Background   

The purpose of this role is to support the implementation of protection programs, empowering vulnerable individuals (Children) in Madagali LGAs to build resilient communities by addressing protection, gender-based violence (GBV), and child protection (CP) concerns. The Protection Assistant will work under the supervision of the Senior Project Officer to ensure program activities align with JDPI’s mission, adhere to the principle of ‘do no harm” and promote human dignity, inclusion, and safeguarding. The role requires a strong protection background, understanding of the socio-cultural context of target communities, and skills in monitoring, reporting, communication, and capacity building.

Responsibilities (Protection Assistant):

• Support the practical implementation of integrated protection and nutrition programs, ensuring activities comply with JDPI’s best practices and the ‘do no harm’ principle.
• Conduct assessments to identify protection needs, vulnerabilities, and gaps, proposing actions to address them in collaboration with the Protection Officer.
• Facilitate community outreach, awareness campaigns, and sensitization sessions on protection, GBV prevention, child protection, and gender equality to promote safety and dignity.
• Assist in case management, including conducting screening interviews, referrals for medical, psychological, shelter, and reintegration support, and ensuring survivor-centered approaches.
• Support the establishment and facilitation of safe spaces for vulnerable groups, including women, children, unaccompanied minors, and survivors of violence.
• Liaise with local authorities, community leaders, and partner organizations to strengthen coordination platforms and referral pathways for protection case management.
• Monitor and document protection activities, ensuring accurate data collection, confidentiality, and compliance with case management tool (PRIMERO or its equivalent)
• Provide psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support at transit centers or field locations, ensuring protection is mainstreamed across all activities.
• Assist in developing beneficiary selection criteria to prioritize vulnerable groups, ensuring gender and social inclusion in program activities.
• Support the organization of capacity-building workshops, trainings, and focus group discussions (FGDs) on protection, GBV and CP, disability inclusion, and safeguarding for community members and partners.
• Conduct quarterly project assessments to track progress, identify gaps, and propose improvements to enhance program impact.
• Coordinate community-based protection networks for participatory monitoring, evaluation, reflective practice, and impact measurement.
• Provide technical feedback on protection indicators and ensure vulnerability criteria are integrated into beneficiary selection processes.
• Organize meetings and FGDs with beneficiaries to gather feedback on protection, gender, and inclusion, and share insights with the program team.
• Perform field visits to monitor program activities, engage with beneficiaries, and address emerging protection concerns.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or JDPI management.

Reporting

• Conduct regular field visits to track the progress of protection activities, identify implementation gaps, and propose improvements.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and activity reports, including narrative, statistical, and case study documentation, ensuring timely submission.
• Contribute to the development of reports and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders, including government entities when required.
• Carry out any additional programming responsibilities delegated by the supervisor.

Education and Experience

• University degree or equivalent in Social Work, Gender Studies, Psychology, Human Rights, International Relations, Social Sciences, or its related fields.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of relevant working experience in protection, GBV, and/or child protection programming, preferably in Northeast Nigeria.
• Demonstrable knowledge of protection principles, gender-based violence, gender equity, and child protection in emergency and recovery settings.
• Experience in participatory action planning, community engagement, and working with vulnerable populations.
• Proven ability to liaise with local stakeholders, including government authorities, community leaders, and NGOs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with MS Teams or similar platforms.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Community Mobilizers

Key Working Relationships

• JDPI staff, including Protection Officer, Programme Manager, and other program teams.
• Local authorities, community leaders, partner organizations, and beneficiaries.

Personal Skills

• Strong sensitivity and respect for local cultures and socio-cultural dynamics in Madagali LGAs.
• Professional demeanor in engaging with community members, co-workers, and stakeholders.
• Excellent listening, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work in a team and coordinate with JDPI staff.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a multi-tasking, fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and planning skills, with a focus on problem-solving and flexibility in challenging contexts.
• Good writing skills in English, with the ability to produce clear and concise reports.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding and challenging environment.

go to method of application »

The Nutrition Assistant will provide critical support to the nutrition team in implementing and monitoring nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions, including Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), and micronutrient supplementation, in Michika and Madagali LGAs. The role involves community mobilization, nutrition screenings, data collection, and ensuring the integration of protection principles to improve nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations. The Nutrition Assistant will work under the supervision of the Nutrition Officer, adhering to JDPI’s mission, safeguarding policies, and the ‘do no harm’ principle.

