Program Manager at FINDEF

Reports to:    Project Director/Northwest Regional Coordinator

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Project Manager to lead a critical project aimed at combating food insecurity and malnutrition in Zamfara State. The Project Manager will oversee the implementation of food and nutrition assistance programs targeting pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and children aged 0-23 months. This role requires a strong background in project management, nutrition, food security, and experience in conflict-affected areas.

About the Project

This project, Emeregency Response for Malnutrition, is designed to address the worsening food and nutritional security among U2 children and PLW. The project will provide essential food assistance to vulnerable households, focusing on those most impacted by food insecurity. The goal is to improve food security, nutrition, and hygiene practices, while also enhancing agricultural productivity and economic resilience of vulnerable households.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the project to ensure timely and effective delivery of project objectives.
• Manage and coordinate a multidisciplinary team, including Community Health Workers (CHWs), Community Nutrition Mobilizers (CNMs), and volunteers.
• Oversee the cash-based transfer (CBT) modality for food assistance, ensuring secure and efficient distribution processes.
• Ensure the integration of nutrition and hygiene promotion sessions into the project, targeting PLW and households with children aged 0-23 months.
• Implement a market monitoring system to track key markets and commodities, informing the delivery of food assistance and identifying income-generating activities.
• Coordinate MUAC screenings for early detection and referral of malnutrition cases among children and PLW.
• Maintain close collaboration with local authorities, humanitarian partners, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with national strategies and complementarity with ongoing initiatives.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on project progress, challenges, and outcomes to the Program Director and donors.
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and international best practices, including adherence to the Sphere Standards for humanitarian assistance.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Project Management, Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field. A PhD in Nutritional Sciences or Agricultural Economics is an advantage.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in project management, with a focus on nutrition and food security in conflict-affected regions.
• Proven experience in managing nutrition and CBT programs and understanding of the operational environment in Zamfara State or similar contexts.
• Strong knowledge of malnutrition treatment protocols (OTP, CMAM), IYCF practices, SBCC, and TSFP.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large teams and work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of local languages in Zamfara State is an asset.