Health and Nutrition Lead

iDE has been in Nepal since 1992, developing market systems that provide simple innovations to help rural communities get out of poverty. Our long-standing presence in Nepal is a testimony to adaptive learning, continual innovation, and commitment to delivering meaningful impact. From the germination of an idea, through research, piloting, and its evolution into impactful and scalable solutions, iDE possesses an unparalleled understanding of Nepal's market dynamics. This deep insight has enabled us to diagnose critical value chain bottlenecks, paving the way for strategic interventions that open doors of opportunity for the marginalized.

iDE Nepal’s holistic approach to market development is what truly sets us apart. In addition to identifying market opportunities for marginalized populations, we nurture them from seed to fruition. We work hand-in-hand with the private sector, forge partnerships with governments at every administrative level, collaborate with global development partners, and most crucially, have earned the trust and partnership of the rural communities we serve. Our expansive reach, covering all seven provinces, and our continued efforts towards inclusive and resilient market development, stand testament to iDE Nepal's unwavering commitment to making a difference—one innovation at a time.

The Role Overview:

The Health and Nutrition Lead plays a lead role in setting the strategic direction for the health and nutrition sector, designing new programs and projects and identifying strategic partnerships. S/he is responsible for ensuring programme quality and programme learning for a range of projects and advises field-based technical staff. S/he plays a senior representational and advocacy role with the Government of Nepal, donors, and key national and international stakeholder. S/he will work regularly with internal and external stakeholders to maximize programme effectiveness and quality. S/he reports directly to the Director of Program.

The Health and Nutrition Lead is responsible for:

• Program Management & Performance: Oversee and document the performance of partner NGOs in executing Health & Nutrition projects, ensuring alignment with plans, budgets, and quality benchmarks.
• Technical Support & Coordination: Provide technical assistance to partner NGOs, ensuring projects meet iDE NEPAL's standards, particularly targeting vulnerable groups and integrating crosscutting themes.
• Reporting & Documentation: Prepare timely reports detailing progress against key performance indicators. Document outcomes, case stories, and best practices, in collaboration with the MERL team.
• Project Leadership: Lead new project initiation and closure processes. Champion efficient and innovative project management, replicating successful approaches in the field.
• Capacity Building & Training: Develop training programs for partner NGO staff, ensuring they possess the necessary competencies. Offer guidance on programming tools and materials.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Build relationships with government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and the private sector. Represent WVI NEPAL in relevant consortiums, clusters, and meetings, managing visits and showcasing project impacts.
• Learning: Collaborate with the MERL division to track project impact, ensuring the use of results data for continuous improvement. Contribute to the development of effective results measurement systems.
• Strategic Partnerships: Foster strategic alliances with external stakeholders to further iDE NEPAL's objectives in the Health & Nutrition sector.
• Gender & Social Inclusion: Ensure projects promote and adhere to principles of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), with sensitive monitoring and reporting practices.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for growth, keeping abreast of industry trends and regularly updating their skillset. An entrepreneurial spirit, excellent communication skills in both oral and written English, and an ability for assessing and analyzing information are essential. We seek someone with the capacity to lead, motivate, and inspire teams, driving them toward unparalleled success.

Requirements

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Public Health, Nutrition, or a related field, with relevant certifications being advantageous.
• Technical experience in managing and implementing multi-sectoral nutrition and health programs.
• Proven experience in designing, implementing, and managing health and nutrition programs, preferably in diverse geographic and cultural contexts.
• Demonstrate skills in leading strategic programming and planning processes.
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure and rapidly changing environment.
• Strong teamwork skills and excellent communication abilities.

Knowledge and experiences:

• In-depth knowledge of maternal, infant and child health and nutrition issues, along with expertise in emergency preparedness and resilience programming in collaboration with the Government of Nepal (GoN).
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation, indicating the ability to make decisions based on data.
• Familiarity with national and international health and nutrition guidelines, policies, and best practices.
• Strong organizational skills and the capability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Experience in policy advocacy and engagement with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Nepali is essential for effective communication.
• Demonstrated behavioral values and skills including accountability, respect, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, entrepreneurship, teambuilding, negotiation, conflict management, and collaboration.
• Proficient writing skills to clearly formulate program and project proposals, plans and reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for effective documentation and communication.

Interested and qualifying applicants can submit their application Letter and CV in English, with both phone and email contact details of at least 3 professional references by October 31, 2023.

Benefits

As per the iDE norms.

iDE Nepal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and Members of Disadvantaged Caste, Ethnic and Religious Groups are Strongly Encouraged to Apply.