Nutrition Assistant at International Medical Corps

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

Program Background

• IMC has been implementing its curative and preventive nutrition intervention in 15 OTPs of Damboa, Jere, Konduga and MMC LGAs. The curative component targets children, 6-59 months with SAM. Community health volunteers screen and refer children with a MUAC <11.5cm or WHZ < -3 or those with grade + or ++ or edema to OTP sites for treatment. SAM cases are treated at the OTP using RUTF, deworming and Vitamin supplementation. Children with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications or those <6 months are referred to stabilization centers. In addition, caregivers of children 6-59 months are trained on how to measure MUAC. If a caregiver identifies a child with SAM these are re-assessed by the CHV and if confirmed, the child is referred to the OTP. These children receive nutrition support through RUTF based on their weight, treated for infections using routine medication and screened and treated for malaria. The severely acutely malnourished who are 24-59 months are de-wormed. All severely acutely malnourished without edema receive routine vitamin A supplementation and zinc supplements for those that present with diarrhea, whilst those presenting with malnutrition and medical complications are to stabilization centers for specialized treatment.

Job Summary

• The incumbent will be responsible for the overall implementation of CMAM and IYCF in collaboration with other nutrition and SMOH staff and integration with other programs/He will facilitate good practice and ensure compliance to applicable implementation of national CMAM guidelines.

Main Responsibilities

• Plan and organize OTP at designated OTP sites in liaison with SMoH staff and nutrition officer.
• Supporting targeting of beneficiaries; formation and establishment of Care groups; selection of community volunteers and members of community structures.
• Work closely with care group promoters and lead mothers to ensure all aspects of the program are understood and agreed and appropriate referrals take place to and from the community to OTP sites.
• Take lead on the CMAM services at fixed and mobile outreach OTP sites.
• Work closely with the teams to ensure all children are screened correctly.
• Ensure all criteria are respected and understood by the teams, including admission, discharge and transfer to and from the OTP/SC.
• Ensure comprehensive health checks and correct clinical diagnosis at the time of assessment according to the CMAM protocols so that the patient receives appropriate treatment in the relevant program.
• Ensure all children in OTP are immunized according to the national protocols.
• Ensure timely identification of complications, non-responders, and referrals to the SC.
• Ensure correctness, consistence and completeness of the information in the nutrition registers.
• Ensure adequate availability of all medical and food supplies and ensure stock is pre-positioned as planned by discussing with logistics
• Through liaison with the community volunteers provide effective follow up of all cases: particularly tracing of children who are absent from the program, sick children, long stay children, children not gaining weight, and children with social problems... etc.
• Provide key health and nutrition education messages to beneficiaries based on the protocol and guidelines
• Respond to inquiries regarding the technical aspects of the program admission and discharge whenever necessary at the OTP sites.
• Follow-up and ensure the field team interacts with the beneficiaries properly
• Provide a daily and weekly CMAM report to the nutrition officer.

Qualifications and Experience

• Candidate with a Degree in Nutrition and Health related Course from a recognized Nigerian Institution
• Over two (2) years’ experience in CMAM and IYCF program
• NYSC Certificate or Exemption letter
• Excellent report-writing skills is an additive
• Fluent in written and spoken English and Hausa
• Commitment to and understanding of IMC’s aims, values and principles.

Key Competencies:

• Strong communication skills: oral, written and presentation skills.
• Should be a team player and culturally sensitive.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, email and utilization of the internet
• Strong leadership, team building, conflict resolution and ability to deliver IMC’s strategic objectives.
• Extremely flexible, and have the ability to cope with stressful situations

Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse

• Actively promote PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) standards within International Medical Corps and amongst beneficiaries served by International Medical Corps.