Nutrition Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is an international humanitarian agency dedicated to children, operating in over 192 countries. Its mission focuses on health, education, water and sanitation, child protection, HIV and AIDS, nutrition, policy, and social protection. UNICEF has been active in Cameroon since 1975, addressing issues in education, water and sanitation, and child protection, while advocating for favorable budgetary conditions for children and women, particularly vulnerable girls. The organization aims to strengthen the capacity of stakeholders in service delivery and create partnerships to improve the welfare of children and women, particularly in vulnerable areas.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition Officer will be responsible for the technical and operational oversight of the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in supported health structures. This role is crucial in improving the quality of care provided to malnourished children and will involve direct fieldwork to support the implementation of nutrition activities led by UNICEF partners in the Logone and Chari region. The officer will also promote micronutrient supplementation, optimal breastfeeding practices, and maternal and adolescent nutrition. The position requires collaboration with health districts and other nutrition actors to ensure effective service delivery and adherence to national protocols.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) - Ensure technical oversight of SAM management in supported health centers - Assist in implementing national IMAM protocols - Conduct formative supervisions on care quality - Analyze key performance indicators (cure rates, dropouts, deaths, non-responders) and suggest improvement plans - Enhance the skills of health personnel and partners through training, supervision, and coaching.
• Management of nutritional inputs - Ensure continuous availability and proper use of nutritional supplements - Support districts in planning and forecasting needs - Assist partners and districts in stock management and alert on shortages.
• Partnership - Provide ongoing technical support to partners in implementing and monitoring nutrition activities - Identify capacity-building needs and support training sessions - Assist in preparing, reviewing, and consolidating monthly/quarterly reports from partners - Participate in coordination meetings at district, departmental, and regional levels - Collaborate effectively with health facility managers and nutrition partners - Support participation in rapid/multisectoral assessments - Assist in updating the 5W matrix of nutrition actors.
• Monitoring, reporting, and documentation - Support the collection and verification of nutritional data from partners - Assist in reviewing monthly and quarterly technical reports from partners - Help document best practices, lessons learned, and field challenges - Support the conduct of programmatic visits and end-user monitoring. Expected results include ensuring quality SAM management, availability of nutritional inputs without interruption, improved performance indicators, reliable planning of needs, effective promotion of maternal and adolescent nutrition practices, and enhanced reporting quality from partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong technical knowledge in nutrition, particularly in managing acute malnutrition. They should demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including health personnel and community partners. Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret data effectively are essential. Candidates should also have experience in training and capacity building, as well as a commitment to improving nutrition outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Educational Background:
A degree in nutrition, public health, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in nutrition or public health will be considered an asset. Knowledge of national and international nutrition guidelines and protocols is essential.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in nutrition programming, particularly in emergency settings. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in humanitarian contexts, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context and challenges in nutrition is a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory, as these are the official languages of Cameroon. Knowledge of local languages would be an advantage, enhancing communication with local communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a national volunteer role with the United Nations Volunteers program. The volunteer is responsible for finding their own accommodation and meeting essential living needs. The role may involve working in challenging conditions, requiring cultural maturity, endurance, and a commitment to humanitarian principles. A visa, passport, and vaccination against yellow fever are required for entry into Cameroon, along with other recommended vaccinations. The living conditions in Kousseri may be difficult, with a dry climate and frequent flooding during the rainy season.