Opportunity:

To support this mission, DataDENT seeks a Senior Program Officer (SPO) to coordinate its activities in Ethiopia. This position is based in Addis Ababa and situated in the Results for Development (R4D) office and working closely with DataDENT partners – IFPRI and APHRC.

Responsibilities

• The SPO will lead the coordination of all DataDENT activities in Ethiopia by serving as the focal point for engagement with government stakeholders, research partners, and other nutrition data partners at national and sub national levels
• Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Develop, implement, and track the annual DataDENT work plan for Ethiopia and link the work plan to objectives and ensure the outcomes and results are realized
• Ensure the smooth, efficient, and effective start-up and ongoing implementation of DataDENT activities in Ethiopia, including engaging with individual DataDENT partners to identify their priorities and identifying and fostering linkages within the project as well as with other stakeholders in the nutrition data space.
• Actively contribute as DataDENT team member in the development of Ethiopia country strategy and annual work planning for research, technical assistance and capacity strengthening, advocacy, and communication activities.
• Establish and maintain good relationships and a wide network with project co-implementers, government ministries and departments, NGOs/CSOs working in the area, including media and other key stakeholders.
• Attend related coordination meetings and ensure internal and external experts and program managers are involved and consulted, as appropriate.
• Help to identify and supervise local research partners and facilitate related processes (e.g. IRB approval)
• Track implementation of DataDENT activities in Ethiopia and identify and communicate opportunities and bottlenecks that require the attention of the wider DataDENT team
• Support design, planning, and facilitation of meetings, workshops, and other events organized by DataDENT in Ethiopia.
• Regularly communicate with DataDENT partners through participation in biweekly partner calls, one-on-one meetings as well as formal and informal reporting.

Qualifications

• We are seeking an experienced professional with expertise in nutrition and nutrition data information system strengthening including project and partner management skills
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience on issues related to multisectoral nutrition programming, information systems, or related fields
• Master’s degree in a relevant field preferred
• Familiarity with the nutrition data value chain including tools, methods, and metrics for measuring coverage of nutrition interventions. Experience with capacity building and system strengthening including advocacy is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage partner relationships and project workstreams, including managing situations with potential for conflicts
• Experience in research, including desk research and stakeholder interviews
• Experience in training, and facilitation
• Experience in advocacy and stakeholder management
• Proven capacity to effectively synthesize and simplify technical content for high-level audiences
• Should be a highly skilled communicator in writing and in speaking.
• Ability to prioritize and manage work in a fast-paced environment across multiple projects and work streams with competing time/resource demands
• High level of organization, attention to detail, professionalism, and reliability
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Enthusiastic about joining a diverse and inclusive work environment
• Motivated to learn, grow, contribute, and produce