Program Officer, ISG & Optimization

Employment Type: Mat Leave Contract, ASAP Until April 2027, Full-Time

Location: Ottawa, Canada – Hybrid

Submission Date: February 17, 2026

Salary: CAD $67,000-$75,000

About us

At Nutrition International, we make a difference, because nutrition is the difference.

Woven into the very fabric of our approach is the passion and drive of our global team of over 600 people, working in 13 offices across 11 countries with one common goal: transforming the lives of people who need it most through improved nutrition.

If you are a motivated and passionate individual who shares our conviction that a better world is possible through improved nutrition, wants to leave the world a little better than they found it, and is looking to be part of a global team with a clear vision, we want to hear from you. Please consider applying for the position below.

Know our team

Nutrition International’s Programs Unit is responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of Nutrition International’s core program interventions including program development, design, planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting, and grant management, including setting annual operational planning, budgeting, and review processes. The unit comprises a global team of professionals located in our 10 core countries across Asia, Africa and our headquarters in Ottawa, Canada. Currently, Nutrition International is seeking applications for a Program Officer, Institutional Support Grant & Optimization to be based in Ottawa, Canada, working hybrid 2 days/week in-office . This is a maternity leave contract starting ASAP until April 2027.

About you

You are someone with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, public health, international development, or related field. You have at least 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience with NGOs, and/or UN agencies focused on public health, food security, and/or nutrition-related programming. You have demonstrated experience with donor contract management and report development.

You have the ability to thrive within a multicultural, global team in a dynamic and growing organization. You are proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and have exceptional written and verbal communications skills, including strong technical writing and presentation capabilities.

Fluency in English is required. French will be considered an asset.

About the role

In this role you will:

Program Results and Delivery

Institutional Support Grant

· Contribute to the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of assigned projects.

· Contribute to program implementation activities by coordinating inputs for work planning, maintaining up‑to‑date planning documents, and supporting timely follow‑up on agreed actions.

· Contribute to grant delivery by supporting routine coordination, including tracking deliverables, consolidating inputs, and maintaining accurate documentation.

· Drive consistent coordination and follow‑up practices to support smooth implementation across grant activities.

· Support grant reporting by compiling inputs, updating trackers, and assisting with internal review and submission processes.

· Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure information and communications are up-to-date, well organized, and shared in a timely manner.

· Provide support in reporting, planning, and administrative activities to ensure continuity and smooth operations during peak periods.

Strategy, Planning, and Guidance

Program Optimization

· Support ongoing program optimization efforts by maintaining, improving, and coordinating program management tools and processes that strengthen visibility, alignment, and effective delivery across programs.

· Support the consolidation, organization, and ongoing refinement of program information and management tools to enhance consistency, accessibility, and efficient use across the portfolio.

· Collaborate with teams to apply standardized tools and processes and provide practical feedback to inform continuous improvement.

· Provide support in managing and organizing the Knowledge Management portal to facilitate efficient knowledge sharing and resource access for Program teams.

Coordination & Communication

· Provide coordination support by organizing meetings, maintaining action trackers, and supporting timely information sharing across teams.

· Collaborate with Program Managers and Officers to manage competing priorities and proactively flag risks or delays.

Cross‑Unit & Working Group Support

· Provide coordination support, develop tools, and carry out additional tasks as required to advance the NI Partnership Working Group’s annual plan.

· Provide coordination support, as required, to Cross‑Unit Projects within the Optimization Unit.

Program Admin and Cross-unit Coordination & Support

· Documenting detailed meeting notes and ensuring that key points, decisions, and action items are accurately documented and shared with the team as/when required.

· Contribute to the development and coordination of cross‑Program communications materials, including preparing bulletin updates, drafting content, and supporting consistency and quality across communications outputs.

· Provide any other support required under ISG 2 or related optimization initiatives.

This position will require infrequent travel upon request to countries in Asia and Africa.

What we offer

A competitive market pay, pension, health and dental benefits, four weeks of vacation (plus public holidays), and flexible work hours. We offer a collaborative and engaging work environment.

Selected candidates must have current legal entitlement to work in Canada. We thank you for your interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Nutrition International is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible work environment. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the selection process.

Nutrition International upholds a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH). Following the principles of the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, reference checks will include safeguarding verifications with previous employers. By applying to this position, candidates acknowledge and consent to these reference checks being conducted with previous employers.

Please note that all our offers are conditional, subject to appropriate screening checks and satisfactory reference checks.

For more detailed information about the role, please click on the attached Job Description . Please click on the Apply button below to submit your application.