IYCF Officer

Position:- IYCF Officer

Location:- Erebti Woreda, Afar Region

Position Status: Full Time

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations.

Program Summary

Mercy Corps Ethiopia currently secured USAID/BHA funded multisectoral response program entitled ‘Humanitarian Assistance for Conflict-Affected Populations (HACAP)” in Oromia and Afar regions. The goal of the proposed program is to increase access to Life-saving Services for Conflict-affected IDPs, Returnees, and Vulnerable Populations through provision of integrated Multi-Sectoral Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Promotion (WASH), Nutrition and Protection support and, Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) in five Woredas of Oromia and Afar regions.

General Position Summary

The IYCF Officer is responsible for managing moderate acute malnutrition and preventing further deterioration of the nutrition situation through the provision of IYCF (Infant and Young Child Feeding) counseling, supplementary foods, timely screening, health and nutrition education, capacity building, and technical support to the Woreda Health Office on managing moderate acute malnutrition.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Collaborate with team members to integrate nutrition and health services effectively.
• Work with local authorities and partners to harmonize efforts for better impact and sustainability.
• Continuously update knowledge to adapt to changing situations and contexts.

Program Management

• Plan and organize TSF (Targeted Supplementary Feeding) and IYCF counseling and education at designated distribution sites in collaboration with other nutrition teams.
• Develop action plans for effective TSFP and IYCF implementation in consultation with stakeholders.
• Provide supportive supervision to Health Extension Workers (HEWs) and Food Distribution Agents (FDAs) at TSFP sites.
• Ensure accurate measurement of all children by HEWs and FDAs.
• Ensure all criteria, including admission, discharge, and transfer to and from the OTP (Outpatient Therapeutic Program), are respected and understood by HEWs and HWs.
• Review and ensure the completion, accuracy, and coherence of forms completed by HEWs.
• Ensure HEWs and FDAs follow national protocols.
• Coordinate with logistics to ensure adequate availability and pre-positioning of medical and food supplies.
• Work closely with OTP/SC Nurses to ensure program understanding and appropriate referrals.
• Provide feedback to the Project Coordinator on the quality of supplementary foods.
• Report progress and issues promptly.
• Ensure children not meeting admission criteria return home as soon as possible, with caretakers understanding why.
• Provide effective follow-up of all cases, particularly tracing children who are absent from the program, sick, not gaining weight, or have social problems.
• Provide on-the-job training to HEWs and FDAs on key health and education messages following protocols and guidelines.
• Respond to HEWs and FDAs inquiries regarding technical aspects of program admission and discharge.
• Support Woreda Health Office staff with technical assistance in meetings and answering project-related questions.
• Assist HEWs in compiling statistical data.
• Build good relationships with local authorities and community leaders.
• Facilitate links and meetings with community leaders and different groups.
• Perform other duties as requested by the immediate supervisor.
• Organize and document health education and capacity-building activities.
• Participate in disseminating appropriate hygiene educational materials.
• Support the CMAM Nurse and Project Coordinators in organizing and facilitating CMAM (Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition) trainings.

Team Management

• Ensure health workers and HEWs follow national protocols.
• Provide technical support to MC mobile and zonal/woreda government health staff on managing moderate acute malnutrition.
• Report professional issues to the Project Coordinator.
• Provide formal and on-the-job training for health workers, HEWs, MC Nutrition field workers, and community mobilizers.

Influence & Representation

• Liaise with government authorities to ensure program strategy, objectives, and activities are understood, agreed upon, and communicated effectively.
• Participate in Zonal/Regional Health and Nutrition Technical Working Group meetings, developing agendas, documenting actions, and disseminating recommendations.
• Coordinate with local stakeholders and MoH personnel, providing regular updates on activities.
• Collaborate with field partners (health centers, health posts, community leaders) to improve program coverage and efficiency.
• Work with partners like WFP, and UNICEF on nutrition assessments that impact our programs.

Organizational Learning

• Commit 5% of time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps and personal development.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Support efforts toward accountability to program participants and international standards guiding relief and development work.
• Implement the Community Accountability Reporting Mechanism (CARM) effectively.
• Regularly conduct oneself professionally, respecting local laws, customs, and MC policies.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

• Promote a culture of trust and respect, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering collaboration.
• Commit to learning, listening, and evolving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
• Promote gender equality and an inclusive workplace in daily interactions.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Safeguarding & Ethics

• Commit to treating all individuals with respect and dignity, preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Adhere to the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct and complete mandatory e-learning courses.

Knowledge and Experience

• BSc in Public Health or Nursing, with a minimum of four years of experience in NGOs, including two years in a clinical setup.
• Solid technical skills in managing acute malnutrition and providing technical support to health workers and HEWs.
• Knowledge and experience in managing moderately malnourished children and PLWs (Pregnant and Lactating Women).
• Proven skills in program planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Ability to lead mobile teams and foster team spirit.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong human relations skills.
• Willingness to work under pressure and extended hours.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English and Afarigna languages.

Success Factors

• Flexibility and adaptability in challenging conditions, such as long-distance travel.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working closely with regional, zonal, and woreda health offices.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive program reports.
• Strong communication and human relations skills.
• Firm belief in teamwork and gender equality.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination. We actively seek diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills to build a strong, impactful organization. We are committed to providing a respectful and psychologically safe environment with equal employment opportunities for all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination based on race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, military veteran status, or any other protected group.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct elearning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

All qualified individuals are invited to apply for the advertised position. All applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers, must be sent electronically.

Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.  

“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity and   diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empower women and youth.” 

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS: 31 May 2024/ 4:00 PM

Apply by the below link:-

https://recruiting2.ultipro.com/MER1024MERCY/JobBoard/7de55979-49d4-4f59-b61b-9c7d0e38d500/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=04486a1c-2a50-490b-87ec-119e810d3bae