Nutrition Officer (Ngala) at the International Rescue Committee (IRC)

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to some of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, helping individuals survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC provides lifesaving care and long-term support to refugees and displaced populations affected by conflict and disasters.

Operating in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, the organization works to restore safety, dignity, and hope to millions of people worldwide.

• Under the supervision of the Nutrition Manager, the Nutrition Officer will oversee all NHF project activities within the assigned Local Government Area (LGA).
• Ensure high levels of transparency, integrity, and commitment in project implementation.
• Manage and supervise all nutrition-related activities across IRC-supported Outpatient Therapeutic Programs (OTPs).
• Provide oversight to SMOH OTP staff and Community Health Volunteers (CHVs).
• Report directly to the Nutrition Manager.

Major Responsibilities

Program Management, Technical Quality, and Strategy

Nutrition program management:

• Support planning and implementation of project activities at the field level to improve access to quality nutrition services.
• Coordinate with LGA authorities and review technical reports from implementing partners.
• Monitor project performance against targets and recommend improvements to ensure progress.
• Conduct periodic progress analysis at the LGA level and document best practices and lessons learned.
• Identify program gaps in OTP services and implement corrective measures.
• Provide capacity building and on-the-job coaching on CMAM services and IYCF best practices.
• Oversee quality implementation of nutrition programs across supported health facilities.
• Lead assessments to incorporate the perspectives of women and girls into program design.
• Ensure accurate data collection, reporting, and timely generation of nutrition reports.
• Support reporting processes to SMOH through LGA health authorities, including HMIS.
• Ensure project visibility in line with consortium communication strategies.
• Collect impact stories and photographs showcasing project outcomes.
• Conduct regular monitoring visits to health facilities, LGA offices, and communities.
• Track work plan progress and participate in review meetings with LGAs and partners.
• Coordinate needs assessments and capacity-building plans within assigned LGAs.
• Serve as liaison between IRC, LGAs, and implementing partners.
• Promote collaboration between communities, government structures, and stakeholders.
• Strengthen inter-program linkages and contribute to protection and disaster risk reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with sectors such as Environmental Health, Health, Women Protection & Empowerment, and Child Protection.
• Participate in developing nutrition sector proposals and budgets.
• Develop and implement nutrition work plans aligned with project goals.
• Coordinate routine reporting, including mid-term and end-of-grant reports.
• Conduct nutritional surveillance using methodologies such as SMART, LQAS, and SQUEAC.
• Support community-based management of acute malnutrition, including follow-ups and referrals.
• Develop and implement training plans for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs).
• Respond to nutrition emergencies and support disaster preparedness initiatives.
• Promote infant and young child feeding practices across facilities.
• Oversee growth monitoring and MUAC screenings at community level.
• Participate in operational research and documentation of best practices.
• Engage in nutrition assessments, surveys, and KAP studies.
• Supervise IRC and MOH staff to ensure efficient performance.
• Monitor staff performance and provide timely feedback.
• Organize continuous training programs for nutrition staff.
• Address personnel issues and support HR-related processes.
• Participate in recruitment processes for nutrition staff.
• Monitor procurement and use of materials and supplies.
• Evaluate project implementation against IRC frameworks and objectives.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion and development.
• Directly supervise nutrition staff.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Coordinator.

Key Deliverables

• Provide regular updates through reports, including security updates and field visit reports.
• Share outcomes from needs assessments and capacity-building plans.
• Develop success stories highlighting project impact.
• Notify management of changes in the security context affecting implementation.
• Support visibility strategies for project awareness.
• Report challenges, gaps, and solutions.
• Ensure proper data flow and reporting processes.

Program Development / Grant Management

• Contribute to proposal design, planning, and drafting.
• Support donor reporting requirements.
• Develop and monitor expenditure plans in collaboration with Nutrition Managers.
• Ensure budgets are used efficiently and in compliance with IRC and donor guidelines.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of all internal and donor reports.

Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development

• Hire, supervise, and build team capacity in technical and management competencies.
• Develop remote management strategies for team strengthening.
• Coach, mentor, and evaluate staff performance regularly.
• Maintain professional relationships and strong team spirit.
• Manage attendance, leave, and timesheet processes.
• Conduct regular team meetings and performance reviews.
• Provide development plans and career growth support.
• Address performance issues in collaboration with HR.
• Promote staff well-being and work-life balance.
• Support succession planning and national staff development.
• Ensure compliance with IRC HR policies and procedures.

Research, Learning and Analysis

Monitoring Nutrition program implementation:

• Monitor project activities and provide field-level support.
• Conduct data analysis and ensure timely follow-up actions.
• Provide technical oversight for data interpretation.
• Promote integrated programming to enhance community-level impact.

Coordination & Representation

• Represent the program with local government authorities and partner organizations.
• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including NGOs and government actors.
• Attend relevant meetings and advocate for IRC priorities.
• Facilitate field visits for stakeholders when required.

Education:

• Health professional qualification (Nutrition and Dietetics, MD, or RN with MPH preferred).
• Strong background in nutrition.
• High level of professional discipline and integrity with the ability to work independently under pressure.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in managing and implementing nutrition programs.
• Experience in team leadership and staff management.
• Experience in outbreak response interventions.
• Ability to work with displaced communities from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Experience in donor reporting and proposal development.
• Experience in financial, HR, and logistics management.

Demonstrated Technical Skills:

• Experience in situation analysis, health assessments, monitoring and evaluation, and program implementation.

Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:

• Experience in remote management.
• Flexibility, diplomacy, and ability to work under pressure.

Interested and qualified candidates should visit the official application portal by clicking the apply button below.