Nutrition Officer Full Time NEW

BACKGROUND:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview:

Under the direction and supervision of the Senior Nutrition Officer, the nutrition officer will be directly engaged in the implementation of nutrition-related activities of the project and will contribute to the successful implementation of the project. Activities include, supporting and engaging in regular growth monitoring and promotion activities like screening, management and referral of MAM and SAM cases, home to home follow up visit and support to malnourished children and PLWs, capacitating SC and OTP centers, technical support to health workers and HEWs, facilitating nutrition related trainings, orientation, support food cooking demonstrations and nutrition education sessions, identify kebeles with higher malnutrition risk and high cases and conduct malnutrition prevention activities including supporting the livelihood team in the provision of support.

This position will be based at Mieso woreda under IRC Harar field office. Additionally, the officer will engage in the development and distribution of IEC BCC materials, quality reporting of activities, attend coordination meetings, and work closely with other health teams to promote IYCF practices. The officer will also handle any other tasks assigned by the supervisor to ensure the successful completion of the project in Miesso woreda.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) activities, including nutrition Screening for children under five and pregnant and lactating women, referral and management of malnutrition cases, and nutrition counseling.
• Support the SAM and MAM case management services at SC, OTP, and TSFP settings.
• Assess and ensure the capacity of SC and OTP settings to provide quality services, including supplies, guidelines, and document availability, and facilitate support accordingly.
• Regularly travels to SC and OTP settings of health centers and health posts and provides technical support, supports in management of children with SAM, monitors proper storage and utilization of nutrition supplies, assesses gaps and challenges, and discusses and facilitates solutions.
• Facilitate nutrition-related training like CMAM, IMAM, and others, including preparation of ToR and activity plan, training reports, and recording activity.
• Facilitate woreda and kebele level meetings, orientations, workshops, and other Coordination meetings.
• Prepare and share quality weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. Daily reports for specific activities may be requested occasionally.
• Closely work with the woreda health office in joint planning, nutrition needs, and gap assessment, developing and implementing action plans.
• Actively engage and monitor nutrition activities, including vit and deworming activities.
• Conduct and support nutrition-sensitive activities together with the IRC livelihood team and with concerned government offices, which include activities like family planning, women empowerment, social safety nets, child protection, etc.
• Plan and conduct joint nutrition monitoring and supportive supervision activities.
• Facilitate and participate on monthly and quarterly nutrition coordination meetings, review meetings. Prepare and submit quality report.
• Support the woreda-based IYCF officer during food cooking demonstrations and nutrition counseling sessions.
• Prepare and share quality success stories, case stories, and other nutrition data as per request.
• Coordinate with local NGO partners during community mobilization and awareness creation activities.
• Strengthen national nutrition program initiatives at the woreda and kebele level.
• Support family MUAC screening and referral activities at the kebele level.
• Conduct awareness creation activities on the promotion of hygiene and sanitation practices.
• Assess barriers and challenges regarding access to quality maternal and child health services in the woreda and develop joint action plans to address them together with the woreda health office.
• Support and work with the IYCF Officer flexibly through Delegation and additional assignments

Integration with IRCs Economic recovery and development (ERD) sector

• Coordinate with the ERD sector in nutrition-sensitive agricultural activities, including promoting diverse, nutrient-rich crops, improving access to markets, and educating farmers about healthy diets.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC [team/office].
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Educational Requirements:

• MSc/MPH, BSc or Diploma in Public health or Nursing or equivalent education.

Preferred experience & skills:

• Minimum work experience of 5 years for Diploma, 2 years for BSc and 1 year for MSc. Holders.
• NGO experience in developmental nutrition-sensitive project activities is a plus.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Meet deadlines, good at multi-tasking, and production of quality reports.
• Results-based attitude, as well as excellent organizational skills, are preferred.
• Excellent computer literacy, including internet browsing and Ms. office Windows, including Ms. Word, Excel, PowerPoint point and Access would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated behavior of professional and personal ethics.
• Strong time-management skills; proven track record to prioritize and deliver on time.
• Strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills
• Excellent at working both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional team structure.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong work relationships with partners and community structures.
• Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, punctual, and transparent.
• Proficiency in handling pressure in remote locations and a deep understanding of the cultural nuances specific to the local area.

Language Skills:

• Proficient spoken and written English, and Knowledge of the local language is advantageous.

Certificates or Licenses:

• Having ToT certificates on trainings like IYCF-E, SBCC, CMAM, IMAM, AMIYCN and other nutrition related trainings is advantageous.