring learning and evaluation (MLE).

Role Summary:

Role Type:Temporary Hire

Duration:20 months

Location:Abuja (with travel as required)

We are seeking a Manager Program Nutrition to lead Evidence Actions technical assistance for the national SQ-LNS and MMS programs. The Manager Program will provide strategic oversight and coordination across multiple states and the FCT working closely with federal government stakeholders development partners and a team of nine State Coordinators. The Manager Program will be responsible for the following activities:

Duties and responsibilities

National Coordination and Strategic Planning

• Lead national-level coordination of the MMS and SQ-LNS technical assistance program
• Develop and oversee implementation of national-level rollout workplans in collaboration with federal government stakeholders
• Develop program-wide policies protocols and standard operating procedures for MMS and SQ-LNS delivery

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders at federal ministries development agencies and implementing partners
• Represent Evidence Action in national-level coordination meetings technical working groups and multi-stakeholder forums
• Advocate for SQ-LNS and MMS procurement and financing through government mechanisms

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

• Provide technical guidance to State Coordinators on program implementation across all priority states
• Support adaptation of training materials development of training cascades and implementation of community sensitization campaigns
• Review and provide technical feedback on state-level operational plans and support states in addressing implementation challenges

Supply Chain and MLE Oversight

• Coordinate national-level quantification forecasting and procurement planning for SQ-LNS and MMS
• Oversee the design and implementation of annual facility and household coverage surveys and quarterly facility performance monitoring
• Synthesize learnings from routine monitoring data and surveys to make program improvement recommendations

Qualifications

• Masters degree in Public Health Nutrition Health Policy Health Systems Development Studies or a related field required

• A medical degree or other clinical qualification is an added advantage

Experience

• Minimum of ten years of experience in nutrition public health or child health programming preferably with government or NGOs in Nigeria
• Excellent organizational and project management skills including work plan development budget management and reporting and accountability requirements
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale health or nutrition programs and providing technical assistance to government at federal and/or state level
• Strong stakeholder management and coordination skills with government officials at multiple levels especially in health and related agencies
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) documentation and reporting skills in English with experience producing high-quality technical reports and presentations
• Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams across locations and provide technical mentorship
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word Excel PowerPoint) and data analysis tools
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation systems and data-driven program management with the ability to synthesize complex data and translate findings into clear recommendations for program improvement
• Experience overseeing supply chain systems including forecasting quantification procurement planning and distribution oversight
• Highly motivated to achieve exceptional quality and results and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously

Direct reports

9 State Program Coordinators in nine states

Benefits may differ based on country-specific regulations

Required Experience:

Manager