Nutrition Assistant

Job Overview/Summary

Under the supervision of the Nutrition Manager, the Nutrition Assistant will be responsible for all USG/OHA projects in his/her Local Government Area and is expected to ensure integrity, high level transparency and commitment in the implementation of the project. He or she is responsible for overseeing all nutrition activities for IRC supported OTPs in assigned LGA of Zamfara state. The NutritionAssistant will oversee and supervise supported SMOH OTPs/SC staff/CNMs and reports to the Nutrition Manager.

Major Responsibilities:

• Support planning and implementing the project activities and outputs at the field level to ensure the project achieves its objective of improving access to quality Nutrition services.
• Track the performance of the project activities and against targeted expected results and advise on implementation process to ensure the project is progressing towards attaining its targets in each LGA.
• Ensure quality and timely identification and treatment of medical complications associated with malnutrition in OTP in liaison with the other clinical services. Give and advice on the referral these children to the nearest SC on good time after necessary first aid is given.
• Supervise and coordinate the strict patient management of children in the OTP and ensure the laid protocols are followed.
• Participate in daily operations at the OTP with the medical team at the PHC.
• Strictly monitor and record the vital signs as required and act on any deviation from the Normal and give all the support required.
• Escort patients to other referral facilities when necessary.
• improvement of the MIYCN program in the OTP and ensure mothers establish breastfeeding well and counsel them at the OTP corners on best nutrition practices.
• Monitor therapeutic Feeds (RUTF), Therapeutic Milk, ReSoMal and ensure that clients get them as required.
• Conduct periodic analysis of progress of the project at the LGA level and promote learning and sharing of best practices and lessons learnt through documentation.
• Identifying program gaps in the supported OTP services with immediate solution for further necessary steps to address those gaps with possible support from the manager.
• Provide capacity building and on-the-job coaching to Facility staff in IMAM services including MIYCF best practices in supported facilities.
• Support proper Nutrition data collection and recording in the IRC supported OTP units and support the compilation of data and generation of quality Nutrition reports on a regular and timely manner.
• Support health facility-level reporting to SMOHs through LGA health authorities especially the HMIS.
• In line with the communication strategies of the consortium, ensure visibility of the project and project strategies at field level.
• Support collection of success stories and photographs that demonstrate the positive impact of the project.
• Monitor the performance of each supported OTP facilities with regular visits to the LGA health office, health facilities and communities.
• Create an enabling environment to promote information sharing, partnerships and cordial relationship between community, government structures and target communities where the project works
• Collaborate with other relevant sectors especially Environmental Health, as well as Health, Women Protection & Empowerment, and Child Protection to ensure holistic service package is available in response to the needs.
• Work with the field-based nutrition staff and community Nutrition Mobilizers to establish, implement and monitor community-based management of acute malnutrition activities, coupled with patient follow up, referrals and Health education for their better management at community level.
• Routinely monitor staff performance according to their Job Description and provide written feedback in a timely manner.
• Participate in the development of proposals, budgets and concept notes in coordination with the supervisor.
• Monitor the purchase and use of materials, equipment and supplies
• Maintain the equipment in good condition and submit regular inventory reports of the same.
• Monitor and evaluate appropriate implementation of projects against program objectives and IRC's

Job Requirements

Education:

• BNSC, BSc or Diploma in Nursing/ Midwifery/Nutrition/Health Education with strong nutrition background.
• Registration with a professional body/council in Nigeria

Work Experience:

• At least 2 years' experience in managing and implementing Nutrition programs OTP.
• Flexible, diplomatic and have the ability and willingness to live and work under pressure of workloads.
• Able to lead a team and experience in staff management.
• Good in using Microsoft package.
• Ability to work with displaced communities with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.