Regional Coordinator (2), USAID Advancing Nutrition Ghana at JSI Research & Training Institute

JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), a leader in global health, is nonprofit public health management consulting and research organization dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world.

Job Description

USAID Advancing Nutrition is USAID’s flagship multi-sectoral nutrition project, led by JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), and a diverse group of experienced partners. Launched in September 2018, USAID Advancing Nutrition implements and provides technical support to nutrition interventions across sectors and disciplines for USAID and its partners.

The project’s multi-sectoral approach draws together global nutrition experience to design, implement and evaluate programs that address the root causes of malnutrition. Committed to using a systems approach, USAID Advancing Nutrition strives to sustain positive outcomes by building local capacity, supporting behavior change, and strengthening the enabling environment to save lives, improve health, build resilience, increase economic productivity and advance development.

From 2020 – 2023, USAID Advancing Nutrition will provide technical support and assessment services to advance the Government of Ghana’s efforts to improve equitable delivery of quality services that promote household resilience and early childhood growth and development. Technical services provided through USAID Advancing Nutrition will strengthen national and local government planning in Northern Ghana and stimulate the development of multisectoral solutions most pressing food security and nutrition problems. The portfolio will encompass activities funded by USAID/Washington as well as the USAID Ghana Mission.

Job Location:  Wa and North East with frequent travels to select districts in the region.

Reporting: The Regional Coordinator position reports to the Subnational Support Manager (SNSM).

Job Summary
The Regional Coordinator will serve as the focal point for engagement in the region, supporting the districts. The Regional Coordinator supports the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and all USAID Advancing Nutrition activities within the assigned region. The Regional Coordinator is the primary point of contact of the project in the region and for communications between the RCC and its technical departments. S/He provides technical support to the RCC and select MMDAs in the region to promote multi-sectoral planning and implementation for improved food security, nutrition and resilience in the region. S/he will work closely with the RCC lead providing guidance and mentorship as required.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop positive relationships with the RCC, districts, the Regional Health Directorate of Ghana Health Service (GHS) and relevant project stakeholders in the region through effective, respectful and supportive communication.
• Build bridges and promote a clear understanding of the USAID Advancing Nutrition project among regional and district stakeholders.
• Support the organization of regional and district staff training activities relating to the project interventions.
• Provide backstopping and quality assurance during interventions carried out by RCC and district staff or consultants.
• Coordinate with the RCC and its technical departments in the region to build capacity of district staff on data-driven planning and implementation
• Facilitate the use of the Food Security and Nutrition guidelines for medium-term development planning processes in the region and districts.
• Coordinate with the RCC and the districts to integrate food security and nutrition indicators into the medium-term development plans (MTDPs).
• Provide support to the RCC and districts to plan, implement multi-sectoral activities and be able to measure progress towards addressing poverty, malnutrition and vulnerabilities in target districts.
• Support both the regional and district project point of contacts to undertake periodic project reviews and adjust implementation strategies based on lesson learned;
• Contribute to drafting project quarterly, annual, and other ad hoc reports on project activities and results.

Stakeholder Relationships

• Manage relationships with RCC, NDPC, GHS, Metropolitan, Municipal and District (MMDAs) and technical departments in the regions.
• Coordinate and provide technical assistance to project stakeholders as needed.

Required Skills or Experience