Nutrition Action Zimbabwe a local registered PVO operating in Zimbabwe since 2014. The organization’s primary focus is combating malnutrition in all its forms, through effective implementation of quality programming for both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programming. NAZ’s community-based approach focuses on implementing programs that empower communities through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and promoting sustainable practices. To foster sustainable and effective interventions, NAZ works closely with national, regional, and international organizations to design and implement evidence-based nutrition programs across Zimbabwe. NAZ seeks to recruit for the following position to support nutrition emergency response programming for anticipated funding in Masvingo and Matebeleland provinces.

Position            : Nutrition Assistants – Emergency Response (x 3)     

Location            : Multiple Locations – Beitbridge, Chiredzi, Bikita

Duration            : 6 months

Position Summary:

The Nutrition Assistant will the nutrition officer in implementation of anticipatory actions for nutrition during the El’Nino Induced Drought. The activities will include supporting Maternal Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (MIYCF-E) to foster the protection and support of safe and appropriate feeding for infants and young children, improved surveillance for wasting in operational areas and contribute to the overall success of the Project. The Nutrition Assistant will support the Nutrition Officer in providing technical expertise in support of integrated management of malnutrition collaborating with government stakeholders. The position requires an individual with a strong understanding of nutrition and emergency linkages with experience of working in a rural community in emergency interventions. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong facilitation, stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills mainstreaming principles of gender transformation and child protection to achieve results within multi-sector teams.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective 1: Support the implementation of nutrition in emergencies activities.

• Community Mobilization and Outreach:
  • Support district and ward level FNSC members in rolling out the care group approach.
  • Monitor community trainings and develop a strategy to improve and maintain quality in the implementation of nutrition activities and lead the community level recruitment of program participants.
  • Support sensitization sessions for district committees and other stakeholders on the care group approach.
  • Assist in conducting regular awareness sessions on MIYCF and community engagements on IMAM services and healthy practices through the Care group model and Family led MUAC approach.
  • Organize educational activities and demonstrations on improved feeding, hygiene, and sanitation through the care group approach.
  • Mobilize communities to participate in screenings, referrals, and treatment programs.
• Screening and Case Management:
  • Facilitate the strengthening of active screening through the Family led MUAC approach.
  • Support community level efforts on identification and classification of malnutrition cases (MAM, SAM) according to IMAM guidelines.
  • Strengthen the community level referral mechanism malnourished children and vulnerable pregnant/lactating women to healthcare facilities for treatment through Care group linkages.
  • Support community health cadres to follow up on referred cases and monitor their progress throughout the treatment process.
  • Actively participate in the IMAM data collection, analysis, and compilation of quality reports on program performance.
• Nutrition Counseling and Education:
  • Support Care groups to provide individual and group counseling on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, dietary diversity, and healthy food choices through the care group approach.
  • Support community volunteers to promote breastfeeding and optimal feeding practices for children 6-23 months.
  • Support the education of mothers on proper food preparation, hygiene, and safe water practices.

Objective 2: Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Work closely with healthcare staff and community health workers to support IMAM implementation.
• Participate in training sessions and capacity building workshops to enhance knowledge and skills on IMAM and related topics.
• Collaborate with community leaders and local organizations to promote program ownership and sustainability.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and peer learning among community members on nutrition and health practices.
• Support health facilities in maintaining accurate records of screenings, referrals, treatments, follow-up data.
• Prepare regular reports on project progress, challenges, and outcomes for project reporting.

Objective 3: Ensure timely routine reporting of the project activities.  

• Support health facilities in maintaining accurate records of screenings, referrals, treatments, and follow-up data.
• Prepare regular reports on project progress, challenges, and outcomes for project reporting.
• Generate activity, Compile statistical data and draft appropriate reports on activities (narrative and quantitative)
• Analyze nutrition situation and prevailing trends and provide constructive written feedback
• Participate during project assessments as may be determined by the organization
• Documentation of best practices for learning purposes and increase project visibility

The role of the Nutrition Assistant cannot be limited to the specific duties and tasks detailed herein.  The success of the NAZ project is of high priority and all issues which arise must be addressed accordingly. Therefore, the Nutrition Assistant will be required to manage and or report to his/her supervisor all unforeseen issues and circumstances and remain flexible to perform other duties, as and when required.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

• Degree/Diploma in Nutrition/Public Health
• Working experience of at least 1 years in nutrition emergency programming.
• Demonstrated experience working in humanitarian and development projects.

Essential Criteria:

• Should be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Should be computer literate (Microsoft word and excel).
• Ability to work in a remote area.
• Team player with good communication skills
• Good organizational capacity
• Good knowledge of the local languages and culture.

NAZ does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Applying

Kindly use this smart recruiters platform link to fill in your application and attach any relevant  supporting documents not later than 19 January 2024: Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.