Nutrition and Health Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger-USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network, which has been providing humanitarian relief in over 40 countries worldwide since its establishment. The organization focuses on critical sectors such as nutrition, health, water/sanitation, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. Action Against Hunger-USA operates independently and currently manages operations in eight countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Zambia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Haiti, and Somalia. With a workforce of approximately 2000 staff members, the organization has its headquarters in New York City and an operational center in Nairobi. The organization is committed to expanding its reach and impact, anticipating further growth in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition and Health Specialist will play a pivotal role in the operationalization of Nutrition and Health programs within the Action Against Hunger mission in South Sudan. Reporting to the Program Development and Quality Director, the specialist will provide essential technical support, build the capacities of staff, and liaise with state and national focal points to ensure the efficient management and functioning of programs and services on the ground. The specialist will contribute to the development of the technical strategy for Nutrition and Health in South Sudan, manage existing health projects, and identify innovative opportunities for health programming. This position requires collaboration with internal technical specialists for program integration and quality service delivery, as well as external representation with various health and nutrition stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and other international health organizations. The specialist will also be responsible for developing proposals and reports for various donors, ensuring that the quality implementation of nutrition and health programming aligns with internal rules and regulations, as well as funding regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Nutrition and Health Specialist will oversee the quality and timely implementation of nutrition and health interventions, ensuring effective service delivery and saving lives. Key responsibilities include providing technical advisory support for the treatment of children under five with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and medical complications, managing the pharmacy at both national and base levels, supervising the procurement of medical supplies, and ensuring proper referral and follow-up of patients. The specialist will also be responsible for capacity building of the nutrition and health teams, conducting training sessions, and supporting the development of job descriptions and recruitment processes. Additionally, the specialist will engage in project management, including the design, implementation, and monitoring of health interventions, and will represent Action Against Hunger in various stakeholder meetings, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or Nursing, with a minimum of five years of experience in a similar position, or a Bachelor's degree with at least ten years of relevant experience. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in both outpatient and inpatient treatment within an international organization focused on health programming. Technical expertise in Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), particularly in managing complications in children under five with SAM, is essential. Candidates should also have experience in conducting nutrition surveys, pharmacy management, and developing programs and proposals for various donors. Strong analytical, report writing, and presentation skills are required, along with experience in health system strengthening and team management.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or Nursing is required, with a preference for candidates who have additional certifications or training relevant to nutrition and health programming. A Bachelor's degree may be acceptable if accompanied by significant relevant experience in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in health programming, particularly in outpatient and inpatient treatment settings. Experience working with international organizations and managing health projects is crucial. Familiarity with the South Sudan context and previous work in the region will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both verbal and written, as the role requires effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require travel to field locations under challenging conditions. The role involves working in a high-pressure environment and may require flexibility in working hours, including weekends. Action Against Hunger offers an attractive salary and benefits package, and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants. The closing date for applications is June 5, 2025, with assessments conducted on a rolling basis, encouraging candidates to apply early.