Micronutrient Initiative(MI) Vacancy for a Country Director in Nigeria

The Micronutrient Initiative (MI) is the leading organization working exclusively to eliminate vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the world´s most vulnerable populations.
The following vacancy exists for a Country Director in Nigeria 

Position Title: Country Director, Nigeria
Reports to/Position Title: Deputy Regional Director, Africa

Overall Purpose/Broad Function:
Oversee MI’s operations in Nigeria, providing leadership, efficient management of resources and oversight of programs, ensuring they are aligned with both MI’s and the Government of Nigeria’s strategic priorities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

- Program Development
• Ensure there are up to date national situation assessments regarding micronutrient programs in Nigeria incorporating changes to the health system, political and socio-economic environment etc.
• Ensure MI’s programs in Nigeria are designed to address the needs of the government of Nigeria and aligned with MI’s priorities, plans and objectives.
• Ensure that the design of MI-funded programs is developed in a participatory way that fosters ownership by the Government of Nigeria in line with the Paris Principles.
• Ensure that MI staff adhere to the Project Concept Note Procedures and secure technical and financial approval in a timely manner.
- Program and Financial Management
• Oversee management of MI programs ensuring that program staff are meeting all technical and reporting requirements and that the program approval, implementation and monitoring processes are in accordance with MI policies and procedures.
• Ensure all projects are managed within budget and that the contracts database is regularly updated.
• Manage MI’s Vitamin A Supplementation (VAS) program in Nigeria.
• Keep a watching brief on fortification in Nigeria and manage any fortification work by MI should resources become available.
• Ensure that the Government of Nigeria is fully engaged in the management of MI Programs.
• Provide reports for CIDA and other funding agencies, via the RO and HQ on timely basis, that fully meet the agreed criteria for reporting.
- Human Resource Management
• Provide vision and leadership for MI staff and consultants in Nigeria.
• Ensure effective performance management of MI staff in line with MI procedures.
• Encourage staff to continue to develop professionally and provide mentoring to help them improve.
• Manage all MI consultant contracts in a timely manner in line with local legislation and MI policies.
- Strategic Planning
• Ensure planning is informed by a comprehensive appreciation of the landscape concerning national needs for, and provision of, micronutrient programs in Nigeria including the roles and plans of key stakeholders in government, private sector, donors and other funding agencies and communities.
• Oversee the development, finalization, implementation and monitoring of Strategic Planning for MI Nigeria including consultation with stakeholders in government, private sector and donor partners and coordinating inputs from staff in Nigeria, regionally and at HQ.
• Generate new ideas and strategies to better meet MI objectives and encourage staff to do the same.
- External Relations
• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in Nigeria, such as the Ministry of Health, NPHCDA, NAFDAC, UNICEF, World Bank, donors, especially in support of the SUN Initiative and in line with the Paris Principles of government leadership and ownership.
• Represent MI at national and international conferences and play active role on national level task
forces and alliances.
• Look for new opportunities to expand the work of MI using non-CIDA financial resources and ensure effective stewardship of such donors.
• Ensure positive communication and build a positive relationship with CIDA staff in Nigeria.
- Office management
• Ensure all MI financial resources in Nigeria are properly and transparently managed in liaison with the Regional Financial Manager.
• Ensure the MI office space and environment is appropriate for the number of MI staff in Nigeria, meets acceptable standards of safety, security and hygiene and is properly maintained.
• Ensure quarterly reports for Nigeria in line with procedures of the Africa Management Committee are provided to the D/Regional Director in a competent and timely manner.
Any other duties as requested

Supervisory Responsibilities:
Direct supervision of a Program Officer and Program and Finance Assistant

Education/Professional Designations/Experience:
Education
• Masters degree from a recognized university in public health field, nutrition, management, international development, or other related area.
• Training in management essential.
• Training in research methodologies desirable
Experience
• At least 8 years experience in management of public health or a related field essential, including managing finances and human resources, in progressively more responsible levels.
• At least 5 years experience in program management essential
• At least 5 years experience in strategy formulation and planning essential
• At least 10 years experience of working in Nigeria
• At least 3 years of research experience in related fields, desirable
• At least 3 years experience in micronutrient supplementation and/or child survival programs, desirable
• At least 5 years experience in networking at a high level with international partners and country government, desirable

Language Skills
Fluent in English

Travel Requirements
Based in Abuja, position travels 30% of the time, in country and internationally

Other Specific Skill Requirements:
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills
Good presentational skills
Effective leadership, management and team working skills
Discretion
Integrity

NOTE: This Job description can and will be amended as required from time to time
NOTE: 2012-AFR-NIG-06 selection process is open to all citizens of Nigeria and those entitled to work in Nigeria. The position is location in Abuja. The salary is paid in NGN and is subject to Nigeria’s taxation
laws. Candidates’ evaluations may include both a written exam and an interview.

Method of Application
You must submit the following documents in one file: your curriculum vitae in English (typed), a presentation letter, in English, explaining how you meet the qualifications for the job and your motivation (typed), plus the names of 3 referees by email to the following email address: hr@micronutrient.org. Please quote number 2012-AFR-NIG-06 on your application.
Deadline to apply is Monday, August 20, 2012 at noon (Abuja’s time).

Please also note that candidates whose application will be considered will be expected to be available for an interview the 1st week of September 2012 in Abuja.

Failure to submit the documents in the format required may result in the rejection of your application.
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