Strong capacity strengthening design and measurement is the cornerstone of USAID’s localization strategy. Doing it well requires that we continually examine and refine our approaches, sharpening the tools in our toolbox. In this webinar, we contextualized capacity strengthening design and measurement tools through several examples of locally-led nutrition work in Nigeria. Speakers shared their experience in strategically designing multi-faceted and layered capacity strengthening programs and strategies for addressing measurement challenges. In addition, this webinar featured insights on measuring several levels of capacity strengthening in Nigeria, including a leadership development program delivered through the African Nutrition Leadership Program and systems strengthening for the State Committees on Food and Nutrition, state-level coordinating bodies for nutrition.

Webinar Recordings

Webinar Materials 

• Presentation slides (Forthcoming)
• Webinar transcript (Forthcoming)

Speakers

• Antonina Miceli, Technical Director for Capacity Strengthening, USAID Advancing Nutrition 
• Leslie Koo is a Senior Nutrition Advisor and the Nutrition Team Lead in the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Global Health. Her role includes providing broad expertise in public health nutrition within maternal and child health and multi-sectoral nutrition programs. She also oversees the implementation of USAID’s flagship nutrition project, USAID Advancing Nutrition. Prior to joining USAID, Leslie managed and advised nutrition programs in both emergency and development settings in Myanmar, Niger, and in Haiti, where she also served as a Peace Corps volunteer. Leslie completed her M.S. in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition at Tufts University and her B.A. in Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. 
• Meg Kinghorn has over 35 years professional experience in NGO capacity strengthening with both international development organizations (INGOs) and the UN system.  Her overseas postings and short-term assignments have provided in-depth exposure to development work in Africa, Asia, Pacific, and the Middle East.  Currently an independent consultant, she has previously held positions with Pact, Catholic Relief Services, InterAction, and UNDP. 
• Johann Jerling earned his B.Sc degree, majoring in Physiology and Psychology, from Stellenbosch University. He went on to complete his PhD in Nutrition at the North-West University in South Africa. Currently, he serves as both the founder and Director of the African Nutrition Leadership Programme. Additionally, he previously held the position of Director at the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition at North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. With a prolific research portfolio, Johann Jerling has authored over 70 papers spanning topics such as diet and haemostasis, micronutrient bioavailability, and nutrition's impact on cognitive development. In recent times, his focus has undergone a shift towards the exploration and study of leadership development within multi-sectoral environments.
• Chukwuma Anene is a Senior Program Advisor specializing in HIV and nutrition projects. With over 2 decades of experience, Chukwuma has played a pivotal role in designing and implementing impactful initiatives that address national HIV and nutrition challenges. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Health with a focus on Nutrition and has a deep understanding of the complex factors influencing nutrition outcomes. Chukwuma’s expertise lies in providing strategic guidance, leading program implementation, and fostering partnerships with stakeholders. His strong leadership skills and comprehensive knowledge of evidence-based interventions have contributed to the success of numerous projects around Nigeria. Chukwuma’s dedication to improving nutrition outcomes and his ability to drive innovation make him an invaluable asset in the field.