MCH & Nutrition Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a non-profit organization dedicated to human development, committed to sustainably improving living conditions by providing integrated solutions tailored to local contexts. Established with a mission to address complex development challenges, 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 interdependent development challenges effectively. FHI 360 operates in multiple countries, leveraging its global presence to implement 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. This position supports the implementation of maternal, neonatal, child health, and nutrition activities at both health facilities and community levels. The officer is responsible for capacity building among service providers, improving service quality, monitoring program indicators, and integrating nutrition interventions with maternal and child health services, including vaccination efforts. The role also involves local coordination of interventions, ensuring that they align with national guidelines and project standards. The officer will engage in various activities aimed at enhancing the health and nutrition outcomes of the target populations, ensuring that services are accessible and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Technical Implementation Support: Assist in the implementation of Maternal and Child Health/Nutrition activities in project intervention districts. Strengthen 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. Enhance specific interventions in emergency contexts, including hygienic deliveries and community-based integrated management of childhood illnesses, in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Support to Health Districts: Collaborate with District Framework Teams (ECD). Assist in operational planning at the district level. Participate in integrated supervisions across health districts, health facilities, and community sites. Support the implementation of national health and nutrition policies.
• Formative Supervision and Quality Improvement: Conduct regular formative supervisions. Utilize national and FHI 360 tools (quality checklists, coaching). Identify gaps in care quality. 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). Ensure on-site coaching. Support the development and use of training tools. Promote 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: Support the collection and validation of DHIS2/SNIS data. Analyze key maternal, child health, and nutrition indicators. 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 the project intervention areas. Participate in regional and district health coordination frameworks. Represent FHI 360 locally as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a State Midwife/Obstetric Nurse degree or a nursing engineering degree. Additional training in public health or nutrition is considered an asset. A minimum of 5 years of experience in implementing maternal, neonatal, child health, and/or nutrition activities is required. Experience in formative supervision/mentoring and capacity building of 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 necessary. Experience working with donor-funded projects or international NGOs is preferred. Experience in data collection, analysis, and utilization in health contexts is desirable. Cultural sensitivity and understanding of political, contextual, and ethical issues in the assigned areas are important. Excellent oral and written communication skills in French are required. Problem-solving skills and the ability to implement corrective measures when necessary are essential. Strong organizational and analytical skills are required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is mandatory. Experience working in hard-to-reach areas is an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a diploma in Midwifery or State Nursing with a focus on obstetrics. Candidates with additional qualifications in public health or nutrition will have an advantage in the selection process. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of maternal and child health and nutrition services.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the implementation of maternal, neonatal, child health, and nutrition activities. Candidates should have a proven track record of formative supervision and mentoring, as well as experience in capacity building for health service providers. Familiarity with data collection, analysis, and reporting in health contexts is also essential. Experience working with international NGOs or donor-funded projects is highly desirable, as it indicates an understanding of the operational and regulatory frameworks within which such organizations operate.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with local stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the populations served by the project.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to the organization's standard employment practices, including background checks and adherence to safeguarding policies. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. The organization offers a competitive benefits package and promotes professional development opportunities. The role may involve working in challenging environments, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel to remote areas. The position is full-time and may require flexibility in working hours to meet project demands.