Health and Nutrition Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. The organization operates in more than 70 countries, including all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. FHI 360's Crisis Response team has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts in regions affected by conflict, such as Tigray, Amhara, Afar, Somali Regions, and has expanded its operations to support communities in the Oromia Region, specifically in Negele Borena. This commitment to addressing urgent humanitarian needs showcases FHI 360's dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable populations through integrated health, nutrition, WASH, and protection projects.

Job Overview:
The Health and Nutrition Assistant position is crucial for supporting the start-up nutrition activities within FHI 360's program implementation areas. Reporting to the health and nutrition officer, the assistant will play a key role in ensuring that program implementation adheres to international technical standards and guidelines. Responsibilities include conducting anthropometric assessments, maintaining a clean and safe working environment, and providing nutrition services such as counseling and treatment preparation for clients. The role requires close collaboration with the health and nutrition officer to achieve program objectives effectively, as well as the collection and coordination of health and nutrition data for stakeholders. The assistant will also be involved in case management of malnutrition patients, ensuring adherence to nutrition programs, and supporting the EPI department with growth monitoring activities. This position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to improving the quality of primary health care services delivered at supported facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health and Nutrition Assistant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties including:

• Collaborating with the health and nutrition officer to meet program objectives efficiently.
• Collecting and coordinating health and nutrition data for donor and internal use.
• Supporting the admission of severe malnutrition cases according to established standards.
• Preparing and feeding severely malnourished patients in inpatient wards.
• Managing follow-ups for malnutrition patients and ensuring proper medication administration.
• Counseling in-patients and their guardians on nutrition care at home.
• Conducting home visits for discharged patients to ensure adherence to nutrition programs.
• Supporting routine growth monitoring activities in collaboration with the EPI department.
• Ensuring the safety and cleanliness of stored food supplements. 1
• Conducting supportive supervision of kitchen operations for therapeutic milk preparation. 1
• Preparing and submitting health and nutrition reports as guided. 1
• Maintaining accurate records and data using automated systems. 1
• Providing training and field-based assistance for community health and nutrition activities. 1
• Assisting in project data collection and compiling success stories. 1
• Supporting travel activities for staff and consultants, including expense reporting. 1
• Assisting in technical data collection and analysis. 1
• Providing administrative support for project management and finance. 1
• Engaging in business development efforts and proposal management support. 1
• Problem-solving and ensuring effective communication within the team.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Health and Nutrition Assistant position should possess the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree related to health, nutrition, or a related field.
• At least 2+ years of relevant experience in health and nutrition, preferably in a non-governmental organization (NGO).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is preferred.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly.
• Basic knowledge of project design concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in health, nutrition, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties associated with the Health and Nutrition Assistant role effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience in health and nutrition-related fields. Experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) is preferred, as it provides familiarity with the operational and regulatory environment in which FHI 360 operates. Prior experience using Microsoft Office Suite is also advantageous, as it is essential for data management and reporting tasks.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the candidate must be able to read, write, and speak the language proficiently. Additionally, fluency in the host country language is highly desirable, as it facilitates communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve travel to various project sites. The role is critical in supporting FHI 360's mission to improve health and nutrition outcomes in vulnerable populations. The organization is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring that all applicants are considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. FHI 360 emphasizes safeguarding and requires all personnel to adhere to its code of conduct, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment.