Nutrition Assistant Officer at Global Village Healthcare Initiative for Africa (GHIV Africa)

Locations: Nganzai LGA, covering Kirikasamma, Kolkol, Red Bricks, and Lawanti communities

Duration: 3 Months July to September 2024

Project: UNICEF Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Project

Reporting to: Head of Programs, GHIV Africa

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

The UNICEF Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) Project aims to address acute malnutrition and improve nutritional outcomes among vulnerable populations in Nganzai LGA. The project focuses on community engagement, malnutrition screening, nutritional counseling, supplementation, and awareness-raising activities. The Nutrition Assistant Officer will play a critical role in supporting these activities, supervising CNMs and IMAMs, and providing technical assistance to local staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Coordination:

• Conduct community entry and engagement sessions with stakeholders, including local leaders, health workers, and community members, to introduce the project and gain community support.
• Facilitate the establishment of a strong rapport with community leaders to ensure smooth implementation of project activities.

Operational Setup and Site Strengthening:

• Assist in establishing mobile Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) sites and strengthening existing ones in the selected LGAs.
• Ensure that OTP sites are well-equipped, accessible, and staffed with trained personnel to provide quality nutritional services.

Mass MUAC Screening:

• Organize and oversee mass Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) screening campaigns using color-coded MUAC tapes to identify children with acute malnutrition.
• Coordinate with CNMs and IMAMs to ensure accurate screening and prompt referral of identified cases.

Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Counseling:

• Provide IYCF counseling to pregnant and lactating women, promoting optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.
• Support the development and dissemination of IYCF educational materials.

Supplementation and Nutrition Awareness:

• Administer nutritional supplements to pregnant women in the four LGAs, ensuring proper dosage and adherence to guidelines.
• Deliver nutrition awareness messages to raise knowledge and awareness about healthy dietary practices among community members.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Conduct regular monitoring visits across project sites to assess the progress of activities and measure their impact.
• Collect and analyze data to identify areas for improvement and ensure the project is on track to meet its objectives.
• Support Groups Establishment and Strengthening:
• Establish and support 20 mother-to-mother support groups (M2MSG) and 10 father-to-father support groups (F2FSUG) of 15 members each.
• Facilitate training sessions for group members on nutrition, hygiene, and child care practices.

Distribution of Supplies:

• Coordinate the distribution of Aqua tabs and soaps to caregivers of SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition) children to promote hygiene and prevent waterborne diseases.
• Ensure that supplies are distributed equitably and reach the intended beneficiaries.

Active Case Finding and Sensitization:

• Conduct active case finding of SAM children aged 6–59 months and refer them for treatment.
• Sensitize caregivers on hygiene promotion and the importance of early detection and treatment of malnutrition.

Mother MUAC Orientation:

• Provide orientation sessions for women on how to use MUAC tapes to monitor their children's nutritional status.
• Empower mothers with the knowledge and tools to detect malnutrition early.
• Collaboration with MEAL and Protection Units:
• Work closely with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) and Protection units to ensure effective project implementation.
• Participate in joint planning and review meetings to align activities and share insights.

REPORTING:

• Prepare and submit timely reports to the Nutrition Officer, detailing project progress, challenges, and recommendations.
• Ensure accurate and comprehensive documentation of all activities and outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

• Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in nutrition or public health projects, preferably in a humanitarian setting.
• Strong knowledge of community nutrition practices, including IYCF and MUAC screening.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and mobilize communities.
• Experience in supervising and providing technical support to local staff.
• Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a challenging environment.
• Fluency in English and the local language(s) spoken in Nganzai LGA.

Working Conditions:

• The position is based in Nganzai LGA, with frequent travel to Kirikasamma, Kolkol, Red Bricks, and Lawanti communities.
• The role may require working in remote and resource-limited settings.
• Flexibility to work outside regular office hours as needed.