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 context-appropriate solutions. Established with a mission to address the interconnected challenges of current 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 create a unique skill set to tackle pressing global issues. FHI 360 operates in multiple countries, leveraging its extensive network to implement programs that enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities.

Job Overview:
The MCH & Nutrition Officer will work under the supervision of the MCH & Nutrition Senior Technical Advisor, supporting the implementation of maternal, neonatal, child health, and nutrition activities at both health facilities and community levels. This role is crucial in strengthening the capacity of service providers, improving service quality, monitoring program indicators, and integrating nutrition interventions with maternal and child health services, including vaccination, in accordance with national guidelines and project standards. The officer will also participate in local intervention coordination, ensuring that health and nutrition services are effectively delivered and aligned with community needs.

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 both clinically and in the community, infant and young child feeding, and malnutrition screening and management. Enhance specific interventions in emergency contexts, including hygienic deliveries and comprehensive integrated management of childhood illnesses at the community level, 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 management and other technical and financial partners present 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/Nurse Engineer diploma or equivalent in obstetric and nursing care. Additional training in public health or nutrition is 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 have the ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports. Proven ability to create 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 health data utilization is desired. Cultural sensitivity and understanding of political, contextual, and ethical issues in 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 nursing with a focus on obstetric care. Additional qualifications in public health or nutrition will be considered advantageous, enhancing the candidate's ability to perform effectively in this role.

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 solid background in formative supervision and mentoring, as well as experience in capacity building for health service providers. Familiarity with data analysis and reporting is crucial, along with experience in working with international NGOs or donor-funded projects.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The expected hiring salary range for this role is XOF 9,000,000 - 11,000,000 annually for basic salary. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 considers multiple factors, including relevant years of experience and education, internal equity, market pay, and budget constraints. This job posting summarizes the main duties of the position and does not prescribe or restrict the exact tasks that may be assigned. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to preventing any form of abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record, and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), which involves requesting information from previous employers about any substantiated findings of misconduct. By applying, candidates confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to the screening checks.