FHI 360 leads the implementation of the Feed the Future Ethiopia USAID funded Community Nutrition. The Activity focuses on enhancing multisector coordination and accountability; improving nutrition practices and health-seeking behaviors; and strengthening delivery of quality nutrition services within USAID’s Feed the Future Zones of Influence.

Job Summary:

The Regional SBC & CE Specialist – will contribute to the design and the lead implementation of the SBC strategy for the community nutrition project aligned with the national food and nutrition policy, strategy and donor requirements. The position will be responsible for the timely implementation of all SBC related activities based on the Activity approved work plan for the regions. S/he will provide technical direction and training for staff and partners and oversee the operational aspects of the SBC approach, including SBC indicators, formative research, monitoring plans, and any recommended changes to the work plan and/or budget based on data collected and lessons-learned from the field. S/he will also prepare relevant regional SBC reports and learning documents; and provide coordination and SBC technical support for government and community organizations based on the latest evidence and best practices. S/he will work closely with project technical and management staff to generate stakeholder inputs, support in development of implementation plans and suitable knowledge management and measurement.

Location: Addis Ababa covering for Oromia region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the design and lead the implementation of the SBC strategy and implementation plan based on lessons learned, literature review/formative research findings, national guidelines, and industry standards.
• Oversee the regional programmatic and technical aspects of the SBC plan related to comprehensive, multi-layered SBC activities, ensuring SBC efforts are evidence-based, community-driven, and aligned with government policies and complementary USAID investments.
• Provide technical support in the utilization of SBC and CE tools and materials, strategies for assistance and mentorship, reports, and interventions across the project.
• Work closely with the regional teams to ensure SBC activities are implemented according to best practices and evidence-based frameworks.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to key regional stakeholders on progress.
• Develop project work plans and coordinate with partners on activities.
• Ensure technical deliverables and implementation are consistent with best practices.
• Proactively identify risks or challenges to technical deliverables and create mitigation plans.
• Review, assess, and evaluate the effectiveness of SBC interventions and make recommendations for enhancements.
• Ensures the quality of implemented technical activities and systems at all levels.
• Willingness to travel within country for technical assistance provision and quality assurance.
• Any other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Project Design Implementation:

• Develops strategies and tools for the design and implementation of specific technical components.
• Monitors project deliverables and reports to supervisors.
• Leads technical project activities and sub activities and assists with project implementation.
• May implement components of the technical portions of the project plan.
• Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff.
• Functions as the technical lead with oversight of project technical administrative and finance compliance, technical deliverables, and team management, (includes projects and consultants).

Business Development and Client/Funder Support:

• Successfully leads new business development initiatives including project design, budgeting, and recruitment efforts.
• Provides final authorization and approval of the technical portions of proposals and project design, based on the design and direction set by technical leadership.
• Builds productive working relationships internally and externally.
• Collects data for inclusion in proposals, which consist of assisting with proposal research and developing proposal strategies.
• Draft proposals, budgets, and work plans.
• Participate in business development meetings with partners and clients.

Operations Management (Finance, HR, etc.):

• Ensures project activities are on track with work plans, with technical expertise informing project implementation.
• Oversees project timelines and budgets. Assists in the development of donor reports and presentations.
• Tracks technical project spend under broad supervision.
• Tracks Statement of Work (SOW) and budget tracking systems; provides reports to supervisors.
• Collects financial and technical tracking data; prepares reports.
• Coordinate with suppliers for procurements.

Project/Program Reporting:

• Prepares reports and papers summarizing project results and analyzing data sets and technical assessment findings.
• Establishes and maintains SOW and budget tracking systems.
• Drafts / prepares client technical reports.
• Creates technical content (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts).

Quality Assurance:

• Develops in-depth knowledge of quality standards through formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives.
• Coordinates and direct activities to meet client/funder and regulatory requirements.

Applied Knowledge & Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures with providing technical support for research studies.
• Development of scope of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc.
• Broader knowledge of quality standards
• Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required.
• Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
• Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
• Excellent and demonstrated project management skills.
• Ability to influence and collaborate with others.
• Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.
• Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed.

Competencies:

There are 31 FHI 360 development competencies, of greatest focus for this particular job will be:

• Project Management (Planning and Time Management) – Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks (sets objectives/goals/measures). Breaks down work into steps, schedules, task/people assignments. Marshals people, time, and resource efficiently. Arranges information in a useful manner and orchestrates multiple activities at once.
• People Management (Making Others Great) – Facilitate professional development of staff by providing challenging, learning assignments and opportunities. Shares and solicits feedback monthly at the very least. Helps establish compelling development plans. Assigns responsibility and accountability for tasks/decisions. Monitors process, progress, and results. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best.
• Creating and Managing Systems and Processes – Recognizes the need for standardization and balances client and organization need in systems design. Anticipates the effects of process change on people while optimizing task efficiency and simplicity.
• Employees are expected to possess or have high potential for development of these three fundamental competencies.

Problem Solving & Impact:

• Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require review of various factors.
• Exercises good judgment with selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.
• Decisions may cause delays and affect a work unit or area within a department.
• Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff
• Networks with key internal and external personnel.
• Decision may cause delays or failure to achieve results that impact departmental goals.

Supervision Given/Received:

• Determines methods and procedures on new projects and assignments.
• Serves as team lead and may mentor other lower-level personnel.
• May supervisor junior level staff.
• Typically reports to Regional Hub lead with dotted line reporting to SBC & CE Advisor

Education: **

• Master’s Degree or its International Equivalent in Civil Society, Communication and Social Marketing, Economic Development, Education, the Environment, Gender, Health, Nutrition, Research, Technology and Youth or a Related Field.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field of study; Possession of a Masters degree will be an added advantage.
• Project Management (PM) Certification preferred.

Experience: **

• Bachelor’s degree in related field of study; Possession of a Masters degree will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 6 years of related work experience, including managing and implementing SBC and CE activities for donor-funded programs, within multi-sector nutrition programs in Ethiopia or similar country contexts.
• Demonstrated abilities in a range of SBC models and strategies, formative research techniques, pretesting, and M&E methodologies for effective SBC interventions.
• Experience coordinating with governments, local organizations, and communities, in the design and implementation of SBC strategies.
• Experience working with creative design agencies, material development and production houses, and public relations and print production firms.
• Strong grasp of local cultural practices, social networks, gender and age dynamics and their relationship to behavior change, strongly preferred.
• Relevant computer software skills (at a minimum, the standard applications in MS Office).
• Oral and written fluency in English.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Typical office environment.
• Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

Technology to be Used:

• Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements:

• 10% – 25%

Date Revised: 09/13/2021

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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