Mercy Corps Nutrition Advisor Jobs in Uganda

Mercy Corps Nutrition Advisor Jobs in Uganda


About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.

In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within. Now, and for the future.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

  • Support the Apolou Leadership in developing a vision and strategy for the Activity.
  • Play an active role in identifying and developing new initiatives that foster or improve food security and nutrition strategic objectives of the Activity and the country office.

    Program Management

  • Support scale up of MCHN and nutrition Behavior Change strategy in four districts through Mother Care Groups, male engagement programming, and other activities as relate to the overall nutrition objective
  • Support implementation of health system governance activities across the four districts
  • Ensure nutrition activities are implemented according to best practice with technical oversight of implementation strategy and related materials
  • Develop and roll out associated MCHN curricula to community platforms as needed
  • Manage team of nutrition implementers, including national staff and international consultants
  • Provide budget oversight and administration for the health and nutrition component and ensuring staff compliance with donor and agency regulations
  • Work with partners and team leaders, advocate for nutrition and health priorities in line with Apolou strategy at key district, regional and national events
  • Ensure an integrated approach to health and nutrition related program activities in order to maximize resource utilization and synergy between the staff, consortium members, district local governments, the Ministry of Health and other implementing partners
  • Support coordinated data collection systems and reporting formats within the MCHN team and between partners, with integrated communications to ensure sharing of lessons learned and foster a supportive environment driven by achievement.
  • Identify and communicate learning agenda for the nutrition and health sector within Apolou.
  • Recommend program priorities and explore, evaluate and present new opportunities with high potential for impact in the areas of health, nutrition and gender.
  • Support the MEL Advisor to ensure that the correct tools and processes for collecting data in the field is being done.
  • Support Collaborative Learning and Adaption component in the Apolou program.
  • Lead quarterly review meetings, and monthly sector meetings to guide implementation, coordination and learning.
  • Participate in the recruitment of new staff, establish effective supervision structures, identify and meet training needs and ensure adherence to Mercy Corps’ performance management system within the team;
  • Establish an adaptive management learning culture in which evidence is continuously generated and lessons learned are actively shared across the consortium for maximum impact
  • Work with HQ and national office staff to strengthen operations, identify and pursue complementary programming
  • Build capacity of team leaders to take primary responsibility for respective data gathering, quality control and communication to MELC focal person
  • Ensure establishment and provide oversight on the team’s maintenance of relationships with communities, village councils and local government in Moroto, Kotido, Kaabong and Amudat/Karamoja target areas.
  • Support and coordinate visits from regional and HQ based staff and external visitors, such as donors and media, in collaboration with DCOP and CoP.
  • Establish and maintain contact with all key actors as relevant for program implementation –government ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, private sector partners – and establish mechanisms for contacting local community organizations and partners and other local NGOs/CBOs in line with key Apolou areas of work
  • Advocate and make appropriate presentations when requested at local, regional, and where possible national and international platforms for Apolou supported strategies for health and nutrition
  • Represent Apolou at Nutrition-related meetings,
    implementing partner coordination meetings, events and conferences
    Attend nutritional working group and other relevant meetings at Kampala, district and regional level on behalf of Mercy Corps
  • Represent Mercy Corps externally at various forums where requested.
  • Develop draft presentations around nutrition analysis and results for Mercy Corps for presentation purposes when requested.
  • When requested represent Mercy Corps’, Apolou in coordination and technical meetings at district, regional and national level, and at higher levels, to ensure optimal coordination/collaboration and development of common approaches to the nutrition field.
  • Ensure mainstreaming of crosscutting issues including: targeting, HIV/AIDS, equality/gender, rights based approach and do no harm throughout the programme including analysis and design to meet mainstreaming strategic objectives;
  • Ensure compliance with all Mercy Corps policies and procedures including Program Participant Protection Policy, Equality, Security Management, Finance and Transport.
  • Provide technical support to other programs particularly Livelihood program development.
  • Undertake other related duties as may be assigned by the DCoP, CoP and Country Director

    Knowledge and Experience
  • A Master’s Degree or equivalent in Nutrition;
  • At least 5 years’ experience in nutrition specific programming with at least 3 of the years in nutrition programming implementation in developing country contexts, preferably in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Demonstrated experience in public health nutrition, community behavior change, preferably with an understanding of the facilitative approach to development;
  • Superb English verbal and written communication and presentation skills required;
  • Strong understanding of data analysis and statistics;
  • Ability to communicate with donors, private sector and civil society partners and host government representatives;
  • Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and enthusiasm as well as a willingness to learn and to be continually adaptive within a dynamic and often self-directed working environment is mandatory;
  • Self-starter, with strong capacity for critical thinking and problem solving;
  • Ability to focus on day-to-day tasks at hand while also working towards longer-term objectives with an understanding that these will change continuously;
  • Demonstrated capacity to generate and to translate innovative ideas into practical development approaches as well as marketable investment proposals and concepts;
  • Willingness to travel frequently and extensively in remote areas with basic services.

    Success Factors
  • The success of the Nutrition Advisor will combine strong program management skills with one’s ability to execute program activities with high quality.
  • S/he will have an ability to develop, implement and manage innovative activities focused nutrition.
  • S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural teams and capacity building, individual staff development, and strong mentoring skills.
  • Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail are essential.
  • The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.

    How to apply:
  • Submit your application through email to ug-mcjobs@mercycorps.org addressed to the Human Resource Director, Mercy Corps Uganda.
  • Include a cover letter clearly stating your salary requirements, CV (with 3 referees), and copies of academic qualifications/certificates.
  • Deadline for Submission: Close of business on Thursday, 31st January, 2019.
  • Subject of email should include the position you are applying for. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by Mercy Corps.
  • Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer; qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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