Position:        Regional Nutrition and Health Specialist

Reports to:    Program Development and Quality Assurance – Horn and Eastern Africa Regional Director

Technical and functional matrix linkage with HQ STA

Location:       Horn and Eastern Africa Regional Office (HEARO) – Nairobi – regular visits to the field.

Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which provides humanitarian relief in over 50 countries worldwide in the sectors of nutrition, health, WASH, FSL and MHPSS, Gender and protection. Action Against Hunger-USA, an independent NGO, currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia, Zambia and Haiti. Action Against Hunger-USA has over $100 million in programs, and approximately 2000 staff based in various country offices and the three Head Quarter Locations namely New York City, Washington D.C, and Nairobi.

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Program Development and Quality Assurance Director – Horn and East Africa Regional office (HEARO), the Regional Nutrition and Health Specialist will be responsible for strengthening and supporting Action Against Hunger’s nutrition and health program portfolio across the region with a focus on fighting hunger and malnutrition and building resilience through innovative, adaptive and evidence-based interventions. The specialist will provide technical support in the areas of quality improvement, digital health, Humanitarian Development Piece Nexus (HDP), Health System Strengthening (HSS), Simplified protocols to prevent and treat acute malnutrition, research and innovation in nutrition and health, and Emergency Nutrition and public health Preparedness and Response initiatives. The specialist will also play a representative role with local governments, donors, UN agencies and partners, including local and international NGOs, to build technical and strategic partnerships and collaboration on nutrition and health program.

The specialist will provide global, regional, and country-level situational updates and strategic inputs for informed sectoral program development and quality assurance methodologies in support of the Director of Program Development and Quality Assurance. The specialist will also be responsible for leading and planning the nutrition and health capacity-building initiatives, supporting and leading the design of nutrition and health projects, and preparing concept notes according to established and expected standards. The specialist will also work closely with different missions or countries to effectively align and implement the respective country’s strategy and sector plan with the global one. Besides, the role requires close collaboration and work with other departments and sectors to ensure a multi-sectoral and resilience program management approach at regional and mission levels. The Specialist will also support and promote the application of cross-cutting issues such as gender, inclusion, disability, and protection in line with global principles and policies, and support their integration into technical programming, capacity building, monitoring, and evaluation exercises. The specialist will further support the full application of the digitized MEAL system, including DHIS 2, in close coordination with the MEAL focal points at the global and mission levels, and will provide ongoing advice on innovative digital platforms that promote a better data management system, including the use of data for decision making.

Engagement:

The Regional Nutrition and Health Specialist will proactively engage with key stakeholders at regional and national levels to advocate for increased investment in nutrition and health programs. This will involve building and maintaining strong relationships with governments, donors, international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. By leveraging the expertise and influence, the specialist will work to shape policies and initiatives that support Action Against Hunger’s priorities and improve the Nutrition and health of vulnerable populations.

Delivery:

The Regional Nutrition and Health Specialist will ensure the effective and efficient delivery of Action Against Hunger’s nutrition and health programs across the region. This will involve providing technical guidance to country teams, monitoring program implementation, promoting quality improvement initiatives, and fostering a culture of innovation and learning. By working closely with partners and leveraging best practices, the specialist will contribute to the development and implementation of high-quality programs that address the needs of vulnerable populations and deliver sustainable impact.

Essential Duties

Objective 1: Strengthen Country Program Support

· Lead the country team in developing contextualized country and sector strategy plans in line with the ACF Global/International Strategy Plan (ISP) and mission priorities.

· Support and facilitate country-level initiatives in and around early warning and anticipatory action, emergency preparedness and response, SBCC and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

· Lead country teams in designing and formulating quality nutrition and health programs according to ACF global standards, policies and priorities.

· Ensure and support the implementation of quality programs at the country level through continuous monitoring and supportive supervision mechanisms.

· Provide ongoing technical and operational support to country teams, both remotely and through regular in-person supportive supervision.

· Provide capacity building training to country teams based on the results of ongoing needs and gaps assessments.

· Assess country team areas of support, needs and gaps on a regular basis and provide timely support in coordination with relevant offices within ACF.

· Facilitate collaboration, sharing of knowledge, expertise and best practices among country offices.

· Initiate and promote cross fertilization of approaches to nutrition and health programming in country offices to improve results and impact.

Objective 2: Ensure Program Quality and Effectiveness

• Develop simplified technical and sectoral operational guidelines useful for smooth implementation of initiatives in a harmonized and standardized manner.
• Support the implementation of Nutrition security framework for nutrition and health program quality assurance
• Conduct regular evaluations of country program outcomes to measure impact and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and implement a regional harmonized Nutrition and Health monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure consistency and comparability across country programs.

