Health and Nutrition Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization that was established with the mission of improving lives in sustainable ways through integrated, locally driven solutions. The organization employs a diverse team of experts in various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. This unique mix of capabilities allows FHI 360 to effectively address the complex and interrelated challenges faced in development today. The organization operates in over 70 countries, including all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. FHI 360's Crisis Response team is actively involved in humanitarian efforts, particularly in regions affected by conflict such as Tigray, Amhara, Afar, and Somali Regions, and has recently expanded its operations to the Oromia Region to support communities in need.

Job Overview:
The Health and Nutrition Assistant will work under the supervision of the Health and Nutrition Officer, playing a crucial role in supporting the start-up nutrition activities within FHI 360's program implementation areas. This position is vital for ensuring that the program adheres to international technical standards and guidelines. The assistant will be responsible for conducting anthropometric assessments, maintaining accurate records, and linking clients to appropriate service points. Additionally, the role involves providing nutrition services, which include counseling, preparing treatment for clients, and ensuring a clean and safe working environment that adheres to infection prevention and control practices. The assistant will also be involved in data collection and coordination, supporting the admissions of severe malnutrition cases, and ensuring that all routine medications are administered correctly. This position requires a proactive approach to follow-ups and home visits for discharged patients, as well as collaboration with various departments to enhance the quality of health services delivered.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health and Nutrition Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: working closely with the Health and Nutrition Officer to meet program objectives; collecting and coordinating health and nutrition data for stakeholders; supporting the admission process for severe malnutrition cases; preparing and feeding severely malnourished patients; managing follow-ups for malnutrition patients; counseling in-patients and their guardians on proper care and nutrition; conducting home visits for discharged patients; ensuring adherence to nutrition programs; supporting the EPI department with growth monitoring activities; maintaining the safety and cleanliness of food supplements; conducting supportive supervision of kitchen operations; preparing and submitting health and nutrition reports; maintaining accurate records and data; imparting knowledge and skills to staff; preparing training materials; providing field-based assistance for community health activities; and assisting in project data collection and inventory management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree related to health or nutrition or a related field. Additionally, they should have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively in both written and spoken formats. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is preferred, as is experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) setting. The candidate should demonstrate a commitment to the values of FHI 360, including safeguarding and ethical practices in humanitarian work.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in health, nutrition, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support health and nutrition initiatives within the organization.

Experience:
The position typically requires at least 2+ years of relevant experience in health and nutrition-related fields. Prior experience working with NGOs is preferred, as it provides valuable insights into the operational and cultural contexts in which FHI 360 operates. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite is also advantageous, as it is commonly used for data management and reporting.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Additionally, proficiency in the local language of the host country is highly desirable, as it facilitates better communication with clients and community members.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve travel to various project sites and requires a commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and ethical conduct. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in all its forms. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and encourages a healthy work/life balance for its employees. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks.