Health and Nutrition Officer at Save the Children

ROLE PURPOSE

Nutrition Officer will be responsible for day-to-day implementation of the health components in the Global Malnutrition Initiative Project (MI). MI Project’s main objective is to generate evidence that will inform development of policy and practice regarding the integration of management of acute malnutrition into iCCM. It is a 3 years where CHVs are trained to screen, diagnose and treat moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and control arm where CHVs are only screening and referring MAM/SAM cases to the nearby health facility for treatment by healthcare professionals. Nutrition officer will play a critical role in promoting delivery of quality life-saving interventions in collaboration with health and nutrition teams within Save the Children and with key stakeholders. In close liaison with MEAL, support in collection, processing and verification of reports/forms and maintains programme/projects databases.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Programme

Together MOH counterpart, contribute to project performance by;

• Providing technical assistance to MoH towards implementation of integrated community case management and community management of acute malnutrition.
• System strengthening through monitoring of IMAM surge and Family MUAC approaches in Loima health facilities.
• Enhance quality service delivery for ICCM+SAM&MAM through mentorship or on job trainings to CHAs and CHVs.
• Through advocacy, contribute to continued and sustained treatment of severe and moderate malnutrition at the county by MOH.
• Work with MOH to strengthen Community Health Service delivery and the community – facility linkage.
• Timely submission of field activity reports to supervisor for onward submission.

Monitoring and Evaluation.

• Project key performance indicators are within SCI standards
• Delivery of project activities in line with SCI quality bench marks
• At all times, ensure up to date project database for CMAM+ICCM, F-MUAC
• Provide various analysis for nutrition outcomes for CMAM+ICCM and F-MUAC for learning and decision making.
• Document the process of implementation, lessons learnt, case studies and good practice to ensure information is widely disseminated.
• With the support of MEAL team ensure project performance is tracked and quality standards adhered to.
• Collect and manage complaints and feedbacks in close coordination with MEAL team.
• Participate in the design, development and implementation of an M&E framework for health related activities.

Supervision

• Support regular review meetings with the Sub County Health Management Team and community health assistants.

Network and coordinate with the relevant sectors and agencies implementing health activities at national and community level.

• Identify areas of synergy in the field with the Ministry of Health and other implementing agencies working with communities. 
• Promote good work relationship with MOH and other partners
• Identify nutrition opportunities for the project

Implement Community Mobilization Activities.

• Liaise and establish strong links with existing community structures including community units, health committees, village elders and religious leaders and administration.

Strengthen Community – Health Facility Referral system and Linkage.

• Work with Ministry of Health to strengthen a referral system at community level and implement activities to strengthen the community –facility linkage.  

Contract Duration: 10 Months

Number of Vacancies: 1

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree health sciences / health systems (Nutrition, Nursing, Public health) or equivalent.
• At least three years’ work experience in health programming including monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience in community mobilisation within the development context. Experience working with the Kenya Community Health Strategy is an added advantage.
• Good understanding and experience working with MOH and county health departments, health stakeholders, opinion leaders and integration of donor funded programmes into county plans.
• Experience in training and capacity building.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of organizations.
• Experience of and commitment to utilizing participatory approaches.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and a willingness to be respectful, kind, sensitive and empathise with children.
• Good knowledge of the nutrition and health field.
• Good presentation and persuasion skills.
• Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions.
• Prepared to live and work in an uncertain security environment.
• Ability and willingness to frequently travel and stay at the field
• Strong research and data analysis skills
• Strong report writing and computer skills
• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles.

Deadline: 24 March 2022