Nutrition Officer (Kakuma) at International Rescue Committee

Requisition ID: req25162

Job Description

• Provide technical support in the 5 key functional areas for the nutrition program including monitoring and evaluation and referrals
• With the support of nutrition team, ensure the smooth implementation of a home-based Therapeutic Feeding Program (CMAM)
• Supervise and work in strict collaboration with the nutrition team in the screening activities of severely malnourished children.
• Develop and coordinate the adherence and reporting of nutrition education sessions as per developed annual plan.
• Train the nutrition team in case detection and home-based care.
• In collaboration with the Nutrition Manager and the logistics officer follow-up on food requests and timely release to outreach sites.
• Assist the nursing staff in the implementation of TF activities within the pediatric ward, (SC) ward and ensure the management of the commodities (food, drugs and equipment) is done professionally.
• Train and support the pediatrics (SC) staff in severe malnutrition case management according to international guidelines.
• Ensure proper communication, coordination and harmonization of tools with the different stakeholders involved in food/nutrition activities.
• Ensure the establishment of nutrition monitoring activities and train health staff in case detection and referral system.
• Plan and Participate in the conduction of nutrition research studies, best practice documentation, publication and surveys.
• Train and mentor IRC staff and other key stakeholders in GMP, MIYCN, MNDC, IMAM and Dietetics.
• Participate in program strategic planning and roll-out of new program areas in liaison with key stakeholders and cooperating partners.
• Implement comprehensive MIYCN program with strong BCC and BFHI/BFCI approaches.
• Ensure dietetic management of patients with nutrition related medical conditions.
• Modify recipes in the hospital kitchen to suit budgetary capacity and patients’ needs.
• Facilitating the requisition and stock management of supplementary and therapeutic supplies to nutrition sites.
• Improve the provision of quality nutrition counseling and education in the hospital and other key contact points in the health programme.
• Enhance integration of Nutrition activities with other key health programs.
• Develop and use developed activity work plans based on the program annual work plan.

Capacity Building & Human Resource Management:

• Assist the Nutrition Manager in carrying out capacity assessment and gap analysis and come up with a capacity building plan that include; OJT and training of staff in all clinical aspects of nutrition especially in CMAM and MIYCN.
• Provide technical support to the health facilities staffs, assist in assessing of beneficiaries and carry out referrals to the SC if any need arises or for further medical care.
• Assist the Nutrition Manager in strengthening the capacity of staff and community representatives in programmatic and technical nutrition related aspects, through identification, capacity assessments, trainings and continuous engagements.

Reporting:

• Ensure timely reporting weekly and monthly, quarterly and annual program reports and ensuring timelines are adhered to.

Coordination:

• Ensure proper communication, coordination and harmonization of tools with the different stakeholders involved in nutrition activities.
• Carry out weekly field visits to ensuring program quality control and implementation in all aspects
• Participate in health and nutrition key calendar events and campaigns that contribute to the maternal and child health wellness
• Represent IRC in interagency food and nutrition coordination meetings.

Logistics and Finance:

• Work together with the Nutrition Manager in preparation of the monthly cash forecasts based on planned activities in a timely manner
• Support the nutrition supervisor-store in commodity request, management of stock and accountability of the stocks.
• Support the Nutrition Manager in budget preparation, planning, allocation, management, review tracking and analysis to ensure proper allocation of resources, accountability and unified spending
• Support nutrition supervisor-store and facilitate the movement of food to and from field.

Communication and Reporting

• Maintain excellent relationships internally within IRC and with all IRC’s partners, the MOH, other stakeholders and local authorities.
• Carry out any other tasks as requested by supervisor, such as trainings, program representation, resource mobilization, advocacy, strengthening of partnerships, and program-related administrative duties.

Other

• To be flexible as required.

Key Result Areas:

• Adhered use of IMAM protocol in OTP/SFP/SC
• Improved GAM, SAM and MNDC to sphere standards.
• Improved IYCF key practices and health and nutrition seeking behavior.
• Improved GMP program
• Improved community ownership of best Nutrition Practices.
• Improve link between Nutrition and other key health programs.

Qualifications

• Qualified graduate Nutritionist
• Previous field coordination and management experience in a related field
• Proven problem solving and organizational skills
• Diplomatic and an effective communicator at all levels
• Supportive personnel management style and ability to manage teams
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong community Nutrition experience.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Computer skills
• Previous experience in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands of Kenya
• Previous experience working in insecure contexts
• Strong background in humanitarian projects