Action Against Hunger Nutrition Program Officer (Micronutrient Program - MNP) Job in Kenya

Job Title: Nutrition Program Officer (Micronutrient Program - MNP) 

Country: Kenya

Base: Garbatulla and Merti Sub-counties
 

Direct line manager: Nutrition Program Manager
 

Line management of: None

Starting date: 1st May 2014
    
Founded in 1979, ACF International (Action Against Hunger) is an international humanitarian organization that delivers programs in over 40 countries. 

Recognized worldwide as a leader in the fight against hunger, our mission is to save lives through the prevention, detection, and treatment of malnutrition, especially during and after emergency situations and conflicts. 

From crisis to sustainability, ACF tackles the underlying causes of malnutrition and its effects. By integrating our programs with local and national systems, we further ensure that short-term interventions become long-term solutions. 

With Head Offices in France, the United Kingdom, Spain, the United States and Canada, our international network shares its combined resources, breadth of experience and technical expertise in pursuit of a world without hunger. 

ACF is present in Kenya since 2001. Currently the mission is implementing program activities in West Pokot, Isiolo, Tana River, Garissa and Dadaab refugee camps.

Under the supervision of the Nutrition Program manager the incumbent will be part of the team implementing High Impact Nutrition Interventions program (HiNi) in Isiolo County (Garbatulla and Merti). 

His/her support will focus on integrating Micronutrient programming to the mainstream HiNi program. 

General objectives include: Strengthening of systems to ensure sustainability; Strengthening planning and coordination; Strengthening service delivery by ensuring scale-up and integration and joint support supervision and monitoring with MoH and partners.

The Nutrition Program Officer (MNP) will be tasked to:

• Ensure that MNP is appropriately incorporated into the ongoing HiNi program
• Oversee Community mobilization and sensitization of the MNP program including  planning sensitization meetings for  local leaders
• Oversee registration of beneficiaries according to the laid out procedure
• Ensure proper beneficiary documentation in the MNP registers
• Coordinate the activities of community health workers  in collaboration with the Nutrition Staffs to  enhance increased uptake of the MNPs
• Ensure increased uptake and utilization of MNPs through conducting home visits with CHWs, documenting experiences and having feedback sessions with the beneficiaries.
• Together with link facilities oversee training of MTMSGs on use of MNP and appropriate IYCN practices
• Conduct on job training of CHWs and Health workers on use of MNP
• Ensure that facilities have monthly health education sessions at  the community level including promotion of proper IYCN practices
• Ensure that home visits are conducted by CHWs and document the experiences among household using MNP
• Liaise with local leaders to have frequent Barazas to get feedback from the beneficiaries on the MNP Program
• Prepare monthly, progress and Quarterly reports for presentation to WFP.
• Monitor stocks of the MNP in all the health facilities and advice the program on procurement to ensure no stock-outs at any time
• Attend and participate in coordination meetings with partners and the MOH and report on progress
• Plan and conduct Post Distribution Monitoring together with MOH and WFP
• Assist the Deputy Program Manager to work with the logistic and admin departments to plan, procure appropriate supplies and follow up community based activities

Qualifications and Skills Required

• Degree in Nutrition or any closely related field
• At least 2 years’ experience in nutrition programming preferably in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas (ASAL). HiNi experience will be an added advantage
• Computer skills with excellence in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Previous experience with an international relief humanitarian agency and a demonstrated humanitarian motivation.
• Proven ability to work in a team and proven skills in capacity building and community development (including community participation).
• Good communication skills, particularly with Health Workers, children and mothers and general community members.
• Must be a leader who is organized, motivated, autonomous and able to take initiatives, courteous and must have the ability to interact with a wide variety of people and communities.
• Good level of spoken and written English and Kiswahili.  Understanding of local languages will be an added advantage.
• Good report writing skills and a fast learner
• Ability to work within deadlines, follow security rules and be flexible.

What ACF will offer:
 

Start date: May 2014
 

Duty station: Garbatulla and Merti
 

Remuneration package: Very Competitive salary package with additional benefits to include:

• Career development opportunities with ACF including expatriation
• Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents
• Opportunity to work in a nice  and friendly environment with a dynamic and motivated team
• Individual training and capacity building budget

Duration of contract: One year contract, renewable depending on funding availability and performance

Closing Date:  Friday 11th April 2013 by Close of Business 5pm. 

Applications sent after the closing date and time will not be considered.

Interested candidates should forward their applications including a cover letter, curriculum vitae and telephone contacts and email addresses of 3 referees preferably former/current supervisors (certificates will be required later on in the recruitment process) to:

e-mail: recruit.ke@acf-international.org  indicate the position on the subject line of the email.

Position opened to Kenyan Nationals only