State Coordinator, Kaduna/Kano (Consultant) at Evidence Action – Kaduna / Kano

Evidence Action is recruiting a State Coordinator, Kaduna/Kano (Consultant) to provide technical assistance to the Kaduna State Government for the rollout of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS). The coordinator will work with government departments and implementing partners on planning, training, supply chains, community engagement and monitoring. The position may be based in Kaduna city or Kano city, with visits to local government areas (LGAs) and health facilities when required and safe.

Programme planning and coordination

• Work with the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Development Agency and other government departments to plan and implement SQ-LNS activities.
• Coordinate with SQ-LNS partners and implementing organisations, and assist state officials in preparing an operational plan consistent with national guidelines and local needs.
• Monitor state workplans, identify implementation barriers and help resolve them.
• Support use of the national SQ-LNS allocation tool for geographic targeting and supply quantification.
• Facilitate state and LGA planning, review and dissemination meetings.
• Engage state government officials on resource allocation for SQ-LNS procurement and sustained programme delivery.

Training and capacity building

• Coordinate the training cascade for state officials and healthcare workers, working with government agencies and partners.
• Help adapt training materials to Kaduna State’s context where necessary.
• Track training activities at state, LGA and health-facility levels.

Supply-chain support

• Help state officials develop SQ-LNS supply-chain protocols and distribution plans.
• Monitor remotely whether supplies reach LGA warehouses and health facilities according to approved plans, and report stockouts or distribution bottlenecks.
• Support supply quantification, forecasting and resource mobilisation to maintain or expand programme coverage.

Community engagement

• Coordinate the planned distribution of information, education and communication (IEC) materials.
• Support community engagement workshops to improve awareness of SQ-LNS.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Work with zonal monitoring, learning and evaluation personnel to oversee independent monitoring activities and coverage surveys conducted by contracted firms.
• Carry out periodic monitoring visits to LGAs and health facilities where needed and permitted by security conditions.
• Share monitoring findings, implementation risks and recommendations with Kaduna State officials and Evidence Action programme management.

Performance expectations

• Support timely preparation and delivery of Kaduna State’s SQ-LNS operational plan in line with national guidance.
• Ensure that state and LGA planning meetings, health-worker training and programme reviews are coordinated as scheduled.
• Track the movement of SQ-LNS supplies to LGA warehouses and facilities, flagging stockouts promptly.
• Support distribution of IEC materials and completion of planned community engagement activities.
• Help complete independent monitoring and coverage surveys and share results with state officials and programme leadership.
• Report progress on government resource allocation for SQ-LNS procurement and delivery.

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Development Studies or a related field.
• A Master’s degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Health Systems, Development Studies or a related subject is an advantage.
• At least five years’ experience in nutrition, public health or child health programming, preferably with government bodies or NGOs in Nigeria.
• Experience working with Nigerian government health systems, ideally in Kaduna State.
• Proven coordination, project planning, stakeholder engagement and workshop facilitation skills.
• Familiarity with nutrition supply chains, including quantification, forecasting, procurement, storage and distribution.
• Knowledge of national nutrition policies, programme implementation and health-worker training.
• Ability to prepare reports and communicate effectively in English and local state languages; spoken Hausa is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with data-informed planning and monitoring and evaluation systems, including DHIS2, is an advantage.
• Ability to manage competing responsibilities, work collaboratively and deliver results. Qualified residents of Kaduna State will receive priority consideration.

Working conditions and locations

The position supports SQ-LNS implementation in Kaduna State. The work base may be Kaduna city or Kano city. Periodic monitoring visits to LGAs and health facilities may be required, depending on operational needs and security conditions.