Project Officer – Health and Nutrition

Main Purpose of the Job

Under supervision of NAWIRI project coordinator, the Project Officer Nutrition will provide technical oversight of all aspects of community sensitization around good nutrition, hygiene and health practices.

Internal: Program, M&E, Finance unit staff, NAWIRI head of office and other technical units within NAWIRI and Head of Programs External: Existing and new partners, CSOs, funding partners, government institutions communities, visitors and other actors.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the general guidance and direction of NAWIRI Project coordinator, the health and nutrition officer will support implementation and monitoring of all health and nutrition activities in the NAWIRI project at the target community level.

Support implementation of all health and nutrition activities of the project, prepare reports and build capacity of the respective local communities.

Support in documentation of best practices in health and nutrition program and contribute to the overall success of the NAWIRI project.

Liaising closely with the Sub – County Health Management Teams (CHMT) and Hospital Management Teams (HMT) to develop joint work plans and ensure MoH ownership and integration into the existing health systems;

Work closely with the SCHMT to oversee and review the implementation of County work plans and activities

Prepare accurate and timely reporting and learning, contributing to knowledge that informs decision making for Caritas and other stakeholders.

Support in nutrition analysis as well as highlighting the most appropriate interventions and advise its utility for nutrition security early warning systems.

Support visibility of the project in the field through participation and sharing of evidence, learning and recommendations from NAWIRI work in technical forums and meetings held at Sub – County level.

Monitor and provide timely, relevant, accurate input on technical aspects of Health and nutrition in NAWIRI project.

In collaboration with the M&E staff, ensure adherence to the project M&E framework.

Support timely dissemination of program findings and lessons learned to key stakeholders

Support application of health behavior models and behavior change strategies into NAWIRI and other programs.

Collaborate with ministry of health in implementation of nutrition activities

Participate or contribute to relevant nutrition survey conducted by nutrition partners in the county.

Academic and Professional Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in food, Nutrition and Dietetics, bachelor’s degree in nursing or related field.

Relevant working experience / skills and competencies:

At least 3 years’ experience in implementing active nutrition programmes preferably in an NGO set up.

Solid understanding and experience in integrated program approaches

Significant experience/knowledge of MoH systems, particularly at County level and working with and through local partners

Excellent program planning, monitoring and evaluation, interpersonal and report writing skills

Clear understanding of and proactive approach to nutrition resilience, hunger and food security issues in Kenya, particularly in the context of Marsabit County

Excellent understanding of system approach to ending persistent acute malnutrition

Experience in conducting nutrition assessments and an understanding of nutritional surveillance and information systems

Experience in reports writing especially for USAID funded projects.

Experience working in public health/food security/ nutrition related activities.

Knowledge of tools and mechanisms used in the field of nutrition and food security.