Somalia: Infant and Young Child Feeding Project Assistant

BACKGROUND:

African Network for the Prevention and Protection against Child Abuse and Neglect (ANPPCAN) is a Pan-African child rights organization concerned with status of children in general and those in need of protection in particular. It was founded in 1986 in Enugu, Nigeria during the First African Conferences on Child Abuse and Neglect. ANPPCAN has an observer status with the AFRICAN UNION (AU) since 1990 and regularly attends the meetings of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights. ANPPCAN-Somali chapter is affiliated with other 28 ANPPCAN chapters across the continent and registered in relevant government authorities in Somaliland, Federal Government, and Puntland. ANPPCAN-SOM Chapter has been instrumental in lobbying and advocating the ratification and enforcement of the international conventions on children’s rights and well-being. At national level, ANPPCAN-SOM is working out appropriate interventions for policy dialogue and legislative changes addressing the development of Somali Children in line with the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights as well as the UN CRC.

ROLE/PURPOSE:

In Somalia, ANPPCANSOM is responding to high malnutrition status of Somali children through community-based Infant and Young Child Feeding Project that includes the distribution of MNP (Micro-Nutrient Powder). The project is aiming to reach all districts in Banadir Region. The role of the IYCF Project Assistant is to ensure that all components of the program are functioning properly, providing quality care to all the beneficiaries while respecting guidelines and principles of good practice including the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes , the Operational Guidance on community-based IYCF, and subsequent relevant resolutions.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: IYCF Project Manager

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Project Management

· Overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of project site activities and staff, such as IYCF activities in communities, households and health facilities.

· Provide technical guidance and support to IYCF support staff (Counsellors and Supervisors), health workers to promote consistent good practice.

· Ensure all staff understand and implement program guidelines used for assessing the mother-child pair, advising the best feeding option and following up as appropriate.

· Ensure appropriate and consistent education messaging to mothers and other carers at all programming contact points.

· Facilitate the development and scheduling of community-based activities with the support of the supervisors, counsellors and health facility staff.

· Support the project manager the development of monthly work plans for all teams (counsellors and supervisors) in all districts.

· Prepare field visit and supervision plans for all target locations.

· Prepare supply distribution plan for all target locations. Support the project manager to compile monthly activity reports including stock consumption.

Training and Capacity Building

Provide basic and refresher training to staff (counsellors and supervisors) including appraisals and supportive supervision.

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)

Collaboration:

· Builds and maintains effective relationships, with the team, health workers, and the beneficiaries.

· Values diversity sees it as a source of competitive strength.

· Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to

Creativity:

· Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions.

· Willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity: Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

· Senior Qualified Nurse, Midwife or Nutritionist.

· Demonstrable commitment to promoting and supporting optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding.

· Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach staff.

· Willingness and capacity to be flexible and accommodating when faced with difficult and frustrating working conditions.

· Ability and willingness to frequently travel to the project sites.

· Demonstrable ability at report writing and excellent communication skills.

· Computer literate.

· Fluency in written and spoken English.

Desirable

· Qualification as a trainer of trainers in breastfeeding counseling. Fluent in English and Somali.

Interested and qualified candidates are requested to send an Application Letter along with updated CV and copies of certificates/testimonials to Human Resources Department of ANPPCANSOM at hr@anppcansom.org or info@anppcansom.org not later than 5 P.M., 5^th March, 2017 No requirement of photo. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.