Established in 1915, Helen Keller International
(HKI) works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and
disadvantaged. We combat the causes and consequences of blindness and
malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research in vision,
health and nutrition. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts
programs in 22 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States.
HKI Nigeria implements a bi-annual campaign on vitamin A supplementation and
other nutrition activities in 10 states of the federation.
Vitamin A supplementation
HKI works closely with the government of Nigeria to
ensure high coverage of more than 80% of the target population with vitamin A.
HKI has supported the training of health workers, program monitoring, community
education and the delivery of vitamin A capsules. In 2001, HKI
integrated vitamin A supplementation into Community Directed
Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) as a cost-effective, sustainable strategy
and a strong platform for community mobilization. Vulnerable groups, including
children 6-59 months old and post-partum women within 8 weeks of delivery, were
targeted. Since 2009, HKI aligned with the Federal Government of Nigeria
and adopted the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Weeks (MNCHW) as a high
impact strategy to distribute Vitamin A capsules alongside other low-cost
interventions that have been proven to be highly effective in reducing
mortality rates and improving maternal and child health. HKI supports the
implementation of the MNCHW in 10 states of the federation through funding from
the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
ensure high coverage of more than 80% of the target population with vitamin A.
HKI has supported the training of health workers, program monitoring, community
education and the delivery of vitamin A capsules. In 2001, HKI
integrated vitamin A supplementation into Community Directed
Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) as a cost-effective, sustainable strategy
and a strong platform for community mobilization. Vulnerable groups, including
children 6-59 months old and post-partum women within 8 weeks of delivery, were
targeted. Since 2009, HKI aligned with the Federal Government of Nigeria
and adopted the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Weeks (MNCHW) as a high
impact strategy to distribute Vitamin A capsules alongside other low-cost
interventions that have been proven to be highly effective in reducing
mortality rates and improving maternal and child health. HKI supports the
implementation of the MNCHW in 10 states of the federation through funding from
the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).
Job Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Program Manager Nutrition/Fortification,
the Program Officer implements, monitors and evaluate HKI Nigeria’s nutrition
programs and projects in accordance with national protocols and policies.
the Program Officer implements, monitors and evaluate HKI Nigeria’s nutrition
programs and projects in accordance with national protocols and policies.
Technical Capacity
- Liaise with the nutrition unit of the State
Ministry of Health to develop annual nutrition strategic plans - Provide technical assistance to and support
implementation of nationwide bi-annual VAS through Child Health Days/Weeks
and integration of VAS into routine care - Implement and monitor programs to support
scaling up of infant and young child nutrition at state and local
government levels - Maintain regular communication with other
state nutrition program partners - Facilitate program planning and review
meetings on vitamin A supplementation - Collaborate with partners to develop IEC
strategies and tools to support nutrition programs - Actively participate in key relevant national
and state level nutrition technical forums - Work closely with State Nutrition Officers to
strengthen technical reporting in accordance with defined reporting
schedule and program indicators - Track program progress using mutually agreed
indicators, targets, and recommend remedial action to keep programs on
course - Contribute to and support the maintenance of
an updated data base of COPs, technical and program reports including site
visits, monthly reports, quarterly and annual reports - Participate in research to increase VAS
coverage and other nutrition interventions - Support the capacity building of nutrition
program officers on relevant nutrition interventions
Competencies Required:
- Demonstrates technical knowledge pertaining to
job requirement - Able to work under pressure minimal
supervision and able to meet up deadlines - Ability to use computer software such as
Microsoft office, internet - Must possess good interpersonal skills and a
good team player - Demonstrated excellent personal integrity and
confidentially
Qualifications Required:
- Minimum of Masters degree in Nutrition, Food
and Dietetics, - Or Bachelors in Nutrition plus a Masters in
Public Health or similar related field - Minimum of 2 years experience
How to apply
All applicants should submit electronically (1)
Curriculum vitae; and (2) A cover letter (application letter) to mbassey@hki.org.
Curriculum vitae; and (2) A cover letter (application letter) to mbassey@hki.org.
