Nutrition Officer at Smiling Hearts Initiatives International

Job Type  6 months (with possibility of extension)

Job purpose:

The post holder is responsible for the planning and implementation of comprehensive package of CMAM and Tom Brown program in the assigned location in collaboration with the Nutrition Project Manager, as well as the Health and Hygiene and sanitation staff in the location. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support facilitators/health workers to refer severe acute malnutrition among children under five and pregnant and lactating mothers according to the Ministry of Health Nigeria IMAM guidelines.
• Ensure that Facilitators are supported with equipment, reporting tools and other logistical needs necessary for screening, management and referral of malnutrition among the targeted beneficiaries
• Strengthen the linkages between community-based health structures for early case identification, referral and management of Severe Acute Malnutrition.
• Liaise with the district local government and other partners to ensure to organize and conduct Village Health Teams monthly/quarterly meetings
• Ensure the implementation of mother support groups approach in the areas of implementation by supporting the Nutrition Assistant and community Based Facilitators in the identification of care groups, selection of house hold support groups and behavior change promotion among the communities.
• Organize a capacity development action plan for Facilitators
• Assist in the development and dissemination of relevant IEC materials on nutrition activities such as IYCF.
• Develop concept notes for the drama groups and community dialogues for community sensitization
• Strengthen the link between referrals and follow up of beneficiaries from community to health facilities
• Assist in mentoring and coaching of health workers on treatment and management of acute malnutrition in accordance with IMAM guidelines and protocol.
• Participate in development of IECs materials on nutrition sensitization
• Participate in beneficiary identification and rapid nutrition assessment.
• Oversee the collection, handling, analysis and reporting of data related to nutrition screening, client follow up.
• Prepare quality weekly and monthly reports in standard reporting format, project progress, success stories and lessons learned during project implementation.
• Ensure regular collection of nutrition data, compilation and reporting
• Ensure regular and timely reporting among the assistants on the project activities in the catchment area.
• Ensure the timely and effective reporting of information from the Tom Brown and mother support groups
• Ensure that staff under your supervision are effectively engaged in their tasks and perform their duties according to Smiling Hearts Initiative’s expectations
• Organize and facilitate regular meetings with assistants, assess their performance and provide regular feedback on the matters discussed
• Conduct on the job mentorship and supervision for the Assistants and Facilitators
• Ensure that staff under your supervision develop quarterly activity workplans and adhere to them
• Identify training needs of staff under your supervision and suggest an appropriate training plan
• Update LGA work plans, individual work plans and share with line manager.
• Use appropriate attendance sheet on-job coaching sessions, workshops/meetings and trainings and share a copy with line manager.
• Mobilize communities and community leaders to participate in smiling Hearts’ Initiative’s project, community activities and organize regular community meetings to address areas of program improvement
• Attend interagency meetings and field visits as required by the Manager.
• Other duties as assigned from time to time
• Governmental and non-governmental partners: Exchange of information, coordination, representation
• Weekly, Monthly and quarterly reports as required by the grant.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• BSc Health, Nutrition, Nursing or related field with a minimum of two year relevant experience for BSc holder and three years related experience for Diploma holder.
• Understanding of community management of acute malnutrition
• Computer skills knowledge and applications especially Ms Word and Excel
• Experience in planning and organizing activities in a variety of locations
• Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach local staff and community workers.
• Experience of providing hands-on in-service training
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and representational and communications skills are essential, and a team-oriented work style is a necessity.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to be respectful, kind, sensitive and empathize with children and their careers
• Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions
• Strong report writing skill
• Understanding of local language and culture is mandatory.
• Understanding of English language ( speaking, reading, writing)