IYCF Nurse Counsellor at Medecins Du Monde

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

Job Description

• The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Nurse (Counsellor) is in charge of social behavioral change interventions, including evidence-based counseling to mothers/care givres and households of children Under 24 Months.
• S/he also manage baby friendly space that support/mentor care group lead mothers in the Community.
• The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Nurse (Counsellor) directly report to Deputy Nutrition Technical Advisor based in Maiduguri. S/he is also responsible for technical supervision of the Nutrition Technical Advisor.
• All technical trainings and supports must be based on up-to-date National guidelines, MDM guidelines and WHO guidelines as needed.

Specific Duties

• Conduct on-going assessment of all mothers with children Under 24 Months that attend OTP in MDM clinics.
• Complete and maintain individual breastfeeding beneficiary report cards.
• Perform close monitoring of all beneficiaries, including follow up checks with community mobilisers and summaries of total number of mothers attended to.
• Maintain clear communication with all other nutrition staff regarding the status of beneficiaries, including OTP nurse, screeners.
• Provide tailored one to one counseling sessions, based on initial assessments, offering practical advice and education to mothers on the key issues of Infant and Young child feeding practices.
• Ensure all mothers/care givers are aware of the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the initial 6 months.
• Educate mothers on the dangers of feeding bottles through creating strong awareness in the community.
• Provide mothers with practical advice on correct attachment and positioning when breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary foods and respond to any concerns or local taboos associated with IYCF.
• Ensure a comfortable, calm environment for counseling sessions and maintain good relationships with the beneficiaries.
• Ensure Intgeration of IYCF with MDM Emergency Nutrition/OTP Activities.
• Based on needs, the incumbent to will undertake any duties assigned by his/her line manager, and within the scope of MDM work in the country.

Hierarchical & Functional links:

• The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Nurse (Counsellor) directly report to Deputy Nutrition Technical Advisor based in Maiduguri.
• S/he is also responsible for technical supervision of the Nutrition Technical Advisor; as well has functional link with the Health Services Quality Coordinator, Health Coordinator, Emergency Response Coordinator and Program Coordinator as needed.

Skills And Experience
Required profile:

• Diploma in Nursing
• At least 3 years of professional experience in relevant position, of which, 1 year of direct experience with INGO/NGO on Infant and Young Child Feeding practices that is integerated with CMAM.
• Relevant qualifications in Emergency Nutrition and development activities;
• Ability to create tools and monitoring process;
• Work experience in insecure environments is an advantage and/or knowledge of the cultural/social influences in North East Nigeria.

Required personal skills:

• Excellent organisational, training and coaching skills is required;
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills;
• Able to prioritize; Be flexible;
• Ability to work under stressful situation;
• Has a good team spirit;
• Able to work and live in specific security context.