•  Promote the use of digital tools and technologies to improve data collection, analysis, and reporting and data use

• Conduct periodic reviews of country programs to assess adherence to standards, identify areas for improvement, and provide technical support.
• Promote a mindset of ongoing learning, adaptation, and innovation throughout the organization.
• Implement appropriate quality improvement methodologies, such as the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle, Lean Six Sigma, Bottleneck analysis for Health system strengthening or the Model for Improvement.
• Equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement quality improvement initiatives effectively.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams responsible for identifying and addressing quality issues.
• Collect and analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
• Ensure that staff are held accountable for meeting quality standards and that program information is transparent and accessible.
• Share knowledge and experiences related to quality improvement initiatives within the organization and with external partners.
• Ensure that quality is a priority at all levels of the organization, from program design to implementation and evaluation and Supply Chain maturity Model for last mile delivery improvement

Objective 3: Promote Organizational Learning, Innovation and Uptake

• Support country teams in mobilizing resources and implementing prioritized nutrition and health research topics and promote the use and uptake of results at multiple stages.

• Lead the development and implementation of pilot projects to test innovative approaches and learn from experimentation.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging staff to identify and implement improvements in their work.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of Action Against Hunger’s strategic initiatives, ensuring that the organization’s technical strategy aligns with emerging trends and best practices in nutrition and health.
• Establish and strengthen a regional Nutrition and Health knowledge management platform to facilitate the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and research findings among country teams.
• Represent the technical, knowledge, and innovation hub in regional discussions, fostering collaboration and integration with other sectors and departments.
• Support the documentation, capitalization, and dissemination of program experiences and lessons learned from ACF Signature approaches, contributing to organizational learning and knowledge management.
• Advocate for the use of Action Against Hunger’s guidelines, manuals, and position papers to ensure consistency and quality in program implementation.

•  Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies and partners in the region to stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and innovative approaches in nutrition and health.

• Offer expert advice and guidance to country programs on technical issues related to nutrition and health, ensuring that programs are evidence-based and aligned with best practices.
• Support the development and implementation of capacity-building initiatives for field staff, including training programs and mentorship opportunities.
• Encourage a culture of innovation and experimentation within the organization, identifying and promoting new approaches to nutrition and health programming.
• Support the evaluation of program outcomes and identify areas for improvement, contributing to continuous learning and program refinement.
• Advocate for alignment between Action Against Hunger’s technical strategy and its overall organizational goals and objectives.

Objective 4: Foster Strategic Partnerships, Resource Mobilization and Program Development

• Develop and implement a regional resource mobilization strategy to diversify funding sources in collaboration with Business development and grants department.
• Explore opportunities for public-private partnerships including IDA/GIK to leverage resources and expertise from the private sector.
• Support and facilitate partnership with regional and local universities, research institutions and academia.
• Explore the development and implementation of sustainable financing mechanisms to ensure the long-term sustainability of nutrition and health programs.
• Conduct research to identify potential funding sources, including regional bodies, government grants, private foundations, and corporate sponsors.
• Collaborate with business development, regional, and country teams to develop compelling proposals that articulate the program’s goals, objectives, and impact.
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders, such as government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector organizations, to secure funding and support for nutrition programs.
• Engage with private fundraising and collaborate with technical teams to develop effective strategies for attracting corporate and individual donors.
• Review and provide feedback on concept notes and proposals from country teams, ensuring that they incorporate evidence-based nutrition approaches and interventions.
• Work with donors to negotiate favorable terms and conditions for grants and contracts.
• Oversee the implementation of funded programs, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with donor requirements.
• Track program expenditures and report on financial performance to donors and stakeholders in collaboration business development and finance team
• Proactively identify areas where additional funding is needed to support program activities.
• Represent Action Against Hunger at regional and national forums to advocate for increased investment in nutrition and health programs.

Objective 5: Regional Representation, Coordination, and advocacy

• Represent Action Against Hunger at global and regional forums and conferences to raise awareness of the organization’s work and influence policy decisions.
• Collaborate with other humanitarian and development organizations to strengthen the collective impact of interventions in the region.
• Develop and implement a regional positioning strategy to effectively align Action Against Hunger’s regional priorities.
• Actively participate in relevant regional and special national coordination bodies, working groups, and technical fora to represent Action Against Hunger’s interests and expertise.
• Advocate for policies and initiatives that support nutrition and health interventions at the regional and national levels.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities for nutrition and health programs at the regional level, collaborating with donors and partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with international organizations, donors, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to strengthen Action Against Hunger’s network and influence.
• Develop and disseminate Nutrition and Health related press releases, advisories, bulletins and other communication materials to raise awareness of Action Against Hunger’s work and promote its impact in collaboration with communication and advocacy department.
• Contribute to the Knowledge Innovation Hub by sharing information, case studies, and lessons learned on nutrition and health programs.
• Facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange among country programs and regional partners to enhance program effectiveness and learning.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization on nutrition and health issues at regional levels, providing expert insights and advocating for Action Against Hunger’s priorities.
• Stay informed about regional and global trends in nutrition and health, identifying opportunities for Action Against Hunger to respond through advocacy and policy engagement.

