Community Technical Officer - Nutrition

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 to address various interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts in diverse fields such as health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. The organization operates in more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories, showcasing its extensive reach and commitment to global development.

Job Overview:
The Community Technical Officer - Nutrition position is part of the EpiC MNCH project, which aims to enhance nutrition, neonatal, maternal, and child health outcomes, as well as immunization efforts in the Zambezia and Nampula provinces of Mozambique. The role involves leading and supporting community-based nutrition interventions, focusing on mobilization, education, prevention, early identification of malnutrition, referral, and follow-up. The officer will work closely with government partners to institutionalize a culture of quality improvement in nutrition services. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of community nutrition strategies aligned with national guidelines and project objectives. The officer will report to the Senior Nutrition Technical Officer in their respective province and will be responsible for strengthening linkages between communities and Primary Health Care services, supporting sub-partners, and contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community Technical Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting the Senior Nutrition Technical Officer to ensure quality community-based nutrition services; collaborating with facility-based Nutrition Technical Officers for effective referrals and continuity of care; ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures and national guidelines; planning and implementing service strengthening activities; delivering and assuring quality of nutrition training and mentoring for service providers; providing ongoing technical support to sub-partners; monitoring sub-partner performance; supporting the implementation of high-impact Priority Nutrition Interventions; promoting community ownership and participation; strengthening coordination between community actors and health facilities; supporting community structures in utilizing PHC services; collecting and reviewing community-level nutrition data; identifying implementation gaps and best practices; documenting community activities and lessons learned; and contributing to the development of work plans and reports required by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Affairs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in nutrition, Public Health, Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, or a closely related health field. Preferred backgrounds include nutritionists or public health nutritionists, nurses or midwives with nutrition and MNCH experience, or medical doctors with experience in community-based nutrition interventions. A minimum of 4 years of experience in nutrition is required, with a strong understanding of public health, maternal and child health programs, and community-based initiatives. Candidates should demonstrate experience in community-based nutrition programming, including prevention, early identification, referral, and follow-up of malnutrition, as well as experience in supervising program staff and community-based workers. Familiarity with national nutrition and MNCH guidelines is essential, along with experience in designing and implementing training at the district and health facility levels.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as nutrition, Public Health, Nursing, Midwifery, or Medicine. Candidates with advanced degrees or specialized training in nutrition or public health will be viewed favorably, particularly those with a focus on community-based nutrition interventions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in nutrition, particularly in community-based nutrition programming. Candidates should have a strong understanding of Priority Nutrition Interventions and public health, including maternal and child health programs. Experience in supervising staff and community-based workers, as well as familiarity with national guidelines and protocols, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory, and knowledge of the local language is considered an advantage. Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration with government staff and community stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position may involve travel requirements of up to 50%. The job description outlines the main duties but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse and exploitation. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and supports a healthy work/life balance. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks.