Program Officer ISG & Optimization

Nutrition International; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 67,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global health organization in Ottawa is seeking a Program Officer for Institutional Support Grant & Optimization. This full-time maternity leave contract offers hybrid working conditions. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in nutrition or public health, along with 3-5 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include project design, monitoring, and grant reporting. Competitive salary and benefits package available, including flexible work hours and vacation time.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health and dental benefits

Four weeks of vacation

Flexible work hours

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of relevant NGO and/or UN experience in public health.
• Experience with donor contract management and report development.
• Fluency in English required; French is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, planning, implementation, and monitoring of assigned projects.
• Coordinate inputs for work planning and track deliverables.
• Assist with grant reporting and internal review processes.

Skills

Technical writing

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in nutrition, public health, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Employment Type: Mat Leave Contract, ASAP Until April 2027, Full-Time (possibility for extension)

Location: Ottawa, Canada – Hybrid

Submission Date: February 17, 2026

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

About us

Nutrition International makes a difference because nutrition is the difference. Our global team of over 600 people works in 13 offices across 11 countries with a common goal: transforming the lives of people who need it most through improved nutrition.

If you are motivated and passionate about a better world through improved nutrition and want 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 ensures the efficient and effective delivery of core program interventions, including program development, design, planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting, and grant management. The unit includes a global team across Asia, Africa and Ottawa. We are seeking applications for a Program Officer, Institutional Support Grant & Optimization based in Ottawa, Canada, working hybrid with 2 days/week in-office. This is a maternity leave contract starting ASAP until April 2027.

About you

You have a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, public health, international development, or a related field. You have 3–5 years of relevant NGO and/or UN experience in public health, food security, and nutrition-related programming. You have demonstrated experience with donor contract management and report development. You are able to work in a multicultural, global team and are proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with strong written and verbal communications, including technical writing and presentation skills. Fluency in English is required; French is 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.
• Coordinate inputs for work planning, maintain up-to-date planning documents, and follow up on agreed actions.
• Support grant delivery by coordinating activities, tracking deliverables, consolidating inputs, and maintaining documentation.
• Drive consistent coordination and follow-up practices to support smooth implementation across grant activities.
• Assist with grant reporting by compiling inputs, updating trackers, and supporting internal review and submission processes.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure information is up-to-date, well organized, and shared timely.
• Provide support in reporting, planning, and administrative activities during peak periods.

Strategy, Planning, and Guidance

Program Optimization

• Support ongoing program optimization by maintaining and coordinating tools and processes that strengthen visibility and delivery.
• Refine program information and management tools for consistency, accessibility, and efficient use across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with teams to apply standardized tools and provide feedback for continuous improvement.
• Support management of the Knowledge Management portal to facilitate knowledge sharing and resource access for Program teams.

Coordination & Communication

• Provide coordination support by organizing meetings, maintaining action trackers, and sharing information across teams.
• Help Program Managers and Officers manage competing priorities and flag risks or delays.

Cross‑Unit & Working Group Support

• Provide coordination support, develop tools, and perform tasks to advance the NI Partnership Working Group’s annual plan.
• Support Cross‑Unit Projects within the Optimization Unit as required.

Program Admin and Cross‑Unit Coordination & Support

• Document detailed meeting notes and share key points, decisions, and actions with the team as needed.
• Contribute to cross‑Program communications materials, including bulletin updates and content drafting, ensuring consistency and quality across outputs.
• Provide other support under ISG 2 or related optimization initiatives.

Travel: 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. Accommodations due to disability are available throughout the selection process upon request.

Nutrition International upholds a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH). Reference checks may include safeguarding verifications with previous employers. By applying to this position, candidates acknowledge and consent to these reference checks.

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

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