Surge Health and Nutrition Advisor

Role & Responsibilities

The Surge Health and Nutrition Advisor contributes to the strategic direction to be undertaken by the Country program, based on the continuous analysis of the health and nutrition needs of the population of concern through the guidance of the in-country health and nutrition advisor. Provide technical advice and support to the field management and the health and nutrition staff. Develop, lead, monitor, and evaluate the health and nutrition aspects of the country programme in discussion with in-country and GSO technical advisors. Coordinate and network at a senior level with national and regional health authorities and other NGOs. Involve in all health and nutrition elements of proposals and reports, providing capacity building for national and international staff. Promote best practice in the health and nutrition programmes and contribute to the overall management of the country programme.

Project Overview

Medair Afghanistan is a complex and dynamic country programme due to instability related to politics and security. Medair has been operating in Afghanistan since 1996, and is currently implementing multi-sectoral projects in nutrition, health, WASH and food security in vulnerable communities in Kabul, the Central Highlands and Southern Afghanistan. There are plans to expand the current programme into new areas and potentially new sectors, as well as growing and strengthening local partnerships. Projects also include emergency responses and may include expansion of initial programmes into areas with critical needs. A significant proportion of Medair’s programming in Afghanistan consists of mobile health and nutrition clinics and related behaviour change activities.

Workplace & Conditions

Field position based in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Starting Date / Initial Contract Details

July 2022. Full-time From 12 months.

Key Activity Areas

Health & Nutrition Project Technical Oversight

• Maintain an overview of the country health and nutrition programme and of the regional context, with a view to strategically developing new projects in current sites and proactively planning for responsible exit.
• Give technical advice to field managers and make recommendations to all on potential involvement in new health interventions and internal health and nutrition capacity for implementation.
• Provide technical support to the health and nutrition teams in all project sites, including the evaluation and impact analysis of current projects and the writing of donor proposals and reports.
• Carry out regular monitoring visits, ensuring that project objectives are met within the stated timeframes.
• Supervise and monitor the development of reporting systems for data collection (qualitative and quantitative), do data analysis and follow-up and feedback to relevant staff, donors, partners and other agencies.
• Maintain an oversight of medicines and health and nutrition supplies ordered for the health projects.

Representation

• Upon delegation of tasks by the in-country advisor, develop and maintain relationships with Ministry of Health, UN, NGOs, donors, partners and other stakeholders, with the objective of raising public awareness of Medair and ensuring good co-operation and partnerships.
• Accompany donors on field trips and ensure programme details are transmitted in professional manners.
• Represent Medair at national health and nutrition cluster, coordination, sector and bilateral meetings, working groups, with local government departments, facilitating supportive synergies and overall progress in the health sector and avoiding duplication with the work of other agencies (e.g. NGOs, UN, etc.).

Staff Management

• Be involved in the recruitment of health and nutrition staff for the country programme, providing advice on technical skills and experience as requested.
• Ensure that all health and nutrition staff are adequately trained and create possibilities for capacity building, mentoring and coaching, within budget constraints. Plan and develop training material as required/instructed.
• Support line managers in inductions and appraisals of health and nutrition staff.
• Play a part in staff health procedures and compliance and development of procedures in-country.

Financial Management

• Work with the relevant field managers and GSO staff to plan and construct health and nutrition budgets.
• Ensure the health and nutrition project expenditure is in line with approved budgets, advising on potential expenses and recommending corrective action, in close collaboration with the H&N Advisor, PMs and PCs.

Quality Management

• Ensure health and nutrition projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards e.g. Sphere and CHS standards, WHO recommendations, etc.
• Regularly assess and provide feedback on the quality of health and nutrition programmes and interventions during field visits and at other relevant times. Maintain a resource library for the team and keep up-to-date with the latest trends and updates within the sector.

Staff Health

• Support the in-country H&N advisor in discharging staff health/occupational health responsibilities and compliance and development of procedures in-country.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in Medical Health and Nutrition field in Acute and protracted Emergency Responses.
• Excellent working knowledge of the English language (speaking and writing).

Experience

• At least 10 years of work experience in relevant fields with eexperience of budget designs, review, management and the ability to prepare and review financial reports.
• Experience working in a cross-cultural setting, preferably in emergency context and advanced planning, coordination, assessment, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Carry out health and nutrition surveys, assessments and evaluations using our methodologies and standards.
• Multiple tasked, prioritising and delegating as required and excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work both independently and as a member of a team with strong organisational abilities and verbal communication skills.

All new deploying international staff to Medair’s country programmes (and other roles which require field travel) should be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved COVID vaccine, supported with a COVID vaccination certificate as evidence.