Nutrition Officer at International Rescue Committee

Working under the mentorship and supervision of the Nutrition Manager, The Nutrition Officer will be responsible for the implementation of all nutrition related activities at the IRC run health facilities and communities in the refugee settlement and the surrounding host communities in Hagadera refugee camp. The position holder will be tasked with providing training (nutrition), coaching, mentorship and technical support, including M&E for the nutrition program. Key areas will include, but not limited to the detection and treatment of acute cases of malnutrition; implementation of the prevention package of IMAM, IYCF, Maternal Child Health and Nutrition; supporting outreach activities that include surveillance and patient follow up; and preparing and submission of donor reports as required.

Key Responsibilities:

Programming

• Provide overall technical leadership and direction to nutrition activities being implemented at Dadaab refugee camp in line with the UNHCR, UNICEF, ECHO technical narrative, work plans and targets.
• Ensure quality and timely identification and administration of medical complications associated with malnutrition in SC/OTP/SFP.
• Give and advise on the drug regimen for children in SC, OTP and SFP programs.
• Participate in daily ward rounds in the SC ward with the medical team.
• Ensure that all required observations, prescribed treatment and procedure are accurately carried out and detailed in the patients’ cards.
• Mentor the nutrition assistant staffs and auxiliary nurses to handle patients with acute malnutrition as per protocol.
• Train and mentor IRC nutrition staff and other key collaborators in GMP, IYCF and IMAM; especially the OTP and SC staff.
• Ensure the establishment of nutrition monitoring activities and train health staff in case detection and referral system.
• Ensure timely reporting in accordance with set deadlines.
• Monthly submission of CMAM report to supervisor.
• Improve the provision of quality nutrition counseling in the hospital SC and Comprehensive care Clinic (CCC) and other entry points in the health program in collaboration with relevant IRC sectors.
• Plan and conduct continuous monitoring of the OTP, SFP and SC patient.
• Participate in program planning and roll-out of new program areas in liaison with key partners and cooperating partners.
• Uphold IRC code of conduct at respective work area.

Supervision and Leadership

• Directly supervise nutrition officers and nutrition nurse in SC and OTP/SFP sites.
• Supervise and work in strict collaboration with the nutrition team in the screening activities of severely malnourished children.
• Identify training gaps for the incentive staff and beneficiaries within nutrition program and communicate the same to the program manager.

Networking and Coordination

• Ensure good communication, coordination and harmonization of tools with the different collaborators involved in food/nutrition activities.
• Develop and coordinate the adherence and reporting of nutrition education sessions as per developed annual plan.
• Monitor and supervise accurate usage of crucial nutrition therapeutic feeds such as F100, F75, RUTF.RUSF, CSB++and Resomal to avoid stock outs.
• Build appropriate linkages and referral for nutrition activities.
• Work closely with other health programs in spirit of integration for maximum output.
• Attend all program implementation meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics.
• Must be Registration and Up to date License with KNDI
• Possess at least three (3) years’ experience in implementing nutrition activities in a busy hospital and community set up.
• They must possess ability to analyze and interpret both quantitative and qualitative programmed data.
• Must possess excellent planning and interpersonal skills.
• Must be able to work with minimal direction.
• Must have cognate skills in digital literacy.
• MUST possess a high level of integrity and with good interpersonal skills
• Ready to work in difficult environmental conditions.

Required Experience:

• Addition nutrition training in CMAM/IMAM/COMPASS and MIYCN is an added advantage.
• Strong communication skills, oral, written and presentation.
• Previous experience in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Kenya
• Previous experience working in insecure contexts
• Very flexible, and have the ability to cope with stressful situations.
• Strong background in humanitarian projects.
• Show strength in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, E- mail, out look
• Should be a team-player and culturally sensitive