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 development challenges, FHI 360 employs experts across multiple fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, and technology. The organization operates in over 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 integral to the EpiC MNCH project, which aims to enhance nutrition, neonatal, maternal, and child health outcomes in the Zambezia and Nampula provinces of Mozambique. The role involves leading community-based nutrition interventions, focusing on mobilization, education, prevention, early identification of malnutrition, and ensuring effective referral and follow-up processes. The officer will work closely with government partners to foster a culture of quality improvement in nutrition services. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to implement a community nutrition strategy that aligns with national guidelines and project objectives, ultimately aiming to strengthen the linkages between communities and Primary Health Care services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Community Technical Officer will support the Senior Nutrition Technical Officer in ensuring the quality and consistency of community-based nutrition services. Key responsibilities include collaborating with facility-based Nutrition Technical Officers for effective referral and continuity of care, ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures and national guidelines, and planning service strengthening activities with provincial and district government staff. The officer will also oversee the delivery and quality assurance of nutrition training and mentoring for service providers, monitor sub-partner performance, and provide technical support to enhance community-based nutrition activities. Additionally, the officer will promote community ownership of nutrition initiatives, support data collection for planning, and document community activities and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in nutrition, Public Health, Nursing, Midwifery, Medicine, or a closely related health field. Preferred qualifications include backgrounds as a nutritionist or public health nutritionist, a nurse or midwife with relevant experience, or a medical doctor with expertise in community-based nutrition interventions. A minimum of 4 years of experience in nutrition, particularly in public health and maternal and child health programs, is required. Familiarity with national nutrition guidelines and experience in training and mentoring at the district and health facility levels are also essential. Strong communication skills in Portuguese and knowledge of local languages are advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as nutrition, Public Health, Nursing, Midwifery, or Medicine. Candidates with specialized training or certifications in nutrition or public health will be preferred, particularly those with experience in community-based nutrition interventions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in nutrition, with a strong understanding of public health initiatives, particularly those focused on maternal and child health. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in community-based nutrition programming, including prevention and management of malnutrition, and experience in supervising program staff or community-based workers. Prior work experience in the Nampula and/or Zambezia provinces is highly desirable.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nampula and Zambezia provinces, with a travel requirement of up to 50%. The role is full-time and may involve working under pressure in a typical office environment. FHI 360 is committed to safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and emphasizes professional development and work/life balance. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks.