Contract Nutrition Technical Advisor needed at Helen Keller International

Scope of the Position

The Contract Systems Strengthening Technical Advisor will provide expert guidance and support to the Nutrition Department to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of nutrition programs and initiatives. The successful candidate will play a key role in improving the department’s systems and processes to better deliver nutrition services and achieve health outcomes.

Specific Responsibilities

• Evaluate the current status and functioning of the Federal Ministry of Health Nutrition Department, identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities in its structure, operations, and capacity.
• Provide solutions to operational challenges ensuring quality control and monitor and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Collaborate with Departmental leadership to outline key milestones, activities, and timelines for technical assistance.
• Design and implement tailored capacity-building programs for the Federal Ministry of Health Director, Head of Department, and staff, covering core areas such as team building, internal coordination, writing and documentation skills, stakeholder engagement, sub-national engagement, and self-development.
• Provide strategic advice to the Director, Head of Department, and senior management on emerging issues, policy implications, and strategic directions related to nutrition programming.
• Develop recommendations for policy advocacy and decision-making to advance nutrition goals, working with a strategic systems consultant to develop the National Advocacy Strategy for Nutrition.
• Provide ongoing technical support for the implementation of Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) initiatives nationwide.
• Contribute to official reports and presentations for stakeholders, including government officials, donors, and partners, and complete monthly timesheets documenting key activities.
• Facilitate collaboration and coordination with government agencies, international organizations, and NGOs to leverage resources and expertise in nutrition programming.
• Identify opportunities to institutionalize successful practices to ensure their continuation beyond the engagement period.
• Conduct a final review to assess the engagement’s impact, facilitate a smooth transition, and document successes, areas for improvement, lessons learned, and recommendations for future support needs.

Required Qualifications/Competencies

• A minimum of a master’s degree in public health, Health Systems Management, Organizational Development, or a related field. A PhD would be an added advantage.
• At least 15-20 years of relevant experience in health systems strengthening, organizational development, or public sector management, preferably in Nigeria or a similar context.
• Proven track record in supporting institutional capacity development and health systems strengthening.
• Strong expertise in organizational development, workflow optimization, and system strengthening within the health sector.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s health systems and governance structures.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of health system strengthening initiatives.
• Experience in designing and delivering capacity-building initiatives, including training, mentoring, and coaching for health professionals and government staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations.
• Proficiency in stakeholder engagement and coordination with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify challenges and develop practical solutions.
• Ability to work in a dynamic and complex environment, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, donor agencies, and community organizations.
• High level of professional integrity and commitment to ethical standards.
• Willingness to travel within Nigeria as required to support the Federal Ministry of Health Nutrition Department’s activities and initiatives.
• Proficiency in using relevant software and technology for communication, data analysis, and reporting.