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 and other programs across Zimbabwe. NAZ seeks to recruit for the aforementioned position.

Project Description

Nutrition Action Zimbabwe is set to implement as part of a CARE Zimbabwe led consortium, an ECHO-funded project aimed at providing emergency assistance to the most vulnerable households impacted by drought in prioritized districts of Zimbabwe. The project will offer integrated support to at-risk households in Gokwe North and Mutare Districts, which includes food voucher assistance during peak lean seasons, and initiatives to prevent undernutrition, enhance capacity for community management of acute malnutrition, and conduct mobile outreach in remote areas.

Position Description:

NAZ is recruiting for a Nutrition Officer who will be responsible for the technical implementation of nutrition-specific interventions in Gokwe North District, ensuring high-quality care for malnourished children. The position will focus on Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition, promotion of optimal infant and young child feeding practices and activation of localized systems on nutrition messaging. The officer will contribute to technical expertise to partners in the consortia and District Food and Nutrition Security Committees to support the integration of nutrition in emergency programming. The position requires an individual with a strong understanding of emergency-nutrition programming and shows evidence of maturity and experience of working in a rural community in emergency programmes. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong facilitation and negotiation skills to achieve results within multi-sector teams and understanding of mainstreaming principles, gender, and child protection.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

include but are not limited to:

Objective 1: Support the implementation of nutrition activities in the project:

• Oversee the implementation of IMAM protocols and guidelines.
• Conduct regular assessments and screenings to identify children with malnutrition.
• Ensure timely referral and treatment of malnourished children.
• Monitor the nutritional status of beneficiaries and adjust interventions as needed.
• Provide technical guidance and support to health workers and community volunteers.
• Demonstrates strong understanding of and facilitate roll out of (care group approach, IYCF-e, Family led MUAC approach)
• Serve as the lead nutrition resource person within the consortium at district level.
• Conduct a mapping of community-based psychosocial support structures within operational wards.
• Lead demand creation and triggering sessions for care groups in partnership with FNSCs and sub-district stakeholders in project wards.
• Organize and lead sensitization sessions for District FNSCs and other district stakeholders on IMAM and IYCF-e.
• Monitor community trainings and develop a strategy to improve and maintain quality in the implementation of nutrition activities and l Lead the community level recruitment of program participants. Participate in the design and production of appropriate maternal, IYCF, Protection and activities promoting behavior change.
• Actively participate in the IMAM data collection, analysis and compilation of quality reports on program performance.
• Contribute to the development of different tools needed for proper implementation of the project.)
• Develop workplan, implement activities and conduct regular technical review meetings for consistency and compliance to agreed standards.
• Actively contribute to the development of different tools needed for proper implementation of the project.
• Produce timely reports for internal use and contribute to donor reports on the status of on-going programming.
• Comply with NAZ policies and regulations with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.

Objective 2: Ensure timely routine reporting of the project activities

• Participate in weekly/ monthly district meetings.
• Generate activity, weekly, monthly and quarterly reports (narrative and quantitative)
• Compile statistical data and draft appropriate reports on activities.
• 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.

Policy compliance – Mandatory Reporting Policy (MRP):

• Comply with all NAZ policies.  
• Assist where necessary in undertaking activities that aim to prevent the occurrence of sexual abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries by NAZ and other humanitarian workers.

Confidentiality:

• Ensuring the non-disclosure of any information relating to the business of NAZ acquired in the course of duty, to any other person or organization without authority, except in the normal execution of duty.

Note: The role of Nutrition Officer cannot be limited to the specific duties and tasks detailed herein.  The success of NAZ's mission is the highest priority, and all issues that arise must be addressed accordingly. Therefore, the Nutrition Officer will be required to manage all unforeseen issues and circumstances and remain flexible to perform other duties, as and when required.

Education and Experience:

• Degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, Public Health Nutrition or related degree program.
• At least two (2) years in Nutrition,
• Experience in multi-sector emergency programming

Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated experience in mentorship, coaching and capacity-building.
• Should be able to work with minimal supervision.
• Should be computer literate (Microsoft word and excel).
• Ability to work in a remote area.
• Good communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills: Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, program managers, and stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team: Manage workload effectively while also contributing to a team environment.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities: Juggle various tasks and ensure timely delivery of reports and analysis.
• Multi-lingual in local languages a must requirement with working experience

Additional Assets:

• Experience working in a cross-cultural environment and interacting with multi-cultural communities or programs working with diverse communities.

NAZ does not tolerate Fraud, 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 3rd of January 2025: Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.