Health and Nutrition Specialist

1. JOB PURPOSE

The Specialist – Health and Nutrition is responsible for technical leadership, quality assurance, and strategic oversight of integrated health and nutrition interventions under the project.

The role ensures delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, and life-saving services aligned with:

• National IMAM guidelines
• SPHERE standards
• DG ECHO requirements
• Ministry of Health (MoH) protocols

The Specialist will strengthen health systems, nutrition programming, and community-based services, targeting vulnerable populations including:

• Children under five
• Pregnant and lactating women (PLW)
• Adolescents
• Refugees and host communities

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Technical Leadership & Programme Quality

• Provide technical oversight for all health and nutrition interventions including:
• CMAM/IMAM programming (OTP, TSFP, Stabilization Care)
• Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH/RMNCH)
• Primary Health Care (PHC)
• Ensure compliance with national and international standards.
• Lead the design, adaptation, and contextualization of protocols and SOPs.
• Oversee integration of:
• Nutrition
• Health
• WASH
• Protection (including GBV referral pathways)
• Ensure quality implementation of:
• MIYCN (Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition)
• GMP (Growth Monitoring & Promotion)
• Family MUAC approach

2.2 Programme Implementation & Supervision

• Oversee implementation of activities across:
• Mantapala Rural Health Centre (RHC)
• Health Posts (HPs)
• Community platforms
• Ensure:
• Functional OTP and inpatient services
• Continuous service delivery (24/7 where applicable)
• Effective referral systems
• Supervise and mentor:
• Health staff
• Nutrition teams
• Community health workers
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits to ensure quality and compliance.

2.3 Capacity Building & Systems Strengthening

• Design and deliver competency-based training for:
• Health workers
• Community volunteers
• Partner staff
• Build capacity in:
• IMAM protocols
• Clinical case management
• Nutrition screening and referral
• Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)
• Provide on-the-job coaching, mentorship, and supportive supervision.
• Strengthen:
• Health facility systems
• Data use for decision-making
• Referral pathways

2.4 Supply Chain & Commodity Management

• Ensure availability of essential medicines and nutrition supplies, including:
• RUTF, F-75, F-100
• Medical kits
• Oversee:
• Forecasting
• Procurement planning
• Stock monitoring
• Prevent stock-outs and ensure buffer stock systems.

2.5 Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)

• Ensure accurate and timely data collection using:
• DHIS2 systems
• CMAM/IMAM databases
• Track key indicators such as:
• SAM recovery rates
• Admission rates
• Stock availability
• Lead:
• Data analysis
• Programme reviews
• Learning and adaptation
• Ensure accountability to affected populations through:
• Feedback mechanisms
• Community engagement

2.6 Coordination & Representation

• Represent the organization in:
• Health and Nutrition Cluster meetings
• Technical Working Groups
• Coordinate with:
• Ministry of Health
• UN agencies (UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR)
• Local partners (e.g., Caritas)
• Ensure alignment and complementarity with other actors.

2.7 Integration of Cross-Cutting Themes

Ensure full integration of:

• Gender equality and inclusion
• Protection mainstreaming
• Safeguarding (PSEA)
• Disability inclusion
• Environmental considerations

2.8 Emergency Preparedness & Response

• Lead technical input into Crisis Modifier activation.
• Support rapid response during:
• Disease outbreaks
• Malnutrition surges
• Climate shocks

3. KEY DELIVERABLES / KPIs

• ≥85% SAM recovery rate achieved
• ≥90% health staff meet competency standards
• Zero prolonged stock-outs of essential nutrition commodities
• Increased coverage of CMAM services
• Functional referral systems across all facilities
• Improved service utilization rates
• Timely and accurate reporting (100% compliance)

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in:
• Medicine
• Public Health
• Nutrition
• Nursing
• Master’s degree in Public Health or Nutrition (preferred)

Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years relevant experience
• Proven experience in:
• Humanitarian health and nutrition programming
• CMAM/IMAM implementation
• Health systems strengthening
• Experience working in:
• Refugee or emergency contexts
• Multi-stakeholder environments

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of:
• IMAM/CMAM protocols
• RMNCH services
• Public health systems
• Experience with:
• DHIS2
• Data analysis tools
• Training and facilitation

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Leadership and team management
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication and coordination
• Problem-solving in complex environments

5. SAFEGUARDING & ETHICS

• Adhere to Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies
• Ensure zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)
• Promote Do No Harm principles

Ensure confidentiality and ethical data handling

Action Against Hunger – USA provides all staff with an attractive salary and benefits package . We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status or as a veteran. Action Against Hunger- USA complies with applicable laws governing non discrimination in employment