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 enables 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, supporting 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 programmatic indicators, and integrating nutrition interventions with maternal and child health services, including vaccination efforts. The officer will also participate in local coordination of interventions, ensuring alignment with national guidelines and project standards. The role requires a proactive approach to enhancing health service delivery and community engagement in health initiatives.

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. Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance emergency-specific interventions, including hygienic deliveries and community-based integrated management of childhood illnesses.
• Support to Health Districts: Collaborate with District Health Teams (DHTs) and support 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 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 service providers (midwives, nurses, community health workers) and ensure on-site coaching. Support the development and use of training tools and 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: Assist in the collection and validation of DHIS2/SNIS data. Analyze key maternal, 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 health coordination frameworks and 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 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 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 required. Problem-solving skills and the ability to implement corrective measures when necessary are essential. Strong organizational and analytical skills are necessary. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is required. Experience working in hard-to-reach areas is an advantage.

Educational Background:
A diploma in Midwifery or Nursing is required, with a focus on obstetric care. Additional qualifications in public health or nutrition will enhance a candidate's profile and are highly regarded in the selection process.

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 in formative supervision and mentoring, as well as capacity building for health service providers. Experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting is also essential, along with familiarity with donor-funded projects or international NGOs.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required for this position.

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 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) and will request information from previous employers regarding any substantiated findings of misconduct. The organization is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages all qualified applicants to apply.