Health and Nutrition Specialist

Programme & Policy Medical & Health

Overview

Provide technical leadership and oversight for health and nutrition interventions.

You have:

• Bachelor's degree in Medicine, Public Health, Nutrition, or Nursing.
• Master's degree in Public Health or Nutrition preferred.
• Minimum 5-7 years relevant experience in humanitarian health and nutrition programming.
• Experience in CMAM/IMAM implementation and health systems strengthening.
• Experience working in refugee or emergency contexts and multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong knowledge of IMAM/CMAM protocols, RMNCH services, and public health systems.
• Experience with DHIS2 and data analysis tools.
• Adhere to Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies; ensure zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA).
• Promote Do No Harm principles and ensure confidentiality and ethical data handling.

Description

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)

Benefits

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

Requirements

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

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 2 months ago - Updated 8 days ago - Source: actionagainsthunger.org