MIYCN Technical Working Group Lead

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Position Title: MIYCN Technical Working Group Lead
Location: Kabul
Country: Afghanistan
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CTG (Compassionate Technology Group) is an organization that supports humanitarian projects in fragile and conflict-affected countries globally. Established in 2006, CTG has successfully placed over 20,000 staff across 17 countries, including regions in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia. The organization specializes in providing rapid and cost-effective services for development and humanitarian missions, ensuring that the right people with the right skills are deployed to implement various projects. CTG's operational efficiency allows for quick mobilization, often within 48 hours, to address urgent needs in crisis situations. Their comprehensive HR, logistical, and operational services enable multilateral organizations to focus on their core missions while CTG manages all HR-related issues for them. For more information, visit www.ctg.org.

Job Overview:
The MIYCN Technical Working Group Lead will play a crucial role in supporting UNICEF's initiatives focused on Maternal, Infant, and Young nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Child Nutrition (MIYCN) as part of a broader nutrition program led by the Public Nutrition Department (PND) of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) in Afghanistan. This position involves providing technical assistance to strengthen MIYCN program implementation, which is vital for reducing maternal and child mortality and morbidity rates in the country. The lead will oversee MIYCN training across various provinces, ensuring that healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and midwives are adequately trained and supported in their roles. The position requires coordination with multiple stakeholders, including NGOs and health facility staff, to ensure effective delivery of nutrition services at both community and facility levels. The lead will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting on program activities, ensuring alignment with global and regional guidelines, and advocating for necessary resources and improvements in the MIYCN program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the MIYCN Technical Working Group, including planning meetings, preparing agendas, and following up on action points.
• Organize and implement MIYCN training for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, nutrition counselors, and midwives, ensuring effective post-training supervision and on-the-job mentoring.
• Conduct supportive supervision to ensure that training participants apply their learning in practice, starting with provinces where training has been completed.
• Finalize and disseminate the Terms of Reference (TORs) for Nutrition Counselors (NCs) after translation and approval by MoPH management.
• Collaborate with the Reproductive Health Directorate to revise midwives' TORs to enhance their nutrition counseling roles during antenatal and postnatal care.
• Maintain and analyze a database of NCs to identify gaps and advocate for recruitment.
• Conduct monthly data analysis to identify gaps in maternal nutrition and NCs, proposing actions for improvement in coordination with Provincial Nutrition Officers and BPHS implementing partners.
• Perform quarterly field visits to assess MIYCN activities and use findings for program enhancement.
• Facilitate quarterly discussions with stakeholders to review progress, challenges, and opportunities for program improvement. 1
• Review and update existing BMS materials, including training modules and monitoring and evaluation tools. 1
• Ensure that BMS procedures are consistent with global guidelines and the local context. 1
• Conduct orientations on the BMS Code and hold regular BMS Committee meetings. 1
• Strengthen monitoring of the BMS Code and coordinate World Breastfeeding Week activities. 1
• Prepare work plans and budgets for World Breastfeeding Week celebrations and support the establishment of breastfeeding corners in health facilities. 1
• Finalize the standard operating manual for breastfeeding corners. 1
• Complete any additional tasks assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a minimum of an MD degree with a diploma in nutrition and at least 5 years of relevant experience in the nutrition field. Strong management and team leadership skills are essential, along with excellent writing and communication abilities in both English and local languages (Pashto and Dari). Proficiency in data analysis and management is also required, alongside advanced computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications and data analysis software such as SPSS and Power BI. The candidate should demonstrate good analytical skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to facilitate training and discussions effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a medical degree (MD) along with a diploma in nutrition. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of maternal and child nutrition and for providing effective training and support to healthcare professionals involved in the MIYCN program.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of experience in the nutrition field is required, with a focus on maternal and child health. Experience in managing nutrition programs, conducting training, and working with healthcare providers is essential. The candidate should also have a proven track record of data analysis and program evaluation in a health-related context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as well as proficiency in both local languages, Pashto and Dari. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with local stakeholders and for the successful implementation of nutrition programs.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan, and may involve travel to various provinces for field visits and training sessions. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community health workers. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process. CTG maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all staff are required to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.