Nutrition Assistant

About Premier Urgency International

Première Urgence Internationale (PUI) is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-religious international aid organization. Our teams are committed to supporting civilians’ victims of marginalization and exclusion, or hit by natural disasters, wars and economic collapses, by answering their fundamental needs. Our aim is to provide emergency relief to uprooted people in order to help them recover their dignity and regain self-sufficiency. 

PUI works in 10 areas of intervention and distinguishes itself by the implementation of an integrated approach in its response. This method aims to identify and understand the needs of all those affected by a crisis. Our teams come together to bring a rapid global response to the basic needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises to help them regain independence and dignity. 

PUI in Ethiopia:

Although PUI has not been operational particularly in Ethiopia, the organization has long time presence in East African region, mainly in Sudan and South Sudan. 

Following the north Ethiopia conflict, which erupted in 2020, and the reports of recurrent drought, which is affecting the life and livelihood of millions in different regions of Ethiopia, PUI decided to contribute its part to address the humanitarian needs triggered by both manmade and natural disasters. For this reason, PUI has been registered with FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organization (ACSO) since June 22, 2022 to enable the organization to operate legally in the country. Since then, PUI has been doing needs assessment in different regions of the country to identify gaps in order to decide where to put its effort for optimum results. Following some of these assessments, PUI has decided to implement its first project in Afar and Benishangul Gumuze region where the consequences of the recent conflict and the ongoing drought has significantly affected the population of the region.

PUI is also actively looking for more partners to respond to more humanitarian needs in other regions of the country which were affected by conflict and natural disasters.   

General Assignments / Scope of the Role:

Under supervision of the Nutrition Officer, the Nutrition Assistant is responsible for supporting all start-up nutrition activities in Abala and Dalol areas of Afar Region. 

The Nutrition Assistant is responsible for implementation of nutrition related activities including SAM, IYCF-E at local level using participatory and community based or outreach approaches. S/he is also expected to provide technical support Woreda Health extension Workers and other staff working in the area of under-five nutrition. S/he is also responsible for collecting child Health Data including growth monitoring and sharing for appropriate health expert for case identification based on the biometric information.

Summary of Task and Responsibilities

• Work closely with health and nutrition staff and other prevention nutrition promoters and lead mothers to mother support groups to ensure sustainable child caring practice is implemented at family level.
• Plan and organize TSF and IYCF counseling and education at the designated distribution sites in collaboration with other nutrition teams.
• Provide supportive supervision to the Health Extension Workers (HEWs) at the health post and health center
• Through liaison with the HWs and HEWs provide effective follow up of all cases: particularly tracing of children who are absent from the programme, sick children, children not gaining weight, and children with social problems etc.
• Provide On-the-Job training to HEWs on the provision of key health and education messages to beneficiaries based the acceptable protocol and guidelines
• Assist HEWs to compile the statistical data.
• Establish good relationship with the local authorities and community leaders.
• Establish link and meetings with the community leaders and different group existing in the working
• Perform any other duties requested by the immediate supervisor
• Participate in dissemination of appropriate hygiene educational materials.
• Work closely with health and nutrition staff and other prevention nutrition promoters and lead mothers to mother support groups to ensure sustainable child caring practice is implemented at family level.
• closely with the teams to ensure all children are screened correctly and cases are identified as early as possible to prevent further deterioration.
• Own the recording and registering all screened, targeted and benefited children and pregnant and lactating women, ensure correctness, consistence and completeness of the information in the nutrition registers.
• Through cooperation with the community volunteers provide effective follow up of all cases: particularly tracing of children who are absent from the program, sick children, long stay children, children not gaining weight, and children with social problems.
• Conduct home-to-home beneficiary follow-up and defaulter tracing including nutrition counseling.
• Report the activity on a weekly basis and attend team meeting under the management of the nutrition officer and the project manager.

   OUR COMMITMENTS

• Première Urgence Internationale sees diversity of nationalities, genders, beliefs, profiles and statuses among its Human Resources as a major asset for its humanitarian action, and therefore compels itself to the strict observance of the principle of non-discrimination throughout its recruitment process.  

• Première Urgence Internationale applies a policy of  zero tolerance towards exploitation, sexual abuse and mistreatment, in all its forms, of women, children and all other vulnerable persons. It engages all its staff to promote, disseminate and respect the principles set out in its ethical charter.

Please note that Première Urgence Internationale shall not in any case request a financial contribution for administrative costs related to recruitment. Any such information would be fraudulent, please disregard it. 

Availability: As Soon As Possible

Salary Scale: As per the organization salary scale

Contract Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension

Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• Degree in Agriculture or other related fields.  
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience. 
• Experience in humanitarian works
• Experience working in Afar region 
• Special Trainings on CMAM and IYCF interventions, Health promotion and Nutrition.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Ability to work independently, take the initiative and take responsibility in a proactive approach
• Good communication skill in English, Afar and Amharic.
• Self-motivated, flexible and adaptable to the needs of the team and organization
• Strong commitment in humanitarian principles
• Resilience to stress
• Diplomacy and open-mindedness
• Good analytical skills
• Organisation and ability to manage priorities and varied workload
• Ability to guarantee effective and timely outputs 
• Problem solving and leadership skills
• Ability to work and manage professionally and maturely
• Ability to integrate into the local environment, taking account of its political, economic and historical characteristics

How To Apply

If you are interested, please send your application composed of none returnable CV, Covering Letter with “Nutrition Assistant” written in the subject line, and three references, applicants to the following addresses:

                                                        Through www.ethiojobs.net And/or In person at PUI office in Abala, Afar.  

Deadline: Wednesday July 24 2024

NB: Only short listed applicants will be, communicated on and selection process includes technical test and an interview.

Female Candidates are Highly Encouraged to Apply