Nutrition Officer at FINDEF

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of nutrition-specific interventions within the project, focusing on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices, maternal nutrition, and malnutrition prevention.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on the management of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) cases, ensuring adherence to national protocols and international best practices.
• Oversee the training and capacity-building of Community Health Workers (CHWs), Community Nutrition Mobilizers (CNMs), and volunteers on nutrition, including MUAC screening, IYCF practices, and nutrition education.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of nutrition activities, ensuring that all interventions are culturally appropriate and meet the needs of the target populations.
• Collaborate closely with the Project Manager and other team members to integrate nutrition with other components of the project, including food security, hygiene promotion, and livelihood activities.
• Support the development and dissemination of nutrition education materials, tailored to the local context, for use in household-level nutrition and hygiene promotion sessions.
• Ensure that nutrition-related data is accurately collected, analyzed, and reported, contributing to project reports and informing decision-making.
• Engage with local health authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to strengthen coordination and alignment with national nutrition policies and programs.
• Contribute to the identification and implementation of innovative approaches to improve nutrition outcomes and resilience among vulnerable populations.
• Assist in the preparation of project reports, proposals, and other documentation related to nutrition activities.

Qualifications

• BSc. degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field. MSC. in Public Health or Nutritional Sciences is highly desirable.
• At least 5 years of experience in designing and implementing nutrition programs, particularly in emergency or conflict-affected settings.
• In-depth knowledge of malnutrition treatment protocols (OTP, CMAM), IYCF practices, and Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC).
• Experience in capacity building and training of local health workers and community volunteers on nutrition-related topics.
• Strong understanding of the local context in Zamfara State, including cultural practices related to nutrition and child care.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt interventions based on evolving needs and conditions.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with fluency in English. Knowledge of local languages is an asset.
• Proficiency in data analysis and experience with monitoring and evaluation of nutrition programs.