Objective 6: Enhance Human Resources Management for Nutrition and Health Staff

• Develop a regional leadership development program to identify and nurture future sector leaders within the organization.
• Promote gender equality and diversity within the nutrition and health workforce.
• Ensure that staff have access to mental health support and well-being programs.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive human resources strategy aligned with the organization’s overall strategic objectives and the specific needs of nutrition and health programs in the region.
• Conduct regular needs assessments to identify the skills and competencies required for nutrition and health staff at different levels.
• Develop and implement a robust recruitment and selection process that ensures the identification and hiring of qualified candidates with the necessary technical expertise and skills.

•  Provide technical guidance and support to HR teams in the development of job descriptions, screening of applications, and conducting technical interviews for nutrition and health positions.

• Establish and maintain a talent pool of qualified nutrition and health professionals to facilitate timely recruitment and deployment.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive induction and orientation program for new nutrition and health staff to familiarize them with the organization’s culture, policies, and procedures.
• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance the skills and knowledge of nutrition and health staff.
• Establish performance management systems to monitor staff performance, provide feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
• Promote a positive and supportive work environment that fosters employee engagement, motivation, and well-being.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant labor laws and regulations and promote fair and equitable employment practices.

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in public health, Medicine, nutrition, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in humanitarian or development contexts, with a focus on nutrition and health.
• Strong understanding of the principles and practices of nutrition and health programming in emergency and humanitarian settings.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring nutrition and health programs.
• Proven ability to develop and manage partnerships with government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in other languages relevant to the region is desirable.
• Willingness to travel frequently to country programs within the region.

Required Skills and Experience

• Technical expertise in nutrition assessment, program design, implementation, and monitoring.
• Knowledge of international nutrition standards and guidelines.

• Experience in conducting needs assessments and developing evidence-based program plans.
• Ability to provide technical guidance and support to country teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address challenges in program implementation.
• Experience in developing and managing budgets and financial reporting.
• Experience in managing key donor grants and knowledge oof donor reporting requirements and best practices.
• Experience in conducting monitoring and evaluation activities and analyzing data.

•   Ability to facilitate training and capacity-building initiatives for program staff.

• Experience in leading sectoral TWG and participating in program governance structures.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Experience in advocacy and policy engagement at regional and national levels.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and often challenging environment.
• Commitment to Action Against Hunger’s mission and values.

Supervisory Responsibilities

· The Specialist will supervise and evaluate the performance of Regional Nutrition and Health Managers and Regional Pharmacists.

· The Specialist will identify the needs and gaps for capacity building of the supervisees and address the needs in close consultation with the Director of PDQA and others.

Fiscal Responsibility

The Regional Nutrition and Health Specialist will serve as the focal point for all Nutrition and Health-related programs and projects at HEARO level. This will include:

• Ensuring that programs are implemented within budget, scope, and time and as per set standards
• Monitoring program progress and identifying areas for improvement.
• Advocating for additional funding as needed.

Physical Demands travel, Working Conditions, Travel and Environment:

This position requires regular attendance and the ability to work outside of normal office hours or on weekends as necessary. Employees may need to sit for extended periods and deliver on any additional tasks from the office. Flexible work arrangements may be considered to improve work-life balance and reduce stress. The role involves frequent travel to field locations, which can be physically demanding. Safety training is essential to prepare staff for challenging environments. Overall, the job demands a high level of focus, adaptability, and physical stamina.

Core Values and Gender Equality:

This position requires adherence to Action Against Hunger’s core values in all interactions with colleagues, community, and partners. The organization is committed to gender equality and provides regular training to ensure staff understand and implement these principles. An inclusive workplace that values diversity and respects all individuals is essential. The role involves fostering an environment where women and men are treated equally and have equal access to information. Evaluation and promotion should be based on skills and performance, regardless of gender. Community of all genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, and backgrounds must be respected. The organization values and respects all cultures.

Career Development: Invest in staff development through training, mentoring, and career advancement opportunities.

Benefits

Action Against Hunger-USA provides all staff with an attractive salary & benefits package. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees & qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status, or status as a veteran. Action Against Hunger-USA complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

Application Process:

Due to Urgent need to fill this position, Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis. Applications should reach not later than September 20,2024