MCH & Nutrition Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to human development, committed to sustainably improving living conditions by providing integrated and contextually appropriate solutions. Established with a mission to address the interconnected challenges of development, FHI 360 employs experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing. This diverse expertise allows the organization to tackle complex development issues effectively. FHI 360 operates in multiple countries, leveraging its unique skill set to create impactful programs that enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The MCH & Nutrition Officer plays a crucial role under the supervision of the MCH & Nutrition Senior Technical Advisor, focusing on the implementation of maternal, neonatal, child health, and nutrition activities at both health facilities and community levels. This position is integral to strengthening the capacity of service providers, improving service quality, monitoring program indicators, and integrating nutrition interventions with maternal and child health services, including vaccination efforts. The officer is expected to coordinate local interventions effectively, ensuring alignment with national guidelines and project standards. The role demands a proactive approach to enhancing health outcomes through strategic planning and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Technical Implementation Support: Assist in the execution of maternal and child health/nutrition activities in project intervention districts. Enhance the integration of services such as prenatal consultations, emergency obstetric and neonatal care, postnatal care, essential newborn care, integrated management of childhood illnesses, infant and young child feeding, and malnutrition screening and management. Strengthen emergency-specific interventions, including hygienic deliveries and community-level integrated management of childhood illnesses, in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Support to Health Districts: Collaborate with District Framework Teams (ECD) to support operational planning at the district level. Participate in integrated supervisions across health districts, health facilities, and community sites. Aid in the implementation of national health and nutrition policies.
• Formative Supervision and Quality Improvement: Conduct regular formative supervisions using national and FHI 360 tools (quality checklists, coaching). Identify gaps in care quality and participate in maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response activities. Propose and monitor continuous improvement plans.
• Capacity Building: Train health providers (midwives, nurses, community health workers) and ensure on-site coaching. Support the development and use of training tools while promoting best practices in nutrition and maternal and child health. Ensure compliance with FHI 360 and US government regulations and procedures.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Data Utilization: Assist in the collection and validation of DHIS2/SNIS data. Analyze key maternal and child health and nutrition indicators and contribute to performance reviews (monthly, quarterly). Produce technical reports for the project.
• Coordination and Partnership: Ensure close collaboration with regional and district health authorities and other technical and financial partners in project intervention areas. Participate in regional and district-level coordination frameworks and represent FHI 360 locally when required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a State Midwife or State Nursing and Obstetrics Engineer diploma. Additional training in public health or nutrition is an asset. A minimum of five years of experience in implementing maternal, neonatal, child health, and/or nutrition activities is required. Experience in formative supervision/mentoring and capacity building for health providers is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports. Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and community actors is crucial. Experience working with donor-funded projects or international NGOs is preferred. Familiarity with health data collection, analysis, and utilization is desirable. Cultural sensitivity and understanding of political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas are important. Excellent oral and written communication skills in French are mandatory. Problem-solving skills and the ability to implement corrective measures when necessary are required. Strong organizational and analytical skills are essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required. Experience working in hard-to-reach areas is a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a diploma in Midwifery or Nursing and Obstetrics. Additional qualifications in public health or nutrition are considered advantageous, enhancing the candidate's ability to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in the implementation of maternal, neonatal, child health, and nutrition activities. Candidates should have a background in formative supervision and mentoring, as well as experience in capacity building for health providers. Familiarity with data collection, analysis, and reporting in health contexts is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for collaboration and reporting. While not explicitly stated, proficiency in English or other local languages may be beneficial and considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The expected hiring salary range for this role is XOF 9,000,000 - 11,000,000 annually for basic salary. FHI 360 considers various factors when determining an offer amount, including relevant years of experience and education, internal equity, market pay, and budget constraints. This job posting outlines the main duties of the position but does not prescribe or restrict the exact tasks assigned. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing discrimination based on various characteristics. The organization emphasizes safeguarding against abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All employment offers are subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, ensuring transparency in recruitment processes. The organization values a competitive benefits package, professional development, and policies that support a healthy work/life balance.