Nutrition Project Manager – Medair Kenya

Job Title: Nutrition Project Manager

Location: Marsabit County, Kenya with field visits
Job Level: Mid to Senior Level
Reports To: Nairobi Office Manager
Functional Link: Senior Health and Nutrition Advisor
Direct Reports: Nutrition Officers, M & E Officers
Planned Start Date: As soon as possible
Duration of Commitment: 1 year (subject to availability of funds)

Overall Purpose:

As a crucial member of our diverse team dedicated to serving the world’s most vulnerable with practical and compassionate care, the Nutrition Project Manager (NPM) plays a vital role in managing and overseeing program activities implementation. The NPM ensures the delivery of program activities to beneficiaries while adhering to international and national guidelines and quality standards. This role involves capacity building for nutrition staff and promoting best practices in the nutrition program.

Project Overview:

This project provides emergency assistance to acutely malnourished women and children in severe drought-affected communities in Marsabit County, Northern Kenya. The activities aim to strengthen the existing health system alongside local government and development partners, supporting health facilities in delivering quality outreach nutrition services in the community.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Implementation and Planning:
- Ensure project implementation aligns with objectives, time frame, and budget.
- Design and manage a comprehensive activity plan for nutrition-related activities.
Documentation and Reporting:
- Produce relevant nutrition documentation and reports.
- Coordinate with line manager and Health and Nutrition (HN) advisor for filing compliance.
Policy and Protocol Development:
- Contribute to defining policies and protocols for medical and nutritional aspects in consultation with HN advisor.
Technical Support and Supervision:
- Provide technical support and conduct regular clinical supervision visits to ensure service quality.
- Supervise and monitor the implementation of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system.
Stock Management:
- Maintain oversight of medicine and nutrition stock, ensuring procurement planning for timely resourcing.
Integration and Participation:
- Oversee integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in nutrition activities.
- Contribute to the regional context overview for strategic development.
Representation and Coordination:
- Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
- Represent Medair at national and regional coordination meetings and events.
Financial Management:
- Plan and construct budgets for nutrition proposals.
- Manage and report on project budgets in line with Medair and donor guidelines.
Logistics:
- Work with the logistics team for effective procurement planning.
- Ensure correct procurement, transport, storage, and management of project stocks.
Quality Management:
- Work with the Senior HN Advisor to ensure nutrition response meets international, national, and Medair quality standards.
- Plan and implement training for health and nutrition staff.
Staff Management:
- Oversee recruitment and management of line-managed staff.
- Ensure regular meetings for information sharing and feedback.
Delegated Responsibilities:
- Prepare and write the nutrition sector of donor proposals and reports.
- Liaise with support departments for activity implementation within budget and time frame.

Person Specification:

Vocational Qualification: Clinical degree (nurse or doctor) or Nutrition/Public Health degree.
Work Experience: 5+ years in managing nutrition programs, preferably in a relief environment.
Languages: Strong working knowledge of English, local language desirable.
IT Competency: Proficient in Microsoft Office programs.
Competencies: Team-player, quality improvement, capacity-building, training/mentoring/coaching, multi-cultural teamwork, ability to work under pressure, and knowledge of humanitarian principles.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are required to submit:

Detailed and updated C.V.
Cover letter describing suitability against main responsibilities, including remuneration requirements and availability date. Submit your application to recruitment-ni@medair.org with the subject of the email as “Nutrition Project Manager” before Close of business on the 19th of January 2024. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Note: This position is open to nationals/residents only. Women applicants are encouraged to apply. Please write in English language.

Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for Nutrition Project Manager:

Demonstrate Leadership Skills:
- Provide examples of how you’ve led teams in managing and coordinating emergency nutrition responses.
Highlight Program Management Experience:
- Emphasize your experience in designing and managing comprehensive activity plans for nutrition-related activities.
Show Documentation and Reporting Expertise:
- Showcase your ability to produce accurate and relevant nutrition documentation and reports.
Emphasize Technical Support and Supervision:
- Provide instances where you’ve offered technical support and conducted clinical supervision visits to ensure service quality.
Stress Financial Management Skills:
- Highlight your proficiency in planning budgets for nutrition proposals and managing project budgets.
Illustrate Logistic and Procurement Planning:
- Share experiences in working with logistics teams for effective procurement planning.
Demonstrate Stakeholder Relations:
- Give examples of how you’ve developed and maintained relationships with stakeholders in previous roles.
Show Commitment to Quality Management:
- Discuss your experience in ensuring nutrition responses meet international, national, and organizational quality standards.
Detail Staff Management and Development:
- Highlight instances where you’ve recruited and managed staff, fostering ownership and responsibility for nutrition activities.
Exhibit Delegated Responsibilities:
- Provide evidence of successfully preparing and writing the nutrition sector of donor proposals and reports.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER Nutrition Project Manager:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Nutrition Project Manager position at Medair, as advertised. With my solid background in managing nutrition programs and coordinating emergency responses, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team. My clinical degree, coupled with extensive experience, aligns perfectly with the requirements for this role.

