Nutrition Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to ending hunger. Established to innovate solutions and advocate for change, it reaches 24 million people annually through proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. With a workforce of 8,300 dedicated staff members, Action Against Hunger operates in 50 countries, addressing the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. Action Against Hunger USA is part of the international network and manages operations in 8 countries, including Zambia. The organization has over $100 million in programs and approximately 1,800 permanent staff based in various locations, including New York City and Washington D.C. The organization is poised for additional growth, reflecting its commitment to its mission.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition Officer will play a crucial role in supporting health and nutrition activities at the field level. This includes managing acute malnutrition, MIYCAN, and the care of nutritionally at-risk infants under six months. The officer will also be involved in integrated case management of childhood illnesses and social behavior change communication. A significant part of the role involves capacity-building for community health workers, volunteers, and health workers, ensuring effective integration of multi-sector activities with WASH and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security officers. The Nutrition Officer will supervise daily activities, monitor program implementation, and serve as the primary interface between Action Against Hunger and the communities served. Responsibilities include identifying program participants, monitoring program effectiveness, and troubleshooting field-level issues to ensure successful program delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Nutrition Officer's duties are organized into several key objectives. Objective 1 focuses on Technical Support, which includes ensuring the integration of malnutrition management within health service delivery, overseeing the implementation of various nutrition programs, and strengthening the capacity of district health systems. Objective 2 emphasizes Capacity Building, where the officer will organize and supervise training for health workers and community volunteers, ensuring they have the necessary tools and materials. Objective 3 involves Assessment and Reporting, requiring the officer to develop work plans, participate in project assessments, and maintain a database for community health workers. Objective 4 pertains to Staff Management and Supervision, ensuring that staff are engaged and meeting performance expectations. Finally, Objective 5 covers Coordination and Representation, which includes mobilizing communities, participating in meetings, and representing Action Against Hunger in various settings. The officer will also supervise community-based facilitators and volunteers, manage financial aspects of the program, and work under conditions that may involve high security risks and basic living conditions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree (honors) in Human Nutrition and have at least 2 years of continuous experience implementing nutrition and health activities. Strong communication skills, both written and oral, in English are essential, along with the ability to exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions. Candidates should be flexible, capable of coping with stressful situations, and possess excellent reporting skills. Knowledge of the local area, including the ability to speak local languages, is highly desirable. Proficiency in IT and computer skills is required, and candidates must have a valid motorcycle riding license.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree (honors) in Human Nutrition is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of nutrition and health interventions, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant and lactating women and children under five years of age.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of continuous experience in implementing nutrition and health activities. This experience should ideally be in a multi-sectoral setting, which would enhance the candidate's ability to work effectively in diverse environments and with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as strong communication skills are essential for this role. Additionally, knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, as it facilitates better engagement with community members and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and requires regular attendance at health facilities and community settings, with the expectation of working at least five days a week. The role may involve working outside normal office hours or on weekends as necessary. Candidates should be prepared for the physical demands of the job, which includes spending long hours in the field and working with vulnerable groups. The organization promotes gender equality and has a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse, ensuring a respectful and inclusive work environment.