Nutrition Senior Officer

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Working under the guidance and supervision of the Health and Nutrition Manager, The Senior Nutrition Officer (SNO) will lead the implementation of all nutrition-related activities at the SEMA health facilities and rapid response teams -RRTs (main 4 hospitals and 20 RRTs and communities in northwest of Syria. The SNO will be responsible for providing training (nutrition), coaching, mentorship, and technical support, including M&E for the nutrition program. Key areas will include but are not limited to the detection and treatment of acute cases of malnutrition, Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), Community based management of Acute malnutrition CMAM, Maternal Child Health and Nutrition (MIYCN); supporting outreach activities that include surveillance and patient follow up; and preparing and submission of donor reports as required. In addition, the SNO will represent SEMA in the nutrition cluster meetings, technical groups, sub-groups and any relevant activities under the lead of the program management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Programming

– Provide overall technical leadership and direction to nutrition activities being implemented at the NWS projects technical narrative, work plans and targets. – 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. – Participate in daily ward rounds in the SC ward with the medical team. – Ensure that all required observations, prescribed treatment, and procedures are properly carried out and documented in the patients’ cards – Mentor the nutrition staff and auxiliary nurses to manage patients with acute malnutrition as per approved protocols and guidelines – Train and mentor SEMA nutrition staff and other key stakeholders in growth monitoring and promotion (GMP), IYCF and CMAM, 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. Monthly submission of relevant reports to the programs manager and updating of nutrition data on relevant platforms. – Work in collaboration with other departments to strengthen screening for malnutrition at the community level and linkage and referral to health and nutrition service delivery points – Provide oversight for MIYCN activities at the community level – Improve the provision of quality nutrition counseling in the hospital stabilization center, maternity, and HIV/TB clinic, male & female wards, and other entry points in the health program in liaison with relevant SEMA sectors. – Plan and conduct continuous monitoring of the SAM, MAM, and BMS patients. – Participate in program strategic planning and roll-out of new program areas in liaison with key stakeholders and cooperating partners.

Supervision and leadership

– Directly supervise nutrition field officers and nutrition teams in RRTs, SC and OTP/SFP sites. – 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 the nutrition program and communicate the same to the program manager.

Networking and coordination

– Ensure proper communication, coordination, and harmonization of tools with the different stakeholders involved in food/nutrition activities. – Develop and coordinate the adherence and reporting of nutrition education sessions as per the 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 referrals for nutrition activities. – Work closely with other health programs in the spirit of integration for maximum output. – Attend all program implementation meetings.

Note: – The role of the Senior Nutrition Officer cannot be limited to the specific duties and tasks detailed herein. Therefore, S/he will be required to manage all unforeseen issues and circumstances and remain flexible to perform any other duties, as and when required.

v Qualification, Experiences, and Competencies.

Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics, medicine, pharmacy, or relevant field.

– Possess at least three (3) years of experience in implementing nutrition-related activities in NWS.

– S/He must possess the ability to analyze and interpret both quantitative and qualitative programmed data.

– Must possess excellent planning and organizational skills.

– Must be able to work with minimal supervision.

– Must have cognate skills in computer applications.

– MUST possess a high level of integrity and good interpersonal skills – Ready to work in difficult environmental conditions.

– High reporting skills in English and Arabic according to the donors’ requirements.

– S/he Must respect the values of SEMA and the NWS communities.

Required experience:

– Addition nutrition training in CMAM and, IYCF and MIYCN is an added advantage.

– Strong communication skills, oral, written and presentation.

– Previous experience in RRTs approach

– Previous experience working in insecure contexts

– Extremely flexible and can cope with stressful situations.

– Strong background in humanitarian projects.

– Demonstrate proficiency in computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, Email, and MS relevant apps

– Should be a team player and culturally sensitive