Assistant Technical Officer, Nutrition - CMAM

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established over 30 years ago, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work collaboratively to address the most pressing challenges in health, education, and economic development. The organization is committed to providing high-quality services and programs that are evidence-based and culturally appropriate, ensuring that they meet the needs of the communities they serve. FHI 360 has a strong presence in Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern region, where they are actively responding to the humanitarian crisis affecting internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Job Overview:
The Assistant Technical Officer, Nutrition - CMAM position is crucial in addressing the severe acute malnutrition (SAM) crisis in Northeast Nigeria, particularly in Borno State. The role involves direct engagement in the treatment and rehabilitation of children suffering from SAM, ensuring that they receive the necessary therapeutic feeds and medical care. The officer will be responsible for overseeing health and nutrition counseling, as well as building the capacity of Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) assistants. This position requires a proactive approach to community outreach, including screening for malnutrition in children under five and providing outpatient therapeutic program (OTP) services in target communities and IDP camps. The officer will also play a key role in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of nutrition interventions, ensuring that all activities are documented and reported accurately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Technical Officer will lead community outreach activities, including mid-upper arm circumference screening and active case finding for malnutrition in children under five. They will provide OTP services in target communities and IDP camps, conduct defaulter tracing, and deliver key messages at the OTP site. The officer will oversee the timely identification of complications and ensure appropriate referrals to stabilization centers based on established criteria. They will develop a CMAM workplan, produce trends of malnutrition based on admissions, and carry out mortality audits at the OTP. The officer will support the monitoring and evaluation unit during assessments and focus group discussions, ensuring timely report preparation and submission. They will ensure proper documentation of services and continuously monitor OTP performance and output indicators. The officer will manage SAM children with complications at the stabilization center, ensuring correct clinical diagnosis and treatment according to protocols. They will carry out daily ward rounds, develop a call-duty roster for CMAM assistants, and take weekly and monthly inventory of nutrition supplies. The officer will oversee the preparation of therapeutic milk and food for admitted SAM children and caregivers, ensuring all protocols are understood and followed. They will provide health education messages to beneficiaries and compile statistical data for reporting purposes. Additional responsibilities may include supporting nutrition surveys and performing other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a B.Sc in Nursing with 1-3 years of post-NYSC experience or an MBBS with at least 1 year of post-NYSC experience. Experience working with a humanitarian organization is highly desirable, along with extensive knowledge of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices in a humanitarian context. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality and have proven experience working with IDPs, refugees, returnees, and host communities. Familiarity with Nigerian law enforcement systems and local NGOs and CBOs is also highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing or a medical degree (MBBS). Candidates should have completed their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program and possess relevant experience in clinical settings, particularly in nutrition or humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience post-NYSC. Experience in a clinical setting, particularly in nutrition management and working with vulnerable populations such as IDPs, is essential. Previous experience with humanitarian organizations will be an added advantage, as it demonstrates familiarity with the challenges and dynamics of working in crisis situations.

Languages:
Fluency in both spoken and written English is mandatory. Proficiency in local languages is highly desirable, as it facilitates communication with beneficiaries and enhances the effectiveness of outreach activities.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Banki, Borno State, Nigeria, and may require flexibility and adaptability due to challenging working conditions. The role is full-time and involves direct engagement with communities affected by the humanitarian crisis. FHI 360 is committed to safeguarding and providing a safe environment for all employees and beneficiaries, adhering to strict policies against abuse and exploitation. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for professional development, emphasizing a healthy work/life balance.