Nutrition Advisor

Job posted by: Medair - Switzerland - Wed, 25 May 2016

Job Details:

Organisation: Medair - Switzerland

Deadline Mon, 18 Jul 2016

Job type: Permanent

Location: South Sudan Sudan

Provide technical advice and support to field management and the health / nutrition staff. Develop, lead, monitor, and evaluate the nutrition and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) aspects of the country programme. Coordinate and network at a senior level with national and regional health / nutrition authorities and other NGOs. Lead on all nutrition and behaviour change elements of proposals and reports, providing capacity building for national and international staff, promote best practice in the nutrition and BCC programmes as well as contributing to the overall management of the country programme.

Project Overview

Medair is currently implementing four projects within South Sudan, providing emergency primary health care based on the basic package of health services as well as CMAM for conflict affected populations (Renk and Leer County) and refugees (Maban County). Medair also maintains a health and nutrition emergency response team that is able to respond to health or nutrition emergencies within any of the 10 states of South Sudan, such as disease outbreaks, population displacement or emergency levels of global acute malnutrition.

Workplace

Juba, with frequent travel to field locations, South Sudan

Starting Date

As soon as possible

Initial Contract Details

Full time, 24 months

Key Activity Areas

Nutrition Project Technical Oversight

Maintain an overview of the country nutrition programme and of the regional context, with a view to strategically developing new projects in current sites and / or in surrounding regions, and proactively planning for responsible exit.
Give technical advice to field managers and HQ on potential involvement in new nutrition interventions and internal nutrition capacity for implementation.
Define appropriate policies, guidelines and protocols for nutritional aspects of our work in country.
Provide technical support to nutrition teams in all project sites, including the evaluation and impact analysis of current projects.
Carry out regular monitoring visits in conjunction with other field managers, ensuring that project objectives are met with recognised international standards.
Supervise and monitor the development of reporting systems for data collection (qualitative and quantitative), analysis and follow-up. Maintain an oversight of medicines and nutrition supplies.
Provide input into the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability.
Provide technical advice to project managers and field staff on integrating Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) into health and nutrition programme activities, support programme staff in identification and analysis of behaviour change barriers and adapt programme design accordingly.
Oversee selection, development and piloting of IEC materials (as needed) and BCC training for staff.
Coordinate with WASH Advisor and WASH programme managers to ensure complementary BCC programme activities.
Support the development and implementation of participatory BCC methods.
Ensure integration of key HHP and IYCF messages in each health and nutrition project location.

Representation

Develop and maintain relationships with Ministry of Health, Department of Nutrition, 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.
Represent Medair at nutrition cluster coordination, sector and bilateral meetings and with national and / or local government departments and any other relevant meetings or events.
Support the nutrition cluster in identifying priority areas for nutrition response.

Staff Management

Be involved in the recruitment of nutrition staff for the country programme. Support line managers in inductions and appraisals of nutrition staff. Ensure that all nutrition staff are adequately trained and, if necessary, create possibilities for capacity building, mentoring and coaching, within budget constraints.

Financial Management

Work with the relevant field managers and HQ staff to plan and construct nutrition budgets.

Quality Management

Ensure nutrition projects are implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and in accordance with Medair, donor, country and international standards.
Regularly assess and provide feedback and recommendations on the quality of nutrition programmes and interventions during field visits and at other relevant times to HQ advisors as well as field staff.
Maintain resource library for the nutrition team and keep up-to-date with the latest trends and updates within the sector. Provide guidance on routine nutrition and BCC monitoring and evaluation activities.

Qualifications

University degree in nutrition or in another relevant field such as medicine or nursing

Languages

Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written)

Experience / Competencies

Relevant post-qualification professional experience in a management position
At least 1 year of international experience managing and implementing an emergency nutrition intervention with CMAM and IYCF components
Experience overseeing BCC projects specifically participatory mothers’ groups including IYCF in emergencies desirable; Experience and willingness in training/mentoring staff
Experience in the design, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of CMAM programmes
Knowledge of humanitarian principles, Sphere and HAP Standards and other international humanitarian guidelines and protocols
Advanced planning, assessment, analytical, leadership and project management skills

Medair Standard Working Requirements for the Field

Experienced professionals in a relevant field; Overseas intercultural experience
Committed Christians; commitment to the Medair values
Strong working knowledge of English, spoken and written
Working knowledge of French, spoken and written, for French-speaking field programmes
Single or married (with no children under 18). If married, your spouse must also apply.
Successful completion of Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC)
Reflect the vision and values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, external contacts
Able to live and work in a multicultural team under difficult conditions
Strong character traits, including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, honesty, and physically fit

Benefits

A salary based upon the grade of the position and the experience of the position-holder
Comprehensive briefing at our Swiss headquarters, as well as an in-country briefing
Security training for those going to particularly insecure environments
Accommodation, food, and transportation in-country
Return flights to and from the country programme (one return flight for every year of service)
Rest and recuperation (R&R) leave (including travel, accommodation, and food allowance)
Annual leave; Death and disability allowance
Contribution matching programme for retirement savings (for experienced relief workers)
Additional contract benefit allowance for those who commit to longer contracts
Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance, with up to 60 days post- assignment coverage, including debriefing

Working Conditions

This is a field position based in Juba with frequent travel to field locations and working and living conditions may be very different to that previously experienced.

Application Process

Before you apply, please ensure you are fully aware of the:

a) Medair organisational values

b) Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions)

Then to apply, go to the "Current Vacancies" page then:

a) apply for this vacancy (or another position that matches your profile), or

b) apply for a Medair ROC (where we can try and match your competencies to our vacancy needs).

Please do not make multiple applications. We will not review email applications. Only English-language applications / CVs will be reviewed. Medair does not set closing / deadline dates for applications; recruitment is on-going until the position is filled.

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