Nutrition Officers at International Rescue Committee

Job Purpose/Objective

• Under supervision of the Facility in Charge and, technically, the Nutrition Manager, The Nutrition Officer (NO) will lead 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 Nutrition Officer will be responsible for 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 quality of care to all clients enrolled in the nutrition programs in line with the MOH/WHO/UNHCR/WFP/ComPAS protocols.
• Direct implementation of ComPAS/CMAM, ensuring management of all under-fives/PLWs enrolled in OTP/TSFP programs in line with the WHO, IMAM and ComPAS protocol. Participate in data collection, data entry in registers and tablets, and reporting of CMAM/ComPAS data.
• Ensure quality and timely identification and treatment of medical complications associated with malnutrition in SC/OTP/SFP.
• Give and advise on the drug regimen for children in the SC, OTP and SFP programs.
• Handle nutrition commodities and food supplies at facility level/kitchen including receipt, inventory management, reporting and forecasting of commodity needs. Ensure daily reconciliation of nutrition commodities with the pharmacy staff and prompt reporting of variances.
• Participate in daily ward rounds in the SC ward with the medical team. Ensure that all required observations, prescribed treatment and procedure are properly carried out and documented in the patients’ cards
• Ensure integration of nutrition services with health- ensure provision of quality nutrition assessment, counselling and supports in NCD clinics, MCH/OPD, Medical wards and Special clinics (POPC, LBW/Preterm).
• Mentor the nutrition assistant staff and auxiliary nurses to handle patients with acute malnutrition as per protocol.
• Train and mentor IRC nutrition staff and other key partners 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.
• Improve the provision of quality nutrition counseling in the hospital SC and Comprehensive care Clinic (CCC) and other entry points in the health programme in liaison with relevant IRC sectors.
• Plan and Conduct continuous monitoring of the OTP, SFP and SC patient.
• Participate in program strategic planning and roll-out of new program areas in liaison with key collaborators and cooperating partners.
• Adhere and uphold IRC code of conduct at respective work area.

Supervision and Leadership

• Directly incentive staff providing services in the health facilities.
• 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 proper communication, coordination and harmonization of tools with the different partners involved in food/nutrition activities.
• Develop and coordinate the adherence and reporting of nutrition education sessions as per developed annual plan.
• Monitor and supervise proper usage of essential nutrition therapeutic feeds such as F100, F75, RUTF.RUSF, CSB++and Resomal to avoid stock outs.
• Create 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics.
• Registration and Up to date License with KNDI
• Possess at least three (3) years’ experience in implementing nutrition related activities in a lively hospital and community set up.
• S/He must possess ability to analyze and interpret both quantitative and qualitative programmed data.
• Must possess excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Able to work with minimal supervision.
• Must have cognate skills in computer applications.
• 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.
• Demonstrate proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, E- mail, out look
• Should be a standout colleague and culturally sensitive.