Responsibilities (Nutrition Assistant):

• Assist in conducting nutrition screenings (e.g., Mid-Upper Arm Circumference – MUAC, edema checks) for children under five and pregnant/lactating women (PLW) using approved tools.
• Support the identification, registration, and referral of malnourished individuals (SAM/MAM cases) to appropriate treatment centers (e.g., Outpatient Therapeutic Program – OTP, Stabilization Centre – SC).
• Help distribute nutrition commodities (e.g., Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food – RUTF, Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food – RUSF, micronutrient supplements) and maintain accurate records.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating community-based nutrition education and sensitization sessions on IYCF practices, hygiene, and disease prevention.
• Support community mobilization and awareness campaigns to promote nutrition and health practices.
• Ensure integration of nutrition interventions with Health, WaSH, and Protection sectors for a holistic approach.
• Conduct follow-up visits for OTP beneficiaries, including defaulter tracing and household visits as needed.
• Disseminate Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and support the delivery of Behavior Change Communication (BCC) messages.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Accurately record beneficiary data (e.g., admissions, discharges, referrals, attendance) using standardized tools and templates.
• Assist in compiling and summarizing daily, weekly, and monthly program data for submission to the Nutrition Officer.
• Support data verification, validation, and maintenance of proper records and filing systems at field sites.
• Contribute to the documentation of best practices, success stories, and lessons learned for internal and donor reporting.
• Support the Community Feedback and Complaints Mechanism (FCRM) to ensure accountability to affected populations.

Community Engagement

• Collaborate with community leaders, health workers, and Community Nutrition Mobilizers (CNMs) to ensure program acceptance and ownership.
• Assist in identifying, training, and supervising community volunteers, including Lead Mothers and Fathers, for nutrition activities.
• Facilitate community-level focus group discussions (FGDs) and awareness sessions on nutrition, hygiene, and protection.
• Maintain respectful, culturally sensitive interactions with beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Supply Chain and Logistics Support

• Assist in monitoring stock levels of nutrition supplies and equipment at field sites.
• Support the proper storage and handling of nutrition commodities to prevent damage or spoilage.
• Report any damaged, missing, or expired items to the Nutrition Officer promptly.
• Help prepare supply requests and ensure logistical support for field activities.

Monitoring and Quality Assurance

• Support the Nutrition Officer during field visits to monitor program activities and provide technical guidance to community volunteers.
• Identify and report operational challenges or bottlenecks affecting program implementation.
• Adhere to national and international nutrition guidelines (e.g., Nigeria’s IMAM guidelines, Sphere Standards) and JDPC’s safeguarding policies.
• Ensure gender-sensitive, inclusive, and equitable access to nutrition services.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in capacity-building sessions for community volunteers and health workers.
• Support coordination with local health facilities, government authorities, and other partners to strengthen referral systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Nutrition Officer or JDPC management to advance program goals.

Reporting

• Submit timely and accurate weekly and monthly activity reports to the Nutrition Officer.
• Support data verification, validation, and compilation of activity statistics at field sites.
• Contribute to periodic donor reporting updates (e.g., 5Ws and activity reports).
• Support the MEAL team in monitoring activities, data verification, and lessons learned documentation.
• Provide feedback on community needs, challenges, and program progress to improve implementation.

Education and Experience

• Diploma or bachelor’s degree in nutrition, Community Health, Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of practical experience in implementing community-based nutrition or health programs, preferably in humanitarian or emergency settings.
• Familiarity with CMAM, IYCF, and basic nutrition principles, including malnutrition screening and referral processes.
• Experience in data collection, record-keeping, and community mobilization.
• Knowledge of Nigeria’s National Guidelines for Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) is an advantage.
• Prior experience in Michika, Madagali, or similar humanitarian contexts in Northeast Nigeria is highly desirable.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Community Nutrition Mobilizers (CNMs)
• Community Volunteers

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: JDPC staff, including Nutrition Officer, Senior Project Officer, Senior Programme Manager, and MEAL team.
• External: Local Government Health Authorities, community leaders, health facilities, partner organizations, and beneficiaries.

Personal Skills

• Strong sensitivity and respect for local cultures and socio-cultural dynamics in Madagali LGAs.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and community engagement skills.
• Good listening skills and ability to handle sensitive interactions with beneficiaries.
• Ability to work under pressure in challenging and remote field locations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines in multi-tasking environments.
• Basic proficiency in data collection and reporting using paper or digital tools.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative approach to working with JDPC staff and community volunteers.
• Commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and safeguarding principles.