Project Officer –Nutrition and Cash Distribution

Job Description

German Leprosy and TB Relief Association Ethiopia (GLRA-Ethiopia) is a non-profit international NGO working in the field of TB, Leprosy and other NTDs as well as on Humanitarian aid and Socio-economic rehabilitation and research. With funding received from EHF-OCHA,  German Leprosy and TB Relief Association (GLRA) will implement a 12-month project by focusing on improving access and coverage of quality lifesaving Humanitarian response through a multi-sectoral approach in the existing government structure to deliver health and nutrition  service, Multipurpose cash (MPC),) and providing psychosocial support in Limu Woreda. The project will strengthen the capacity of government routine Health service delivery, Acute malnutrition prevention and treatment, and build the knowledge of healthcare providers on the delivery of maternal health, and child health including Immunization, mental health, and psychosocial to ensure the continuity and sustainability of these vital services for IDP returnees.

For this project we are looking for experienced professional who will nutrition interventions in the project area.  

Job Purposes: 

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Nutrition  and cash distribution Officer is responsible for overseeing all start-up MPC and nutrition activities under the assigned location and responsible for the day-to-day management of the Nutrition and MPC  project implementation in the operational Woreda of a given location. S/he will be responsible for providing managing MPC and Nutrition activities implementation. S/he will provide technical guidance to ensure that program implementation adheres to appropriate international technical standards and guidelines are technically sound. Provision of Nutrition in emergency services and lead the management of the Mobile Health and Nutrition Team (MHNT) in collaboration with health project officer as a key component of the position holder.

The Cash distribution & Nutrition officer will provide consultation and necessary treatment as needed to the intended beneficiaries in the health facilities and outside health facilities in the project sites. S/he will work with the subordinate within the field office to enhance their participation and involvement in the prevention, awareness creation, and capacity building of woreda-based government health staff, and all the key deliverables are achieved.  

Key Areas of Accountability/Duties

• Oversees the implementation of Multi-Purpose Cash (MPC) and nutrition projects in the assigned location and ensures that the quality standards are met.
• Ensures effective start-up, management, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of MPC, and nutrition projects in the assigned location.
• Provide support and guidance to the subordinate; assess training needs, plan & provides training/guidance for staff in setting up new OTP and SC sites and MPC and MIYCN activities.
• Facilitate training for health professionals in community-based management of acute malnutrition, and MIYCN.
• Participating in and/or leading MPC, nutrition, and/or multi-sectoral assessments as required.
• Conducts regular field visits to provide supportive supervision and discussions to the OTP/SC/TSFP/MIYCN sites, mobile clinics, and woreda health offices to monitor the implementation of MPC and nutrition programs and enhance the existing health system.
• Closely work with the project manager and other support staff to ensure that project budgets are realistic, that they are efficiently used complying with donor/GLRA requirements, and that reports are submitted in a timely manner.
• Represents GLRA in Woreda/Zonal level nutrition and MPC coordination and another forum as per the need and request.
• Documents findings, lessons learned, and recommendations of field visits and practices for follow-up actions; shares as appropriate with the project manager.
• Oversees and leads the development and submission of activity reports, ensuring completeness, accuracy, timeliness, and quality.
• Provide essential lifesaving Nutrition services to IDPs returnee/collective centers/hard-to-reach areas/any place where MHNT was established.
• Conduct all activities planned for MHNT.
• Responsible to provide Community Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) and MIYCN activities to IDPs returnee and people who have no access to the services.
• Conduct capacity-building interventions for HEWs/HWs and community health workers and community mobilization activities with key Health messages,
• Provide different pieces of training and workshops as per the plan.
• Perform all necessary actions to ensure the smooth functioning of mobile health and nutrition activities.
• Support the Woreda-based health and Nutrition system in providing technical support to the health facilities.
• Prepare and share monthly and quarterly activity reports timely.
• Support the MHNT in mobilization of communities and ensure that MHNT intervention is in accordance with the MHNT guideline.
• Support Woreda the health office in strengthening the surveillance system.
• Any other task assigned by his/her supervisor (project manager).

Duty station:  East Wollega, Limu Woreda

Type of employment:  Fixed term for 11 months

Salary:  As per the approved project budget

REPORTING: To Project Manager

Job Requirement

• BSc/HO in Public Health, Human nutrition, nursing and related field with a minimum of four years’ years’ work experience preferably in NGO experience in MHNT setups, MPC,  and CMAM/IYCF
• Knowledge of the latest health and Nutrition-related guidelines and standards in emergency nutrition and health.
• Extensive Knowledge and experience in the primary health care system.
• Demonstrated ability for leadership and independent decision-making.
• Ability to plan and organize work to meet individual, team, and program objectives.
• Strong interpersonal skills & excellent team player, fosters working in teams & teamwork spirit.
• Willingness and ability to work in hardship environments and 24/7 times based on the context assigned locations.
• Cultural and gender sensitivity.
• Demonstrable experience in working with communities, and knowledge of participatory approaches.
• Strong knowledge on monitoring and evaluation and report writing.
•  Ability to effectively liaise with government, donors, NGOs, community leaders, and other stakeholders,
• Very good knowledge and practice of computer applications.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local language (Afan Oromo)
• Flexible and creative approach; keen to take initiative where appropriate.
• Accountability & responsiveness within areas of responsibilities,

Desirable quality, skill and competence

• Have good understanding and hands on experience on MHNT projects, CMAM/IYCF, and MPC.
• Familiarity to the local culture.