2023-05-11

Nutrition Specialist – Mogadishu

Mogadishu, Somalia
Posted on May 11, 2023

Mercy Corps

Nutrition Specialist – Mogadishu

Vacant Announcement

Position Title: Nutrition Specialist

Location: Mogadishu, Somalia

Position Status: Full time, Regular

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

Mercy Corps Somalia aims to strengthen systems and mechanisms that enable sustainable development, emergency response and peaceful processes through high quality and high impact programming in Somaliland, Puntland and the South-Central of Somalia, i.e. all over Somalia. Mercy Corps assists communities in Somalia to transition from crisis to transformative recovery and sustainable development. We currently implement programs that address IDP and returnees needs in terms of education, health, conflict mitigation management, livelihoods and emergency response with an orientation towards early recovery. We aim to expand our programs that strengthen and diversify livelihoods and ensure food security and resilience throughout the country. In our continued response to emergencies and disaster, Mercy Corps seeks experienced nutrition Specialist for its Somalia Drought Response and Famine Prevention Program (SDRFP), funded by the USAID/BHA.

General Position Summary

The Nutrition Specialist is overall responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the planned activity components under the Nutrition Sector in the SDRFP Program working under the supervision of the Program Manager. The Nutrition Specialist will work closely both with management and support staff (including finance, administration and program) in Mercy Corps field offices to ensure the day-to-day nutrition activities are implemented according to schedule, budget and required quality. The specialist will have to coordinate closely with the nutrition and health clusters. Similarly, s/he has to closely coordinate with the Local Administration, the IDP and host community leaders, and other key program stakeholders to achieve the program goals and ensure that all activities are implemented on demand-driven; and communities mobilized in a participatory way. S/he will have to show full adherence to Mercy Corps procedures, policy and security protocols.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

Review existing program strategies and approaches based on changing contexts. Work with Program Manager to ensure nutrition sector linkages with other sector strategies (WASH, NFI, Food Security, Livelihoods and Protection).
Design viable strategies that are both respectful with the local culture and sensitive towards the population.

implementation and program coordination

Work with MEAL Team (Officers and Manager) to develop needs assessment tools and strategies, and train and supervise staff through field surveys and assessments.
Contribute to building the capacity of Mercy Corps staff, as well as project stakeholders.
Develop project work plans related to Nutrition activities with HQ Technical Support Unit (TSU) as needed; communicate to Program Manager.
Ensure the tracking, monitoring and quality reporting of all Nutrition interventions.
Complete budget pipeline planning, monitoring and monthly follow up in coordination with the Program Manager.
Supervise and monitor the implementation of nutrition activities, together with other program team members, ensuring that all activities are compliant with the grant and Mercy Corps requirements. Prepare subsequent reports.
Work with Program Manager and Director of Programs to identify, build and manage collaborative partnerships with consortium partners, sub-grantees, donors, and other stakeholders.

Program impact and PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Prepare procurement plans based on project cycle for nutrition works; ensure all PRs are accurately prepared and submitted on time.
Manage grant budget lines related to technical area of specialization (Nutrition), including preparation of monthly projections.
Work with MEL Unit to measure outcome indicators and outputs to determine the success of interventions.

Team Management

Provide team members with information, tools and resources to improve performance & reach objectives.
Promote accountability, communicate expectations and provide constructive feedback informally and formally via regular one on ones and performance reviews.
Create and sustain a work environment of mutual respect where team members strive to achieve excellence.
Hire, orient and lead team members as necessary.

design and planning

Lead nutrition aspects of technical assessments in coordination with other thematic areas and/or other external sector agencies.
Revise work plans in conjunction with Nutrition Specialist under the oversight of the Program Manager.
Ensure provision of program quality in all aspects of design, planning, and implementation of nutrition interventions
Contribute to the identification and design of additional opportunities for short, medium and long-term programming.
Contribute to the design of new proposals based on sectoral and general knowledge.
Collaborate with finance to develop budgets for nutrition related work.
Prepare bi-weekly, quarterly and interim donor reports for relevant activities under the guidance of the Reporting & Program Support Officer and Program Manager.
Maintain and coordinate reporting and documentation of nutrition activities.
Fulfil Mercy Corps’ Program Management Minimum Standards based on the organization-wide guide.
Ensure all interventions adhere to Mercy Corps’ Gender Policy, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.

Security

Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
Proactively ensure that team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Organizational Learning

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Supervisory Responsibility: N/AAccountability

Reports Directly to: Program Manager

Works Directly with: Nutrition team on technical related works, Program Manager, Sector Leaders, MEL Unit, TSU, Program Operations, Director of Programs, Finance.

Skills and Qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Nursing, Midwifery, Public health, or related field. Masters preferred
4 years’ experience in a relief setting with nutrition work; from starting up programs to working in emergency and transitional contexts.
Clear understanding of the integration of IYCF into health and nutrition sectors and other thematic areas, including WASH and food security.
Experience in complex and complicated settings with time sensitive deliverables in unstable environments.
Demonstrated ability to manage and communicate effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment.
Internationally recognized qualification in project or program management or a commitment to obtain the qualification in the early months of work.
Knowledge of Sphere standards and other training in humanitarian response preferred.
Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving.
Knowledge of participatory approaches and community sensitization and mobilization.
Good knowledge of program implementation, monitoring and evaluation techniques and practices.
Good knowledge and experience regarding gender mainstreaming.
Good computer applications skills.
Knowledge of M&E and the major evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies.
Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies.
Experience in planning and managing surveys.
Experience in developing and refining data collection tools.
Experience in managing and providing training to partners and target beneficiaries.
Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps and its interests to key stakeholders including host governments, and national and international NGOs.
Excellent oral and written English skills required.

Success Factors

The successful candidate will combine exceptional technical skills and experience in maintaining donor and partner relationships. S/he will have previous experience in working in large-scale emergency programs in insecure and conflict context. S/he will have an outstanding ability to design and provide technical oversight of innovative programs within the current and future program structure of Mercy Corps in the area. S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural team and capacity building, individual staff development and strong mentoring skills. The successful candidate will be able to provide technical oversight to large relief programs in an austere environment. S/he will be focused on capacity building of national staff, have strong program support skills, good information management skills and maintain a sense of humour.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

How to apply

Application Procedure:

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply for this position and submit their applications (cover letter, updated CV and contacts of 3 professional referees) through https://www.mercycorps.org/careers/national only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

“Female candidates are strongly preferred to apply, and the candidate must have a good understanding and experience for the vacant position”

Note: Please be aware that your education certificate and employment background of the last 3 years will be verified by Mercy corps during the recruitment process.

Deadline for Applications: May 18th 2023

Apply Here

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