Nutrition Officer

Job Title: Nutrition Officer
MinistryMinistry of Health
Department:Family Health
Reporting to:Director Family health
GRADE6
Salary$502
Hours36 hours per week
Location:Kismayo, Somalia
  1. Purpose of the position:

Directs and oversees all aspects of MOH nutrition guidelines and initiatives. Oversees institution of state nutrition plans and monitors intake and levels. Monitors and ensures proper nutrition education is provided. Leads a team and creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the department and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure.

  1. Main Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Takes primary responsibility for planning and management of the nutrition unit and development of skilled human resources for nutrition at the State, regional and district level.
  • Provides technical guidance and support to subordinate staff to effectively manage and implement nutrition programmes.
  • Manages programme resources (finances, supplies and equipment) and puts in place appropriate management systems to enhance accountability and documentation.
  • Analyses and recommends appropriate policies, strategies, new approaches, systems of management and evaluation for the nutrition sector.
  • Takes the lead in designing the map for nutrition services that include geographical coverage, gaps, HR technical capacity distribution, and nutrition programs across the country.
  • Coordinates with nutrition cluster/WHO/UNICEF/WFP to set the definition of the nutrition center by type and standardize nutrition center name according to national standard.
  • Ensure full integration of crosscutting issues such as human rights, HIV, age, gender and environment, utilizing participatory and community-based approaches in all nutrition programming.
  • Ensurs effective links and integration with other related departments such as IMNCI, PHC, EPI and TB programs Food Security, and Health education programs.
  • identifies and integrates the nutrition department team with the different Technical Working Groups (TWG) and Strategic Review committees (SRCs) for different nutrition programs, Under the support of nutrition cluster.
  • Takes primary responsibility for the development of the nutrition sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for project management, implementation and monitoring of nutrition Programme activities including nutrition emergency preparedness and response in compliance with the defined Programme strategies and approaches.
  • Contributes to the development of relevant sectoral policies and strategies and advocates for multi-sectoral action to address nutrition challenges.
  • Leads and ensure timely production of quarterly and annual plans for the nutrition unit at a state and regional level in consultation with other relevant departmental heads.
  • Provide guidance for the development of communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and community participation and documentation/ dissemination of best practices from field implementation.
  • Supports creation and maintenance of effective coordination mechanisms and partnerships at the state and regional levels. Actively participates in the state level health sector and nutrition coordination meetings and maintains effective engagement and participation in other relevant sectoral coordination forums.
  • Coordinates with other Directorate of Health departments, Government Ministries and institutions, NGOs, UN agencies, Donors and other stakeholders in the exchange of information relating to Nutrition sector and updates on nutrition Programme implementation and status and to follow up on agreements and recommendations
  • Co-chairs the nutrition cluster meeting jointly with the nutrition cluster coordinator to ensure the government engagement on all country nutrition intervention.
  • Provides technical support and guidance on appropriate technical, management and institutional capacity development measures to achieve Nutrition program goals and outcomes in line with the MoH and Government’s capacity development plans.
  • Supports implementation of nutrition capacity development initiatives, including targeted training/learning programmes for nutrition and allied health workers.
  • Ensures development of nutrition training plans in consultation with the relevant MOH departments and nutritional partners at state and regional/ district level.
  • Identifies capacity gaps of the nutrition unit and partner staff and ensures adequate skills transfer and provides on the job training for nutrition staff in the field as required and feasible.
  • Supports development and implementation of appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems including nutrition surveys, coverage assessments, and other qualitative assessments to monitor performance of the sector to deliver meaningful and effective development results.
  • Facilitates the review of systems and capacity related to delivery of nutrition services to improve such systems and capacities through the development and implementation of quarterly monitoring and supervision plans.
  • Undertakes field visits to supervise and monitor nutrition programmes as well as conducting periodic Programme planning and reviews with partners and stakeholders and analyzes and evaluates nutrition Programme data and/or takes corrective action, when necessary, to meet nutrition Programme objectives.
  • Participates in major evaluation exercises, Programme reviews and health sector review meetings and with other relevant State level ministries and departments.
  • Assists in the development and/or introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in management and evaluation of the nutrition Programme.
  • Follow up different sub department to Ensure that monthly reporting is received from all partners and the reports analyzed, verified and report disseminated.
  • Perform any other duties assigned by the Director family health.
  1. Qualifications and Experience:
  • Diploma in Nutrition/Nursing or Public Health background.
  • An advanced degree at the master’s level and/or higher will be an added advantage.
  • A minimum of THREE (3) years working experience of hands-on experience in supporting the design and implementation of nutrition programmes.
  • Experience in devising and/or implementing work procedures and an understanding of the Jubaland State of Somalia policies, procedures and guidelines
  • Ability to successfully manage budgets, including monitoring and reporting
  • Understanding of health and nutrition systems strengthening.
  1. Performance Criteria:
  • Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
  • Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieving project goals.
  • Good leadership and Programme management skills.
  • Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
  • Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across the health department.
  • Identifies urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly; initiates and generates team- and department-wide activities.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send their application to And CC to this E-mail jcscappeals@gmail.com by not later than 17th Aug 2024. Each application should include an updated CV, an application letter and contact Information for three work related referees. Applications not included all the above Information will not be reviewed

NOTE

  • Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Please quote the position you are applying for in the subject of the e-mail.
  • Both CV and application letter should be sent as one attachment.
  • Female and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.
  • Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
  • If you are shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to come with your original academic and professional certificates during the interview day.
  • Formore information, please visit the following websites:

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