Mike Lawani

I am a high skilled and experienced public health/Nutrition specialist with over 7 years of experience facilitating and  managing health and nutrition programmes; with special emphasis on emergencies, early recovery, resilience, partner coordination and systems strengthening.

I have gained extensive work experience in the field of nutrition and humanitarian coordination through various roles held over the years.

Starting with my current position as a State Nutrition Facilitator at Committed to Good (CTG), a UNICEF Nigeria third-party employer, I have been responsible for ensuring the inclusion of key humanitarian partners in the nutrition sector. This involves establishing and maintaining appropriate coordination mechanisms, securing commitments from partners, and promoting emergency response actions while considering recovery planning and risk reduction concerns. I also coordinate with national and local authorities, civil society, and other relevant actors to build on local capacities and facilitate participatory and community-based approaches in sectoral needs assessment and response.

Prior to this, as a State Nutrition Supervisor at UNICEF-Nigeria, I worked closely with government systems in Yobe State to promote child survival and development by addressing malnutrition through CMAM, IYCF practices, and micronutrient supplementation. I provided support for effective coordination, networking, and information sharing with stakeholders at various levels, identified bottlenecks, and explored solutions. I also ensured the integration and scale-up of nutrition interventions, conducted monitoring and supportive supervision, and facilitated the timely delivery of nutrition supplies.

In my previous roles as a Senior LGA Nutrition Facilitator and Volunteer Field Assistant, I continued to support the implementation and scale-up of nutrition programs, facilitated supervision and monitoring, and contributed to community mobilization and sensitization.

Furthermore, I have experience in project coordination, program monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, and report writing. I have worked with organizations such as the Gestational Diabetes Society of Nigeria, Hanovia Medical Limited, and the McArthur Foundation, where I contributed to initiatives focused on diabetes prevention, vaccination coverage surveys, and zoonotic disease control.

Overall, my work experience reflects a strong commitment to improving nutrition outcomes, coordinating humanitarian efforts, and strengthening health systems to address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Masters in Development Studies (MDS) - Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria (2023): Obtained a master's degree in Development Studies, focusing on the study of socio-economic development and policies.

Master of Public Health (MPH- Epidemiology & Medical Statistics) - University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria (2015): Completed a master's degree program in Public Health with a specialization in Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, developing skills in disease surveillance, data analysis, and public health research.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery - University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria (2010): Earned a degree in Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, acquiring comprehensive knowledge and skills in animal health and medicine.

Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics (in view) - College of Health Science and Technology, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria (expected 2023): Currently pursuing a diploma program in Nutrition and Dietetics, focusing on the study of food science, nutrition, and diet management.

Additionally, I have obtained various certificates through continuous professional development courses. Some notable certificates include:

• Certificate Course in Data Quality Management - Global Health Learning Center (USAID) - February 2016
• Proficiency in Management - Nigerian Institute of Management (Chartered) - November 2011
• Certificate Course on Project Management - University of Adelaide, Australia - August 2016
• Certificate in Leadership in Global Health - University of Washington - September 2018
• Humanitarian Coordination Training - UN-OCHA - April 2019
• Safe and Secure Approaches in Field Environment (SSAFE) - UNDSS - September 2019
• Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse - UNICEF - July 2021
• Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Abuse of Authority - UNICEF - July 2021
• Ethics and Integrity at UNICEF - UNICEF - July 2021
• Basic Training of Nutrition in Emergency - UNICEF - January 2022
• Certified Level 2 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Acute Malnutrition Analyst - November 2021
• Harmonized Approach to Cash Transfer (HACT) - UNICEF - January 2022