The Program Officer will work closely with stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of humanitarian assistance to food insecure women, children, elderly persons, and people with disabilities affected by the crisis. The program Officer will lead and manage the implementation of the Life-saving Assistance project, aimed at improving food and nutrition security for communities affected by crisis and carry out early recovery activities to meet their immediate food needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive program implementation plan that integrates all project activities, ensuring that project objectives are met within the set timeline and budget.
• Lead the coordination and implementation of activities in the project implementation plan, ensuring that all activities are integrated and complementary.
• Supervise and manage the project team, ensuring that they are fully supported in their roles and that project activities are carried out in a timely and efficient manner.
• Organize and oversee the distribution of food and nutrition assistance to beneficiaries, ensuring that distributions are carried out in a safe and secure environment.
• Conduct monthly screenings for children 6-23 months and pregnant and lactating women, ensuring that beneficiaries are referred to appropriate health facilities for treatment.
• Implement complementary livelihood activities, such as skills building, financial literacy sessions, VSLAs, and small business development, ensuring that targeted beneficiaries are provided with the necessary support to improve their livelihoods.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including WFP, UNICEF, and other relevant organizations to ensure a holistic approach to addressing the crisis.
• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track project progress, measure impact, and identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare and submit regular project reports, ensuring that all project activities are fully documented and accounted for.
• Represent the project at meetings, workshops, and other relevant events, providing updates on project progress and engaging stakeholders in discussions on project issues.
• Ensure the safety of assistance activities in the target areas in accordance with WFP guidelines on safe distributions
• Implement socio-economic measures, such as community cohesion and social protection measures for vulnerable groups
• Enhance personal hygiene messaging and access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of the project activities and report on progress
• Provide technical and logistical support to the project team

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Public Health, Project Management, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in managing humanitarian and development programs
• Knowledge and experience in food security and nutrition programming
• Experience working with WFP or similar organizations is an advantage
• Strong project management, coordination, and implementation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work effectively in a culturally diverse and remote work environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Computer proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments
• Fluency in English and the local language is an advantage
• Committed to FINDEF’s values and principles

Additional Information

• The ideal candidate will have a passion for helping those affected by crisis, and the ability to work effectively in a challenging environment.
• They should be self-motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• This position requires an individual who is able to manage their time effectively, prioritize tasks, and take initiative in solving problems.
• The candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong relationships with local partners, stakeholders, and communities.

Note: This job description is not exhaustive and may be adjusted based on the evolving needs of the project. This is a full-time position, and the successful candidate must be available to work in Gwoza (Pulka and Gwoza) LGA, Borno State.