Manager, MNCH (Consultant) at Evidence Action

Job Purpose

• Evidence Action is seeking a Manager, Nutrition Program to lead its technical assistance for the national Small Quantity Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) and Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) programs.
• The Manager, will provide strategic oversight and coordination across multiple states and the FCT, working closely with federal government stakeholders, development partners, and a team of nine State Coordinators.

Duties And Responsibilities
National Coordination and Strategic Planning:

• Lead national-level coordination of the MMS and SQ-LNS technical assistance program
• Develop and oversee implementation of national-level rollout workplans in collaboration with federal government stakeholders
• Develop program-wide policies, protocols, and standard operating procedures for MMS and SQ-LNS delivery.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:

• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders at federal ministries, development agencies, and implementing partners
• Represent Evidence Action in national-level coordination meetings, technical working groups, and multi-stakeholder forums
• Advocate for SQ-LNS and MMS procurement and financing through government mechanisms.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building:

• Provide technical guidance to State Coordinators on program implementation across all priority states
• Support adaptation of training materials, development of training cascades, and implementation of community sensitization campaigns
• Review and provide technical feedback on state-level operational plans and support states in addressing implementation challenges.

Supply Chain and MLE Oversight:

• Coordinate national-level quantification, forecasting, and procurement planning for SQ-LNS and MMS
• Oversee the design and implementation of annual facility and household coverage surveys and quarterly facility performance monitoring
• Synthesize learnings from routine monitoring data and surveys to make program improvement recommendations.

Key performance Indicators

• Program-wide policies, protocols and SOPs for MMS and SQ-LNS developed, approved and in use across priority states
• State-level operational plans reviewed, with technical feedback provided within agreed timelines
• Progress on government procurement and financing commitments for SQ-LNS and MMS
• National quantification, forecasting and procurement plans completed on time
• Annual coverage surveys and quarterly facility performance monitoring completed as planned, with findings turned into program improvement recommendation
• State Coordinators supported and managed effectively, with timely, good-quality reporting from all priority states.

Requirements
Education:

• Master’s Degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Health Policy, Health Systems, Development Studies, or a related field required
• A medical degree or other clinical qualification is an added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of seven years of experience in nutrition, public health, or child health programming, preferably with government or NGOs in Nigeria
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including work plan development, budget management, and reporting and accountability requirements
• Demonstrated experience managing large-scale health or nutrition programs and providing technical assistance to government at federal and/or state level
• Strong stakeholder management and coordination skills with government officials at multiple levels, especially in health and related agencies
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), documentation, and reporting skills in English with experience producing high-quality technical reports and presentations
• Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams across locations and provide technical mentorship
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and data analysis tools
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation systems and data-driven program management with the ability to synthesize complex data and translate findings into clear recommendations for program improvement
• Experience overseeing supply chain systems, including forecasting, quantification, procurement planning, and distribution oversight
• Highly motivated to achieve exceptional quality and results, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Working conditions:

• Based in Abuja, with 40% travel to priority states and the FCT