The Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Activity (MSNA) is USAID’s flagship nutrition program, led by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), and a diverse consortium of nine additional experienced partners including Save the Children (SC). Launched in September 2018, MSNA provides technical support to and implementation of interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners. Our multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement, and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, MSNA strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, changing behaviors and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.
Areas of Responsibility:
- MSNA is USAID’s flagship nutrition program, led by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), and a diverse consortium of experienced partners including Helen Keller International (HKI), National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (CLUSA), Save the Children (SC), the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Results for Development (R4D), The Manoff Group (TMG), The African Nutrition Leadership Programme at North-West University, South Africa (ANLP), Cornell University, and the University of California-Davis.
- The MSNA Technical Programs Manager will work closely with and provide technical and operations support to the Project Director and the Director of Program Integration. The primary role of the Technical Programs Manager is to ensure the integration of SBC, nutrition-sensitive, nutrition-specific, and market perspectives across project activities. S/he will coordinate closely with the Regional Managers to facilitate technical assistance for country programs from the MSNA advisors and specialists.
- The Technical Programs Manager will ensure a high level of coordination among the technical leads to ensure cross-sectoral management of all MSNA technical experts and an effective annual core work planning process. S/he will also provide operational and managerial support to MSNA technical advisors and consultants to ensure timely, high quality work. Additionally, this position will help MSNA advisors manage competing priorities and complex work flows across multiple supervisors.
- The Technical Programs Manager is expected to work closely with project leadership to define MSNA’s strategic objectives and vision, as well as liaise with donors and other stakeholders as needed. Finally, s/he will work with the technical leads and the Director of Program Integration to foster a high level of coordination between the technical advisors, country program priorities, and MSNA research and learning activities.
Management, Implementation and Technical Excellence (50% Level of Effort)
- Support the smooth implementation of MSNA technical programs, facilitating open communication and planning between technical teams (including research and learning), knowledge management team, and finance and operations to ensure the timely and compliant management of activities.
- Backstop the Director of Program Integration’s communications with USAID and support communications with the multi-sectoral nutrition community, participating in partner, donor, and network meetings and conferences as needed.
- Drive the development, rollout, and maintenance of MSNA’s technical implementation strategy, including management support to ensure cohesive systems for monitoring and reporting project achievements to USAID and other stakeholders.
- Supervise Project Coordinators and Project Officers supporting technical and country support activities, providing active mentorship and oversight to daily activities.
- Promote and support technical collaborations with key multi-lateral and bilateral partners, and in-country stakeholders surrounding emerging topics on multi-sectoral nutrition.
- Assist the Director of Program Integration and MSNA advisors to design activities, develop products, and undertake evidence-based research.
Strategic Direction and Planning (50% Level of Effort)
- Aid in the development of a cohesive, strategic vision for MSNA’s technical activities, ensuring alignment with USAID interests, global best practices, and the project’s contractual obligations.
- Anticipate MSNA’s evolving technical and operational needs throughout the project lifecycle; proactively planning for staffing needs and adapting work flows, while also capitalizing on opportunities for cross-project collaboration and synergies.
- Oversee work planning with the Technical Team Leads in order to facilitate time management and clarity of roles and responsibilities among and across the range of work plan priorities requiring time and input from technical advisors and specialists in order to balance competing priorities; track staff level of effort and appropriate, efficient assignment of work across technical teams.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Educational Background:
Minimum Bachelor’s degree in food security, international development, communications or a related field.
Skills/Experience:
- At least 8-10 years of experience in a role supporting or implementing multi-sectoral programs, program reporting, donor compliance, and communications.
- Excellent written and oral communications and negotiating skills.
- Must be available to work in the JSI office (Arlington, VA) full time.
- Exceptional personnel management skills; experience managing teams with complex reporting lines and dedication to building internal capacity.
- Highly organized and capable of managing multiple long and short-term projects with minimal direction.
- Comfortable prioritizing and assisting others to prioritize in a fast-paced, fluid environment.
- Confident providing and receiving direct feedback in a professional, empathetic manner.
- In-depth knowledge of multi-sectoral work, including but not limited to multi-sectoral program design, monitoring and evaluation, and health communication.
- Ability to synthesize and clearly communicate complex technical material for a wide variety of audiences.
- Proactive approach to personnel and performance management; dedicated to developing internal capacities and learning opportunities.
- Ability to undertake field travel (approximately 10%)
- Full understanding of multi-sectoral nutrition approaches, best practice, and terminology; in-depth knowledge including two or more of the following areas: food security and resilience, nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programming, emergency nutrition, or WASH.
- Experience interacting with U.S. Government agencies and USAID Missions, host country governments, partners, and other relevant stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in food security, international development, communications or a related field.
- Knowledge of Feed the Future and USAID’s Bureau of Food Security, Bureau of Global Health and/or Office Food for Peace is a plus.
Compensation/Benefits:
- Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are changing the lives of children all around the world
- A family friendly work environment
- Highly collaborative and innovative teams
- Generous paid vacation days, holidays, family leave days, and sick time
- Healthcare plans including medical, dental, and life insurance
- Retirement savings account with matching company contributions
- Structured and formalized management development and coaching programs for mid and senior level managers
- Extensive e-learning opportunities on a variety of topics offered through our affiliation with several prestigious universities as well as language learning opportunities
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Sep 30 2018
Active Until:
Oct 30 2018
Hiring Organization:
Save the Children US
industry:
Nonprofit