Country Director

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Helen Keller International
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Country Director – Nigeria
Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Established in 1915 with Helen Keller as a founding trustee, Helen Keller International (HKI) works to save the sight and lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. Headquartered in New York City, HKI currently conducts programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States. HKI is known for sustainability, reliability, efficiency and the highest level of technical expertise in fighting and treating blindness and malnutrition. To accomplish its work, HKI builds the capacity of local governmental, civil society and private sector systems and infrastructure, and promotes the development of sustained, large-scale programs that deliver effective preventative and curative eye health and nutrition services. The hallmark of the organization’s work is its proven effectiveness in developing, testing and scaling-up health interventions, and integrating them within government and community structures. HKI works with partners around the world to help meet key provisions of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), selected by all 191 United Nations member states, as well as VISION2020, The Right to Sight. With nearly 600 staff and an annual cash operating budget of over $35 million, HKI is seeking a Country Director for its Nigeria Program.

Country Program Overview: The Country Director in Nigeria represents HKI and is responsible for program oversight and expansion. The current program focuses on child survival, neglected tropical disease, micronutrient deficiency and food security. We work in partnership with the Ministry of Health at the Federal and State level, national and international civil society organizations, UNICEF and regional bodies like WAHO and ECOWAS; to strengthen the National vitamin A supplementation program, National onchocerciasis control program, food fortification and infant and young child nutrition. We anticipate expanding into other areas including nutrition/HIV, nutrition/food security, bio fortification, policy development and nutrition capacity development.
Scope of the Position: The Country Director (CD) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the HKI-Nigeria program and management of project personnel to achieve the objectives agreed to in grants and contracts. The CD, in collaboration with regional and Headquarters staff, is responsible for generating funding from international and bilateral agencies, corporations, and individuals to continue and expand project activities in Nigeria. The CD is responsible for implementing strategic plans to further the overall mission and specific programs of HKI that meet the evolving needs and conditions in Nigeria. The CD is responsible for overall program design and proposal development; program implementation and reporting; grant management; financial planning; and human resource planning and management. The CD represents HKI in formal and informal meetings with Nigeria government officials, international donor agencies, and national technical advisory groups pertinent to HKI project activities. This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, with frequent travel to Jos, Central Plateau where HKI has a sub office. In addition, The CD reports to the Deputy Regional Director for East, Central and Southern Africa, and closely collaborates with the HKI Africa Regional Office and headquarters staff.

Requirements/Qualifications:
• Minimum of a Masters degree in public health, nutrition, development or related field, with strong preference given to doctoral level degree
• Minimum 10 years demonstrated experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation, including strong background in management of nutrition programs
• Demonstrated capacity to mobilize program funding including donor cultivation and grants writing
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff and administrative and financial activities in developing country programs
• Previous experience in Nigeria or West Africa desirable
• Experience in data analysis and interpretation is highly desirable
• Excellent oral and written English, including the ability to quickly synthesize complex technical and programmatic issues into concise communications
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high-level representation and advocacy

To Apply: The initial contract is for two years with possibility of renewal depending on funding. Interested persons should submit: (1) cover letter, (2) current curriculum vitae in English, (3) a short writing sample (2-3 pages) in English to Ms. Anu Narayan, Deputy Regional Director, at anarayan@hki.org , with a copy to Human Resources at hkihr@hki.org . Please note CD – Nigeria in the subject line. Applications will be received until position is filled.

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