Country Director

Helen Keller International (HKI) 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 offers programs in 21 countries in Africa and Asia as well as in the United States. The organization combats the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition by establishing programs based on evidence and research. Each year, their programs directly benefit millions of people, and children are a primary concern. HKI programs address malnutrition, cataract, trachoma, onchocerciasis, refractive error and diabetic retinopathy. HKI has nearly 700 staff and a worldwide annual budget of over $45 million. The Africa Region is recruiting a Country Director for Nigeria.
Abuja and Jos, Nigeria

HKI has exclusively retained the services of Mission Talent in providing a search for their Country Director for Nigeria.

COUNTRY PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

HKI-Nigeria work began in 1999 with an initial focus on onchocerciasis control and, in the first year of assistance, about 1 million people were treated. 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 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.

SKILLS & 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

Thank you in advance. Please note that only short-listed candidate can be contacted.