Nutrition Assistant ( open for National staff)

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.

The IRC launched an emergency response in oPt in 2023, responding to the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. Prior to October 7th, in June 2023, we conducted a scoping mission to oPt, in the West Bank, and subsequently developed a strategic plan to initiate programming in the West Bank. Since then, and in the context of catastrophic fighting and renewed violence, the IRC has initiated an emergency response in Gaza and developed a response plan with partners which includes Gaza and the West Bank. Implementing a diverse, integrated program of health, protection, cash, and scaling up in WASH and nutrition, these programs prioritize local partnerships with both public institutions and civil society, and span emergency, humanitarian, recovery, and development modalities, while serving vulnerable Palestinians in oPt.

Scope of work:

Working under the guidance and supervision of the Community Nutrition Mobilization Officer, and in close collaboration with the Nutrition team, The Nutrition Assistant will implement the day-to-day field nutrition activities of the integrated nutrition programs that encompass nutrition screening and assessments; promotion of  infant and young child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E); management of at risk mothers and infants (MAMI); addressing micronutrient deficiencies; Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), and blanket supplementary feeding in all IRC supported sites/health facilities. The Nutrition Assistant shall ensure that all components of the program are functioning properly, providing quality of care to all the clients through respecting protocols and principles of good practice, e.g the Operational Guidance on CMAM the simplified approach guidelines (SOP) for Gaza. The Nutrition Assistant is expected to work well with partners, identifying capacity gaps for training and ensuring reports are compiled accurately and submitted on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in organizing and carrying out nutrition activities at treatment sites for children under 5 and pregnant and lactating women (PLW).
• Provide basic CMAM support to community nutrition facilitators/volunteers, following guidance from the supervisor to promote consistent good practice.
• Ensure correct application of program guidelines during screening, admission, and follow-up for all under 5, PLW by supporting the team as needed.
• Assist in maintaining consistent follow-up using simplified guidelines throughout admission and treatment.
• Support the planning and implementation of outreach activities in coordination with the supervisor (e.g., for outreach workers and volunteers).
• Contribute to weekly and monthly work plan preparation for CMAM and IYCF activities at fixed and outreach sites.
• Support the compilation of monthly reports and assist in tracking stock consumption and distribution of nutrition commodities.
• Support cross-sectoral referrals and communication between nutrition, WASH, and protection teams.

Training and Capacity Building:

• Assist in organizing and facilitating orientations and training sessions for nutrition facilitators, volunteers, and community members as requested by the supervisor.

Supervision Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support to community nutrition facilitators/volunteers but not direct supervision; refer performance or training needs to the supervisor.

Networking and Coordination

• Support coordination with humanitarian actors and community committees at the field level, in collaboration with the nutrition team and under the supervision of the Community Nutrition Mobilization Officer/manager.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition & Dietetics, Public health, Nurse or related health field from a recognized university.

• Demonstrable commitment to setting up successful nutrition programs with treatment of SAM and MAM children.
• At least one year of experience in implementing emergency nutrition programs aimed at improving the nutritional status of vulnerable communities affected by humanitarian emergencies.
• Experience in conducting assessments and an understanding of nutritional data.
• Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions.

• Demonstrable ability at report writing and excellent communication skills.
• Computer literate.

Desirable:

• Qualified Nutritionist with primary health care/community health care experience.
• Emergency programming experience.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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