Job Description

Job Title: Nutrition Officer
Band / Level / Grade    8B
Department    Nutrition
Location    Abyan

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The IRC responds to people’s acute and longer-term needs with integrated programs that improve health and safety, prioritize children’s education, foster economic wellbeing, and empower communities to regain control over their lives. Our work gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, conflict sensitivity, coordination, and impact.

The IRC Yemen began its programs in October 2012. Since establishing its presence in the South of Yemen, in the Red Sea Coastal city of Aden, the organization has grown from just an implementing small project to handling large scale emergency and relief operations. Following the war which broke out in Yemen in March of 2015 and the humanitarian disaster, which was crafted by the same, IRC launched one an emergency response program in the southern governorates of Aden, Lahj, Abyan, Shabwah and Aldale’e.  Currently IRC Yemen is operating in eight governorates in the south and north of Yemen and Sana’a and Hodeidah in the North through direct programming and through local partnerships, in Health, WASH, Nutrition, Economic Recovery Development, Education, Child Protection, Gender and Women Protection and Empowerment.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) have been working in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for more than forty years. Today, the IRC has more than 2,200 staff working across the region, including in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Yemen to support those affected by some of the world’s most complex and protracted humanitarian crises.

SCOPE OF WORK:

He/ she is responsible for the day-to-day management and smooth running of the Integrated Community-based Management of Acute malnutrition programming in Abyan in line with the MoPHP national CMAM protocol, IRC protocols and the project proposals.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Nutrition Officer plays role in implementing and handling nutrition programs aimed at improving the nutritional status of vulnerable populations, particularly children under five and pregnant and lactating women. This position involves coordinating activities, conducting assessments, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality nutrition services in collaboration with local nutrition authorities, community organizations, and other collaborators. He/ She will facilitate capacity building and mentoring, including training, coaching, supervision, and feedback. Conduct regular field visits to supervise the quality and adherence of the project activities to national and international standards and protocols.

WORKING RELATIONS:

• The position holder will report directly to the Senior Nutrition Manager for day-to-day work planning and results.
• Work closely with the Senior commodity tracking officer and Supply chain for all procurements and supplies.
• Collaborate with local partners, government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, private sector actors, community leaders, beneficiaries, and other relevant partners involved in Nutrition.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC [team/office]
Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Technical Support & Management:

• Training of nutrition staff and community health workers (CHWs) on the implementation of treatment of Acute Malnutrition
• Ensuring adherence to the current MAM/SAM protocols in the supported facilities
• Plan and coordinate community mobilization and health and nutrition education activities
• Ensure quality supervision of diagnostic and treatment services and community level implementation of the nutrition program.

Direct technical supervision of supported MoPHP staff and IRC nutrition assistant.

• Training of nutrition staff and community health workers (CHWs) on the implementation of treatment of Acute Malnutrition
• Ensuring adherence to the current MAM/SAM protocols in the supported facilities
• Plan and coordinate community mobilization and health and nutrition education activities
• Ensure quality supervision of diagnostic and treatment services and community level implementation of the nutrition program.

Coordination & Representation:

• Organize and implement and ensure that the program aligns with Ministry of Health guidelines.
• In collaboration with the Senior Nutrition Program Manager, ensure that the local authorities and particularly the DHO is involved in the planning, implementation and monitoring of quality Nutrition program.
• Liaise with key partners including District Health Departments, local leaders, NGO partners, and other collaborators to ensure good links between nutrition program and other sectors.
• Ensure integration of Nutrition (primary health care (PHC) activities, particularly as regards Nutrition Education, EPI and other Child Health and nutrition services supplementary food program and therapeutic feeding centers (SFPs and TFCs).
• Hold regular planning and coordination meetings with all the nutrition field staff and CHWs.

Administrative and Other Duties:

• Provide monthly written reports on activities to the Program Manager.
• Participate in the follow-up of supplies consumption and orders.
• Overall management of stock levels, making sure that they are sufficient for the functioning of the supported health facilities (weekly, monthly, or quarterly)
• Make monthly physical inventory of all nutrition supplies.
• Set performance objectives for Nutrition Assistants and IYCF Counselors.
• Carry out monthly performance evaluation and advice the individual staff member on ways to improve work performance.
• Orient new staff and visitors on the IRC nutrition programming
• Under the direction of the Senior Nutrition Program Manager, take up responsibilities such as overall program management; work planning; attendance at Regional/Governorate level meetings and workshops.

REQUIREMENTS: (Qualifications, Skills and Abilities):

A.    Education:

• Should be a qualified Clinical Officer, Medical Doctor or Nutritionist with diploma in preventive and curative medicine or a Certificate of Public Health or Registered/ Certified Nurse from a recognized Health Training Institution.

B.     Experience:

• Working experience of at least two years in CMAM program/Primary Health Care/ integrated Community Case Management programs.
• Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office, Internet\ emails and systems).
• Good English and Arabic Language is essential.

C.     Skills and Abilities:

• Good verbal and written communication skills for clear reporting and partner engagement.
• Proficiency in designing and delivering training sessions for healthcare workers and community members.
• Excellent relationship-building skills to develop collaboration with partners, including government officials, community leaders, and NGOs.
• Strong planning and organizational abilities to lead multiple projects and hard deadlines efficiently.
• Attention to details in program implementation and reporting.
• Ability to identify challenges in program delivery and develop practical, innovative solutions.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and re-prioritize tasks as needed.
• Capability to lead and support teams, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Skill in mentoring and guiding less experienced staff and CHW.
• Ability to advocate for nutrition programs and policies optimally at various levels.

D.    Proficiencies:

• Strong understanding of nutrition concepts, guidelines, and standard processes including infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM).
• Familiarity with public health nutrition policies and frameworks, such as the WHO and UNICEF guidelines.
• Proficiency in using data management and reporting software (e.g., Excel, SPSS) and nutrition assessment tools.
• Ability to analyze nutrition data and assess program effectiveness.
• Professionalism and work ethic.

Professional Standards

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.Commitment to Client Responsiveness: By committing to Client-Centered Programming, at the IRC Yemen, we place the people we serve - our clients - at the center of our programming and services. The IRC Yemen Staff have an important role to play in supporting the implementation of client-responsive programming through raising awareness among the community and clients about the existing feedback mechanisms and how to use them including the response processes, access, and eligibility to services, and contribute to building an institutional culture that prompts staff to listen to clients.