OFFICE

Nutrition Officer at The International Rescue Committee (IRC)

About the job

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC has been working in Kenya since 1992, providing crucial services across the two refugee camps, Dadaab and Kakuma, and a number of counties (Garissa, Turkana, West Pokot, Samburu, Kajiado, Lamu and Nairobi) implementing programs in the sectors of health, nutrition, governance & rights, women’s protection & empowerment, Economic Recovery and Development, as well as providing emergency response through a network of field offices and a range of institutional and community-based partnerships.

Job Purpose/Objective

Under supervision of the Facility in Charge and, technically, the Nutrition Manager, The Nutrition Officer (NO) will lead the implementation of all nutrition related activities at the IRC run health facilities and communities in the refugee settlement and the surrounding host communities in Hagadera refugee camp. The Nutrition Officer will be responsible for providing training (nutrition), coaching, mentorship and technical support, including M&E for the nutrition program. Key areas will include, but not limited to the detection and treatment of acute cases of malnutrition; implementation of the prevention package of IMAM, IYCF, Maternal Child Health and Nutrition; supporting outreach activities that include surveillance and patient follow up; and preparing and submission of donor reports as required.

Key Responsibilities

Programming

  • Provide quality of care to all clients enrolled in the nutrition programs in line with the MOH/WHO/UNHCR/WFP/ComPAS protocols.
  • Direct implementation of ComPAS/CMAM, ensuring management of all under-fives/PLWs enrolled in OTP/TSFP programs in line with the WHO, IMAM and ComPAS protocol. Participate in data collection, data entry in registers and tablets, and reporting of CMAM/ComPAS data.
  • Ensure quality and timely identification and treatment of medical complications associated with malnutrition in SC/OTP/SFP.
  • Give and advise on the drug regimen for children in the SC, OTP and SFP programs.
  • Handle nutrition commodities and food supplies at facility level/kitchen including receipt, inventory management, reporting and forecasting of commodity needs. Ensure daily reconciliation of nutrition commodities with the pharmacy staff and prompt reporting of variances.
  • Participate in daily ward rounds in the SC ward with the medical team. Ensure that all required observations, prescribed treatment and procedure are properly carried out and documented in the patients’ cards
  • Ensure integration of nutrition services with health- ensure provision of quality nutrition assessment, counselling and supports in NCD clinics, MCH/OPD, Medical wards and Special clinics (POPC, LBW/Preterm).
  • Mentor the nutrition assistant staff and auxiliary nurses to handle patients with acute malnutrition as per protocol.
  • Train and mentor IRC nutrition staff and other key partners in GMP, IYCF and IMAM; especially the OTP and SC staff.
  • Ensure the establishment of nutrition monitoring activities and train health staff in case detection and referral system.
  • Ensure timely reporting in accordance with set deadlines.
  • Improve the provision of quality nutrition counseling in the hospital SC and Comprehensive care Clinic (CCC) and other entry points in the health programme in liaison with relevant IRC sectors.
  • Plan and Conduct continuous monitoring of the OTP, SFP and SC patient.
  • Participate in program strategic planning and roll-out of new program areas in liaison with key collaborators and cooperating partners.
  • Adhere and uphold IRC code of conduct at respective work area.

Supervision and Leadership

  • Directly incentive staff providing services in the health facilities.
  • Supervise and work in strict collaboration with the nutrition team in the screening activities of severely malnourished children.
  • Identify training gaps for the incentive staff and beneficiaries within nutrition program and communicate the same to the program manager.

Networking and Coordination

  • Ensure proper communication, coordination and harmonization of tools with the different partners involved in food/nutrition activities.
  • Develop and coordinate the adherence and reporting of nutrition education sessions as per developed annual plan.
  • Monitor and supervise proper usage of essential nutrition therapeutic feeds such as F100, F75, RUTF.RUSF, CSB++and Resomal to avoid stock outs.
  • Create appropriate linkages and referral for nutrition activities.
  • Work closely with other health programs in spirit of integration for maximum output.
  • Attend all program implementation meetings.

Note: – The role of the Nutrition Officer cannot be limited to the specific duties and tasks detailed herein. The success of the IRC’s humanitarian mission is the highest priority and all issues which arise must be addressed accordingly. Therefore, They will be required to handle all unforeseen issues and circumstances and remain flexible to perform any other duties, as and when required.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics.
  • Registration and Up to date License with KNDI
  • Possess at least three (3) years’ experience in implementing nutrition related activities in a lively hospital and community set up.
  • S/He must possess ability to analyze and interpret both quantitative and qualitative programmed data.
  • Must possess excellent planning and organizational skills.
  • Able to work with minimal supervision.
  • Must have cognate skills in computer applications.
  • MUST possess a high level of integrity and with good interpersonal skills
  • Ready to work in difficult environmental conditions.

Required Experience

  • Addition nutrition training in CMAM/IMAM/COMPASS and MIYCN is an added advantage.
  • Strong communication skills, oral, written and presentation.
  • Previous experience in Arid and Semi Arid Lands of Kenya
  • Previous experience working in insecure contexts
  • Very flexible, and have the ability to cope with stressful situations.
  • Strong background in humanitarian projects.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, E- mail, out look
  • Should be a standout colleague and culturally sensitive.

Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equity. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other encouraging benefits and allowances.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Kenyan nationals are encouraged to apply. International allowances are not available for this position. Salary and employee benefits are compliant to the Kenyan NGO Sector.

Disclaimer

Please take note that International Rescue Committee (IRC) does not ask for any fees in connection with its recruitment processes.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.

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