Technical Officer, Nutrition – Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) at FHI 360

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology – creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Officer, Nutrition – Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)

Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Supervisor: Nutrition Coordinator

Project Description

Northeast Nigeria is currently facing a growing humanitarian crisis with a vast number of Internally Displaced Persons in need of emergency assistance. These internally displaced persons (IDPs) are living among host communities, lacking access to livelihoods and resources, ultimately leading to unprecedented levels of malnutrition and food insecurity. FHI 360 has been working in Nigeria for over 30 years and is now expanding activities in Borno state to respond to the IDP crisis.
FHI 360 is expanding its expertise by responding to this humanitarian crisis through integrated Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Nutrition, Health and Protection interventions

Basic Function

The position will support the collective response in operationalization of the Infant and Young Child Feeding Emergency (IYCF-E) Response Strategy for FHI 360 Integrated Humanitarian Assistance for Northeast Nigeria II project (IHANN II). Under the Supervision of the Nutrition Coordinator, he/she will support the nutrition sector to deliver quality and timely Infant & Young Child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E).
The incumbent will work together, guide and lead FHI 360 nutrition staff in IYCF-E response.
He/she will identify existing gaps and bottlenecks in IYCF-E Interventions through surveys and assessments and subsequently support the design and context specific interventions to improve IYCF service delivery.
The incumbent will design a comprehensive training plan for all relevant staff at all levels and lead and supervise its implementation.
In addition, on-the-job training, coaching staff rotation between LGAs and other peer to peer support will play an important role in this system’s approach to strengthen IYCF services in a sustainable manner.
The incumbent will provide technical guidance and management support throughout the programming process to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results in maternal, infant and young child nutrition program in accordance to the national guidelines and strategies as well as global Operation Guideline on Infant Feeding in Emergency (OG -IFE).

Duties and Responsibilities
Assessment and Analysis of IYCF Response and IYCF in Programme Design:

Conduct IYCF assessment/survey in IDP camps and other areas; identify gaps and bottlenecks to optimum IYCF uptake and assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of the current IYCF response strategy.
Lead the validation of IYCF assessment and survey and develop plan of action to address identified gaps.
Advocate for the inclusion of IYCF-E indicators in multi-sectorial assessments through engagement with various sectors such as protection, WASH, Health and Education.

Technical Support and Capacity Building:

Develop a strategy supporting comprehensive harmonized IYCF delivery of interventions across all IHANN implementing sites and ensure roll out and uptake of the developed tools at field level.
Based on results of the gap analysis and in collaboration with Nutrition Coordinator, develop a training plan and capacity building strategies to encompass formal IYCF trainings, on job mentoring, peer to peer learning at field level and supportive supervision to all IHANN Nutrition staff and volunteers.
Lead IYCF-E interventions across all IHANN II implementing LGAs.
Represent FHI 360 in IYCF Technical working group (TWG) to ensure effective coordination of IYCF activities including following up with other partners and FHI 360 staff to ensure recommended actions are implemented at field level.
Provide guidance to mitigate risks associated with Breast milk substitute (BMS) inappropriate use, including the advice on preventive and monitoring actions as well as reporting on BMS code violations.
With the Nutrition coordinator, develop guidance note to inform appropriate integration of IYCF interventions with other sectors particularly Health, Child Protection, Gender Base Violence (GBV), WASH, Security as well as other FHI 360 projects.
He/She will support other nutrition program activities not limited to Community Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) and IYCF.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:

Review and continually update the IHANN II IYCF-E preparedness and response actions to ensure sustained protection and promotion of IYCF during emergencies.
Support the development of online tools (using Open Data Kit -ODK etc) to facilitate comprehensive IYCF-E capacity mapping and as well as enhancing robust surveillance mechanism to monitor and evaluate progress of IYCF program implementation.
Support knowledge capitalization and undertake documentation of lessons leant and best practices in the Nigeria Northeast IYCF response and apply same to IHANN II project.
Support the IHANN II Nutrition Sector to use the developed data collection tools to generate and submit timely and high quality IYCF programme reports

Coordination, Advocacy and Networking:

Working with the Nutrition coordinator and the M and E, support the mapping of IYCF interventions in the IHANN implementing sites to prevent duplication of services, ensure optimum coverage and contribute to strengthening IYCF referral pathways.
Undertake advocacy with key stakeholders (Government, UN agencies, INGOs/NGOs, communities and camp managers to prioritize IYCF as a key intervention that contributes to the sustainable development.
Represent FHI 360 in various nutrition coordination meetings and advocate for Nutrition/IYCF interventions.
Work closely with staff and beneficiaries on identification of challenges hindering appropriate IYCF uptake to inform the IYCF project implementation Strategy and activities.

Additional Responsibilities

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and the employee will also perform other tasks as required and responsible for reporting and communication of progress and achievement of the specific assigned task.
Inform Nutrition Coordinator of any professional problems encountered.

Deliverables/Outputs:

Detailed work plan, IYCF in-depth assessment, constraint analysis report with action plan to tackle identified gaps.
IYCF-E training and mentoring reports.
Co-develop guidance note on appropriate integration of IYCF interventions with other sectors
Harmonized IYCF Interventions and packages (Community and IDP care/support group meetings, cooking demonstrations, counselling sessions, etc)

Qualifications and Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, Public Health or related field with 5 to 7 years relevant experience.
Or MPH or MS in Human Nutrition, or related field with 3 to 5 years relevant experience.
At least three years substantial experience in Nutrition or public health programme.
Experience working with a humanitarian or emergency setting is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

Knowledge of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) programming with emphasis on Infant Feeding in Emergency (IFE).
Experience in policies and legislations on the code of marketing of Breast Milk Substitute and sphere.
Excellent knowledge of Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC), Social marketing, Health education & promotion.
Extensive knowledge and understanding of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices.
Experience in developing, implementing and conducting trainings in IYCF-E programmes
Excellent communications skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders,
Good interpersonal skills.
Previous experience working in clinical setting is an asset.
Sound report writing skills.
Be flexible and adaptable with regards to the implementation of the daily work
Ability to work under pressure and with minimal supervision
Ability to communicate in Hausa and/or any local language is an advantage.