Job Title: Nutrition Officer

Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which provides humanitarian relief in more than 50 countries worldwide in the sectors of nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and food security and livelihoods. Action Against Hunger-USA, an independent NGO, currently manages programs in 7 countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Haiti. Action Against Hunger-USA invests more than $60 million in programs annually with approximately 1,500 permanent employees based in New York City, Washington D.C, HEARO (Nairobi) and country offices. Action Against Hunger – US anticipates to expand to more countries.

In Kenya, Action Against Hunger has been present since 2001 and is a transformative leader in nutrition security for improved quality of life among vulnerable communities. Action Against Hunger aims to contribute to the optimal functional performance of National, County and Community systems through strategic partnerships for innovative nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions. The organization recognizes gender equality as central to its core strategy towards realization of effective and sustainable outcomes on nutrition, WASH, food security and livelihoods as well as health and nutrition surveillance interventions. Action Against Hunger is currently implementing integrated activities in West Pokot, Mandera and Isiolo counties.

Summary of Position

The role of Nutrition Officer is to Work closely with MOH, department of social services and other stakeholders in the implementation of NICHE project by providing technical support to the department of health to implement Baby Friendly Community Initiatives including training of health workers and CHVs, Community sensitization, monitoring and supervision of interventions.

The incumbent will ensure coordinate CHVs conduct bi-weekly health education in the households for NICHE beneficiaries, ensure timely and quality reporting of NICHE/BFCI activities and manage coordination of NICHE activities among all stakeholders in West Pokot County

Purpose:

The role of Nutrition officer is to coordinate the implementation of the NICHE project by working with departments of health and social services and other stakeholders in West Pokot County. Ensure linkage, synergies and complementarity with other sectorial interventions, i.e. FSL, WASH as well as proper coordination, consultation and information sharing with partners.

Represent Action Against Hunger in all coordination at the county and sub county level, collaborate with other implementing partners, INGO, UN bodies and the local communities to ensure successful implementation, no duplication and resource wastage and smooth running of the NICHE projects.

Engagement:

Work in collaboration with the communities, local leaders, elders and local authorities at all stages of project implementation and represent Action Against Hunger towards partners at the field level when necessary: NGOs, local authorities, UN bodies and community representation (elders, chiefs etc.)

Collaborate with nutrition program manager and other department in the field team to contribute in defining technical strategy when required to ensure the NICHE projects are integrated.

Delivery:

Work with the Nutrition program manager to prepare progress reports, quarterly donor reports, provide inputs for proposals development, Program reports and NICHE project procurement plan and contributes in survey reports as well as compile program reports on a timely basis in liaison with other program staff; Weekly SitRep, Monthly (statistical and narrative), Quarterly and annual donor reports.

Essential Job Functions

• To implement and monitor IMAM and MIYCN interventions at community and health facilities
• In collaboration with MOH, support BFCI capacity building of health care workers and other stakeholders during the implementation period through mentorship, coaching, OJT and classroom training for quality program implementation
• In liaison with the County MOH and other partners, develop joint work plans for key activities as stipulated in the project document
• In liaison with the MOH, undertake periodic capacity assessment across the health facilities and community health units to identify gaps for structured OJT sessions based on identified needs
• Participate in coordination meetings at the County and sub-county level including NICHE technical working group, CNTF, CSG and any other
• Compile program reports on a timely basis in liaison with other program staff; Weekly SitRep, Monthly(statistical and narrative), Quarterly and annual donor reports
• In collaboration with the Nutrition Program Manager, prepare progress reports, quarterly donor reports, proposals, program reports, project procurement plan and contribute to development of survey reports.
• Support MOH focal persons on information, data management and reporting through the KHIS and NICHE monitoring information system
• Collaborate with all other departments and sectors within Action Against Hunger to ensure the projects are integrated
• Collaborate with other partners, MOH (S/CHMT), INGOs, NGOs, CBOs and the UN working in West Pokot to ensure smooth running of projects.
• Work in collaboration with the communities and local leaders at all stages of project implementation
• Support the documentation process for the program outcomes/impact including human-interest stories, lessons learnt, best practices among others

Supervisory Responsibilities

• In liaison with county health management teams, the incumbent will work closely with MOH in supervising CHVs at community level.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Prepare cash forecast in liaison with the other program staff in line with the work plans
• Ensure expenditure is as stipulated in the budget lines and strict adherence to the budget limits
• Propose anticipated budget re-alignment in discussion with the program manager
• In liaison with the Program Manager, monitor budget spending in line with spending plan; ensure diligence in grants utilization including timely spending and value for money.

Physical Demands

• This is a field level based position and may require one to stay in the community with access to modest basic amenities.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to travel for long distances in the community therefore requires officer to be flexible, be able to work under pressure and work beyond working hours. The position requires effective community engagement and interactions

Working Conditions, Travel and Environment

• The duties of the job require regular job attendance for five days per week with eight hours per day. However, due to the nature of the project, the incumbent may be required to work longer hours including working over weekends.
• Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic travel based on the office needs. While visiting the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions as well as to infectious diseases. Staff must therefore adhere to measures put in place to reduce these risks including COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures.

Gender Equality Commitments & Zero Tolerance to Abuse

To ensure adherence to Gender Equality Commitments & Zero Tolerance to Abuse, the officer will;

• Foster an environment that reinforces values of women and men, and equal access to information.
• Provide a work environment where women and men must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.
• Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, particularly for children, beneficiaries, and members of staff.
• Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation.
• Respect beneficiaries; women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age or marital status.
• Value and respect all cultures.

Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Minimum three (3) years working experience in community Nutrition programs
• University degree in Nutrition related field from a recognized institution.
• Training in IMAM/MIYCN/BFCI/cBFCI will be an added advantage
• Registered with KNDI

Required Skills & Competencies

• Experience working with an INGO and fluent in local language will be an added advantage
• Comprehensive understanding of MIYCN/BFCI programming
• Understanding of main donor requirements including UNICEF, USAID, ECHO, EU donors
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good analytical and report writing skills
• Experience in community mobilization/engagement
• Extensive ICT proficiency with knowledge in basic computer applications – Excellent influencing and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated capacity to provide technical leadership
• Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines
• Ability to train, mentor and coach a team – a team player