Nutrition Assistant officer

This position is dedicated to supporting the delivery of essential nutrition services within both health facilities and local communities, operating under the guidance of the Nutrition Officer. The role plays a vital part in identifying, admitting, and managing cases of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) using the Tom Brown supplement, strictly following national Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) guidelines. The incumbent will facilitate the preparation and distribution of nutritional supplements, educate families on proper feeding techniques, and drive community engagement to ensure early detection and consistent care for vulnerable children.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the daily operations of nutrition programs in partnership with the Nutrition Officer.

• Guide the screening, admission, and therapeutic management of MAM cases utilizing Tom Brown in line with national protocols.

• Oversee the preparation and community distribution of Tom Brown, while leading demonstrations on correct usage and feeding methods.

• Collaborate with the Nutrition Officer to organize outreach efforts and mobilize communities for screening and ongoing care.

• Provide training and mentorship to community health workers and volunteers regarding growth monitoring, IMAM procedures, and Infant and Young Child Feeding (MIYCN) best practices.

• Execute routine home visits to monitor children recovering from treatment, locate those who have missed appointments, and offer dietary counseling to caregivers.

• Gather and organize precise nutrition data from field sessions and clinics, ensuring reports are submitted promptly.

• Aid in drafting monthly activity reports, including 5Ws and Situation Reports (SitReps).

• Track program performance against set goals and communicate insights for continuous improvement.

• Advocate for the consumption of local foods, such as Tom Brown, to enhance dietary variety and nutritional health at the household level.

• Engage in community gatherings and awareness campaigns to educate the public on preventing malnutrition and promoting healthy feeding habits.

• Cultivate and sustain productive partnerships with local leaders, health officials, and community partners to ensure coordinated program delivery.

• Perform any additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

• Proven ability to support and implement nutrition services in diverse settings.

• Knowledge of national IMAM protocols and experience in screening and managing MAM cases.

• Competence in preparing and demonstrating the use of nutritional supplements like Tom Brown.

• Strong skills in community mobilization, outreach coordination, and stakeholder engagement.

• Experience in training and mentoring community health workers on growth monitoring and feeding practices.

• Proficiency in conducting home visits, tracking defaulters, and providing caregiver counseling.

• Ability to collect, compile, and report accurate nutrition data in a timely manner.

• Skill in preparing comprehensive activity reports, including 5Ws and SitReps.

• Capacity to monitor program targets and provide constructive feedback.

• Understanding of the importance of local food sources in improving household nutrition.

• Effective communication skills for participating in sensitization sessions and community meetings.

• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with various community and health sector stakeholders.