Save the Children is a leading international organization helping children in need around the world. First established in the UK in 1919, separate national organizations have been set up in more than twenty-eight countries, sharing the aim of improving the lives of children through education, health care and economic opportunities, as well as emergency aid in cases of natural disasters, war and conflict.
In Nigeria, Save the Children has been working since 2001. The early focus was on getting children actively involved in shaping the decisions that affect their lives. Today, Save the Children is working in seven federal states – Zamfara, Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano, Bauchi and Kaduna – focusing on providing basic healthcare and protecting children.
LGA NUTRITION ASSISTANTS
ROLE PURPOSE:
Support implementation of Nutrition and IYCF activities by providing training and guidance to CDGP staff, and LGA seconded Staff, LGA counterparts, CVs and CHEWs
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
Objective 1: Support Nutrition/BCC implementation at LGA Level
Provide technical assistance to CVs and CHEWs on health and nutrition, with particular focus on the implementation of effective methodologies to improve nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices of mothers
Provide technical support and guidance to CHEWs and CVs on management of C-IYCF component of nutrition (Support groups and one-on-one counselling, and action oriented groups)
In collaboration with LGA teams, plan sensitisation activities for targeted communities with focus on traditional leaders and other key stakeholders
Coordinate LGA teams tosupport Community Volunteers to carry out joint community mobilisation activities around nutrition
Conduct regular technical monitoring of health and nutrition activities and document findings to inform improvements in programme implementation
Ensure regular communication and sharing of lessons learned and challenges with the programme team and partners to inform implementation
Participate in meetings, training and other assessment/events as required
Plan logistics and materials needs for the activities to be carried out
Objective 2: Build capacities of LGA level officers on IYCF
Support identification of requirements for building the capacity on IYCF of staff at the local government level
Ensure integration of IYCF in all trainings and programme activities (at community and LGA level).
Work with IYCF Adviser in supporting the LNO and LGA PHC teams to step down trainings on IYCF
Support and coach LGA PHC teams to supervise and follow up on IYCF activities, ensuring quality implementation
Support strengthening of information flow between LGA and State
Objective 3: Monitoring and evaluation of Nutrition BCC activities
Prepare a monthly plan or field activities
Ensure timely collection, compilation and analysis of quality data as well as production of quantitative and qualitative reports regarding all Nutrition and BCC activities (by SC staff and CV)
Produce case studies related to CM and nutrition BCC, at least one per quarter or as per line manager’s request
Identify the problems in the implementation process and propose solutions
Evaluate regularly the impact of the activities and propose changes for improvement.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Essential
Health background with at least 2 years’ experience on IYCF and/or —feeding counselling.
Previous experience with local or international NGOs.
Experience in nutrition and in community based programmes.
Computer literate.
Desirable
Broad understanding of rights and development issues
Understanding of social protection
Sound strategic thinking and planning skills, including ability to think creatively and innovate and to set priorities, manageable work-plans and evaluate progress.
Ability to build support from staff across teams and across members, and to build the capacity of others.
Ability to work in partnership with government and other organizations’ staff.
Strong communications skills (both written and verbal) in English and Hausa.
Independence, adaptability and flexibility.
Commitment to team working and understanding of how to contribute.
Commitment to SCI’s mission, values and approach (includes child protection, equal opportunities and health and safety).