IYCF Specialist (Roster) For IRC Ethiopia

Job Description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

NOTICE: Emergency Roster Recruitment

Please be advised that this recruitment is for Emergency Roster Placement only and does not involve immediate hiring. This position will be based in different districts/woredas under our field office. Final candidates will be added to the roster and will be contacted right away when an emergency response arises.

Under direct supervision of Field coordinator and technical supervision from Addis based Health and Nutrition technical unit, an Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Specialist is responsible for promoting, protecting, and supporting optimal feeding practices for children under two years old, particularly in emergencies or vulnerable contexts. The IYCF specialist will lead the assess the mothers/caregivers’ wellness status and ability to breastfeed using a guided assessment to evaluate proper route of support by either providing close support on breastfeeding to lactating mothers, exploring if non-breastfeeding mothers can re-lactate and supporting them to properly feed their infant and young children. They provide technical guidance on breastfeeding and complementary feeding, build the capacity of healthcare providers, and implement behavior change strategies to improve child nutrition, health and survival. The IYCF specialist is responsible for the timely reporting activities and supporting the targeted health facilities (Hospital, HCs and HPs) in any IYCF/IYCF-E related activities and any other work required by the project in Target Woreda under xx field office. IYCF Specialist will report directly to the Field Coordinator.

Major Responsibilities

• Closely follow up the implementation of IYCF activities according to IRC and national standards.
• Ensure that IYCF service is integrated with all maternal and child health services such as under 5 OPD, EPI and ANC.
• Facilitates the training courses under the project regarding IYCF.
• Support and liaise with the health center staff and provide on-the-job training and capacity building.
• Make sure that the health staff have adequate training in providing proper IYCF counselling.
• Conduct formative assessments for key behaviors and skill for IYCF and develop culturally appropriate and effective IEC materials and adapt it to day-to-day counselling.
• Creates and maintains relationships with local health and other authorities and try to link IYCF program with the existing health structure smoothly,
• Provides technical support and training where required to all team members, outreach team including health extension workers and community volunteers on IYCF.
• Support and ensure record and report of IYCF activities at health post and health center level.
• Organizes monthly report of community mobilization, IYCF activities and report to MHNT leader.
• Analyze monthly performance of all IYCF activities and take appropriate measures with staff for better performance.
• Reports any problems in a timely manner to the Health & Nutrition Manager,
• Work with CMAM officer, OTP/SC Nurses, Mobile health, and nutrition team for integrating IYCF practice promotion activities to their daily health and nutrition works.
• Perform any other related duties as required.

Safeguarding Responsibilities: –

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC team/office.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Job Requirements

Educational Requirements

BSc or Master’s in Public Health, Nursing or Midwife

Preferred experience & skills:

• Minimum Three-year working experience for postgraduates, Four years working experience for Degree holders out of which two-year experience directly related to emergency health & nutrition related fields Knowledge, training, and experience in IYCF and community mobilization/SBCC.
• Demonstrated skills in program planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Demonstrated skills in peer group training, Training of Trainers, and development of training materials.
• Good computer (Microsoft) skills, all and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Language Skills:

• Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory and Local language is advantageous.

 Certificates or Licenses:

• Professional Licenses

 

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

• Name of the position you have applied for
• Date of application
• Summary of your qualifications and experience
• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job
• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address
• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.

Disclaimer: – Please note that IRC will never request applicants or candidates to make any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process.