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 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 tackle complex issues effectively. FHI 360 operates in multiple countries, leveraging its unique skill set to implement impactful programs that enhance the quality of life for communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
The MCH & Nutrition Officer will work under the supervision of the MCH & Nutrition Senior Technical Advisor to support the implementation of maternal, neonatal, child health, and nutrition activities at health facilities and community levels. The role involves 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 coordination of interventions, ensuring that health and nutrition services are effectively delivered to the target populations.

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) and 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 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 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: Support the collection and validation of data through DHIS2/SNIS. 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 the project intervention areas. Participate in regional and district health coordination frameworks and represent FHI 360 locally when required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a State Midwife/Nursing Engineer diploma or equivalent in obstetric nursing. 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. Familiarity with health data collection, analysis, and utilization 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 a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a diploma in midwifery or nursing with a focus on obstetrics. Additional qualifications in public health or nutrition are considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile for 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 proven track record in formative supervision and mentoring, as well as capacity building for health service providers. Experience in analyzing health data and preparing reports is also essential, along with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with various stakeholders and community actors.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as excellent oral and written communication skills in French are required. While not mandatory, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset and could enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

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 multiple 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 will consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in accordance with applicable laws.