During my tenure at [Previous Organization], I successfully led a team in implementing nutrition activities in a relief environment, ensuring adherence to international and national guidelines. I have a proven track record in designing and managing comprehensive activity plans, producing accurate documentation, and providing technical support through regular clinical supervision visits.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to Medair’s mission in serving vulnerable communities. My commitment to quality management, financial acumen, and ability to foster a collaborative work environment make me an ideal candidate for this role. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experience align with the needs of your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of joining Medair and contributing to the success of your nutrition programs.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How will my application be reviewed?
- A: Applications will be reviewed based on relevance to main responsibilities, experience, and alignment with organizational values.
Q: What is the expected duration of the commitment?
- A: The commitment is for 1 year, subject to the availability of funds.
Q: Are international candidates eligible for this position?
- A: No, this position is open to nationals/residents only.
Q: What languages are acceptable for applications?
- A: Please write your application in English. Knowledge of the local language is desirable.
Q: Can I apply if I have less than 5 years of experience in managing nutrition programs?
- A: While 5 years’ experience is preferred, we encourage all eligible candidates to apply.
Q: How should I submit my application?
- A: Submit detailed CV and cover letter to recruitment-ni@medair.org with the subject “Nutrition Project Manager” by January 19, 2024.
Q: Are women applicants encouraged to apply?
- A: Yes, we strongly encourage women to apply.
Q: Can I include additional documents with my application?
- A: Please submit only a detailed CV and cover letter.
Q: Will I be notified if my application is unsuccessful?
- A: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Q: How should I address remuneration requirements in my cover letter?
- A: Please include your remuneration requirements in your cover letter along with your availability date.

Possible Nutrition Project Manager Interview Questions With Answers:

Q: How do you ensure adherence to international and national guidelines in nutrition program implementation?
- A: In my previous role at [Previous Organization], I developed and implemented strict protocols aligned with international standards, conducting regular audits to ensure compliance.
Q: Can you share an instance where you successfully managed a nutrition program within a limited budget?
- A: At [Previous Organization], I collaborated with the finance team to meticulously plan budgets, implementing cost-effective measures without compromising service quality.
Q: How do you handle challenges in coordinating with diverse stakeholders?
- A: I prioritize open communication and relationship-building. An example is when I facilitated regular meetings with stakeholders at [Previous Organization], fostering collaboration and addressing concerns proactively.
Q: Describe your approach to staff management and development.
- A: I believe in fostering a collaborative and empowering work environment. At [Previous Organization], I conducted regular staff meetings, providing opportunities for feedback and professional development.
Q: How do you stay updated on the latest developments in the nutrition field?
- A: I am committed to continuous learning. I regularly attend conferences, workshops, and subscribe to reputable journals to stay informed about the latest advancements in nutrition.
Q: Can you share an experience where you had to adapt to a rapidly changing environment in a nutrition program?
- A: During [Previous Emergency Response], I quickly adapted our nutrition program to address emerging needs caused by unforeseen challenges, ensuring continuity and effectiveness.
Q: How do you integrate beneficiary participation and accountability into nutrition activities?
- A: I have successfully integrated feedback mechanisms and community consultations in program planning. At [Previous Organization], this resulted in increased community engagement and improved program outcomes.
Q: What strategies do you employ to ensure the quality of nutrition service provision during field visits?
- A: I conduct regular clinical supervision visits, providing hands-on guidance to Nutrition Officers and M&E officers. This approach ensures immediate feedback and continuous improvement in service quality.
Q: How do you balance the need for timely resourcing with maintaining optimal stock levels in nutrition projects?
- A: Through meticulous procurement planning and regular stock assessments, I ensure timely resourcing while avoiding overstock or stockouts, optimizing resources for project activities.
Q: How do you contribute to the strategic development of new projects in nutrition, including needs assessments?
- A: I actively participate in contextual analyses, contributing insights for strategic development. At [Previous Organization], I played a key role in needs assessments, leading to successful project proposals.

Thank you for considering a career with Medair. We wish you the best in your application process. Our commitment is to attract and retain the best employees from all races and backgrounds, fostering diversity and inclusivity in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

To apply for this job email your details to recruitment-ni@medair.org