Nutrition/Social Policy Expert | Development Consultant | Civil Society Leader
Jessica Bartholomew
ChairpersonNutrition/Social Policy Expert | Development Consultant | Civil Society Leader
Jessica Bartholomew is a seasoned Nutrition and Social Policy Expert with over a decade of experience shaping development policy and strengthening accountability systems at community, state, and national levels in Nigeria. Her work sits at the intersection of evidence, advocacy, and governance—translating technical expertise into institutional reforms and measurable public sector outcomes. Throughout her career, Jessica has provided strategic leadership in nutrition governance, social protection, financial inclusion, and organizational development. She has led policy engagement processes, field research, data-driven advocacy, and multi-stakeholder coordination efforts for multinational organizations, civil society networks, and the Kaduna State Government. Her approach combines rigorous analysis with practical implementation, enabling sustainable systems change rather than short-term interventions.
As the immediate past State Coordinator of the Civil Society–Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS SUNN), Kaduna State Chapter, she led landmark reforms that strengthened nutrition governance and financing in the state. Under her leadership: • A Committee on Food and Nutrition Security was established at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, creating a formal legislative platform for nutrition oversight and accountability. • Dedicated nutrition budget lines were institutionalized across key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), significantly improving transparency and resource allocation. • Nutrition Directorates were established within critical MDAs, embedding nutrition coordination within government structures. • Nutrition financing was decentralized through the introduction of nutrition budget lines at Local Government Area level, advancing community-responsive funding. • The Kaduna State Government committed to the Child Nutrition Fund, signaling high-level political prioritization of nutrition investment. • Crèche facilities were established across five MDAs, strengthening childcare support systems for working mothers and contributing to improved child nutrition outcomes.
These reforms reflect her capacity to convert civil society advocacy into policy commitments, institutional structures, and sustainable financing mechanisms.
Jessica currently serves as: • Steering Committee Chairperson, CS SUNN • National Secretary, Network on Social Protection Advocacy Network (NSPAN) • Chairperson, Kaduna Social Protection Accountability Coalition (KADSPAC).
She is recognized for building coalitions, driving evidence-based advocacy, and strengthening accountability frameworks that amplify community voices in policy processes. Her work continues to focus on advancing inclusive governance, sustainable nutrition financing, and systems-level reforms that improve social outcomes across Nigeria.
