Maternal Infant Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Officer at Action Against Hunger International

Direct line manager: MIYCN Program Manager

Line management of: N/A

Starting date:

As soon as possible

Contract Duration:

5 months

To achieve this, Action Against Hunger will;

• Intervene on the Health and Nutrition sector: evolving from direct service provision to strengthening the health system- focusing on ‘strengthening’ the system more than ‘supporting’ the system
• Action Against Hunger-Kenya health and nutrition program has considerably evolved from direct service provision, to scaling up the relationship and partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) by recognizing them as the primary health and nutrition service providers and working at building their technical capacity to reach a higher level in the quality of services provided. Strengthening the health system will not happen by indiscriminately working on the six (6) HSS pillar alone but through a critical and holistic review of the health system processes. This critical and holistic diagnostic approach requires having developed a trustful relationship to be able to work together with the health departments, at national, County and sub-county levels
• Bringing the Community Health Strategy (CHS) onboard
• Within the HSS approach, Action Against Hunger-Kenya will focus on community health strategy (CHS) as CHS has the potential to have a huge impact on addressing under-nutrition and is, unfortunately, under-utilized. Through this system, Action Against Hunger-Kenya will work with the MoH to create demand and accountability for services offered. This will be achieved through
• Applying SBCC approach at community level
• Strengthen referral and counter referral system
• Scaling up community/citizen engagement
• If the system on which Action Against Hunger is supporting is not properly connected to people and there is inadequate engagement with people themselves then results will not be achieved. Deciders are still making crucial decisions on behalf of their citizen and on what they think should be the strategies and the priorities. The most vulnerable groups lack strong voice to advocate for their priorities thus the requirement for an engagement platform.
• Sustainability of WASH services to strengthen nutrition sensitive programming
• Nutrition sensitive programming remains key to achieving better nutrition impact and reaching targets. WASH is a vital element but the main problem in Kenya is about sustainable access to safe water and sanitation services to withstand the recurrent shocks in ASAL regions. Findings clearly demonstrate critical role of WASH in good nutrition require long-term sustainable solutions for the vulnerable communities embedded in the existing systems and communities
• 5. Partnerships
• The position holder Will aim to work closely with the Ministry of Health both at National and County levels to support in the implementation of the National and County level strategies related to improving maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) and building relationships with key stakeholders including within government institutions, the donor community, NGOs and the private sector.
• 6. Research
• Research will be aimed at informing program action by building rigorous high quality evidence. Thus, Action Against Hunger will seek to contextualise research findings within the larger health and Nutrition strategy. Research will always be of high quality in order to produce knowledge that is applicable outside of the research setting. Results of the research will also be used to improve programming and inform policy and strategies at the National and County level.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Support to Health System Strengthening efforts at the County level.
  • In liaison with the Program managers and partners develop joint work plans for MIYCN activities as stipulated in the project document.
  • Provide technical and implementation support to the Action Against Hunger field sites in relation to MIYCN program interventions
  • In liaison with the MOH and the Program manager undertake periodic capacity assessment across the health facility staffs and structure OJT and Mentorship sessions to the health facilities based on specific needs.
  • Support the application/ implementation and adherence to existing policies, strategies, standards and guidelines and ensure their availability and understanding in all Action Against Hunger project sites.
  • Participate in coordination meetings at the County and National level with the MOH and Partners including NIWG, MIYCN TWG and any other.
  • Coordinate with the other NGOs, UNICEF, WFP and MoH at County level
  • Support development of County work plans and schedule joint supervisions to enhance quality programming
• Support community Health Strategy and Community Resilience activities
  • In liaison with the Community Strategy Focal persons at the County and Sub County level, support integration of MIYCN activities into CHS activities at the community level including community dialogue and action days, sensitization sessions for community members among others
  • Work closely with MOH to offer technical support and sustain respective support groups for improved MIYCN practices. E.g. Community mother support groups, Mother to Mother support groups, Community Health committee (CHC)
  • Support MOH to develop ,implement and monitor Social Behaviour Change Communication Strategies around MIYCN
  • Support the MOH to develop practical community feedback mechanisms geared at improving service delivery at the County level.
  • Supports the nutrition team in the implementation of community based MIYCN interventions – BFCI approach through regular contact and exchange with the community leaders/members
• Reporting and Program Development
  • 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 contributes to survey reports.
  • In collaboration with Program Manager and coordination team; contribute in defining technical strategy when required.
  • Participates in the analysis and drafting of activity reports and evaluation of the project.
  • In liaison with the program manager develop project proposal to address County specific gaps
  • Ensure adequate monitoring, monthly and donor reporting, documentation and lessons learning of MIYCN related actions.
• Information exchange and cooperation with all Action Against Hunger interventions and external stakeholders
  • Collaborate with all other Action Against Hunger departments and sectors to ensure the projects are integrated
  • Support the County implement KAP, KPC, and barrier analysis surveys
  • Collaboration with other Partners, MOH (S/CHMT), INGOs, NGOs, CBOs and the UN working in this area to ensure smooth running of projects.
  • Work in collaboration with the communities and local leaders at all stages of project implementation
  • Document human interest stories and lessons learnt
• Finance, Logistics
  • Prepare cash forecast in liaison with the other program staff in line with the work plans
  • Ensure the expenditure is as stipulated in the budget lines and strict adherence to the budget limits
  • Propose anticipated budget realignment in discussion with 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.
  • Support the Program manager in monthly budget reviews and suggesting amendments to Finance

QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree in Nutrition/ Nursing or health related field from a recognized institution.
• Registered with KNDI or any recognized regulatory body
• Previous experience participating in developing country strategies
• Experience in MIYCN programming will be an added advantage
• Experience from both private and INGO sectors is an advantage
• Knowledge of main donor requirements including UNICEF, ECHO, EU donors, etc.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL

• 3 years’ experience in a similar position.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in MIYCN/BFHI/BFCI
• Experience with Health System Strengthening
• Computer skills with excellence in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Proven ability to work in a team and proven skills in capacity building and community development (including community participation)
• Good level of spoken and written English and Kiswahili
• Ability to work within deadlines, follow security rules and be flexible
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and have impact on input on program indicators
• Demonstrate capacity in constructively engaging local authorities and local partners.
• Finance, admin, grant management, logistic, HR, security management experience
• Excellent organization, coordination, report writing and team management skills
• Strong and effective communication and presentation skills
• Team player and Keen to details

COMPETENCIES

• Integrity
• Resilience
• Problem solving
• Technical credibility
• Decisiveness
• Influencing/negotiating
• Innovation
• Vision and strategic thinking
• Capacity to reconcile different and sometime divergent priorities
• What Action Against Hunger will offer:

Start date: As soon as possible.

Duty station: Nairobi.

Remuneration package:

• Very Competitive salary package with additional benefits to include:
• Career development opportunities with Action Against Hunger
• Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents
• Opportunity to work in a good and friendly environment with a dynamic and motivated team