Nutrition Specialist, IMAM and NACS (Technical Officer III) , Kampala, Uganda

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology– creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Nutrition Specialist, Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) and Nutrition Assessment, Counseling, and Support (NACS) in Kampala, Uganda.

The duration of this project is February 8, 2012-February 7, 2017. The period of this position will be July 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013, with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding.

Position Description:

The Nutrition Specialist, IMAM and NACS will provide nutrition technical support to USAID/Uganda, the government of Uganda and implementing partners. The technical support will focus on IMAM and NACS. S/he will work closely with other FANTA staff in-country to implement the FANTA work plan and may support other initiatives. The Nutrition Specialist will work to strengthen capacities of partners to integrate and scale up IMAM and NACS approaches, using a health systems strengthening (HSS) approach. S/he will coordinate in-country IMAM and NACS technical support provided by FANTA, in close coordination and communication with USAID/Uganda.

The Specialist will participate in FANTA’s global CMAM, NACS and nutrition capacity development initiatives and discussions upon request.

The Nutrition Specialist, IMAM and NACS will facilitate a process for IMAM and NACS harmonization and strengthening. Additional responsibilities may include:

Strengthening MOH leadership and governance:

• Facilitate the process of harmonization and integration of IMAM and NACS in the national health system, based on the HSS approach.
• Participate relevant technical working groups and collaborate with multi-sectoral nutrition implementing partners.
• Support the MOH to strengthen national capacity for IMAM and NACS technical leadership and coordination at the national, sub-national and district levels for planning, training, and implementing IMAM and NACS.
• Facilitate development of integrated IMAM and NACS annual workplans for MOH, USAID and partners.
• Collaborate with the FANTA Nutrition Specialist on national and sub-national level advocacy and awareness raising
• Coordinate the dissemination and application of the national IMAM and NACS guidelines, training materials and job aids.
• Facilitate inclusion of IMAM and NACS into national guidelines, strategies and workplans.
• Facilitate national and sub-national contingency planning. Strengthen and support the MOH in mobilizing resources for IMAM and NACS services

Strengthening national nutrition information system:

• Facilitate the establishment of a national and sub-national monitoring and evaluation system for IMAM and NACS
• Develop and/or strengthen the use of IMAM and NACS quality improvement, costing and coverage tools for improved community outreach.
• Support the implementation of the monitoring activities
• Support the national and sub-national IMAM and NACS data repository and monitoring and evaluation systems as part of the national nutrition information system.
• Facilitate a review of IMAM/NACS implementation and integration in Uganda with actionable recommendations.
• Facilitate and participate in operational research related to IMAM and NACS, and share results for program and policy planning and decision making.

Strengthening of human resources:

• Adapt training packages to the Ugandan context for IMAM and NACS (and UNAP) for the relevant multi-sectoral audiences, e.g., district development officers.
• In collaboration with national training institutions and implementing partners, facilitate the integration of IMAM and NACS in the pre-service curricula and develop training materials for pre-service education
• Work with national training institutions to co-facilitate and participate in IMAM and NACS training for facilitators, health managers and health care providers and facilitate internships at the national and sub-national levels.
• Strengthen capacities for the use of IMAM and NACS tools including user’s guide and training materials, and tools for costing, coverage assessment, quality improvement, capacity assessment and strategy development, social and behavior change and communication.
• Work with local partners to improve access to information and peer-exchange of experiences at the national and sub-national levels.

Strengthening access to service delivery:

• Support the set up of learning sites for IMAM and NACS, linking with UNAP implementation.
• Support the refinement and strengthening of a sustainable community outreach system for IMAM and NACS, linking with UNAP and existing community-based initiatives.

Strengthening access to supplies:

• Facilitate the scale up of national production of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and of improved fortified blended foods, and explore opportunities for the use of other lipid-based nutrient supplement products
• In collaboration with partners, explore sustainable options for supply management systems for IMAM and NACS.

Other Responsibilities

• As needed, provide technical support to the MOH on acute malnutrition in relation to the overall nutrition policies and activities.
• Draft quarterly and other reports as needed on project activities.
• Collaborate with FANTA staff on other nutrition-related issues to support roll out of the FANTA work plan.

Minimum Requirements:

Master’s in Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition and Public Health, plus a minimum of 10 years of related work experience at the national and international level; equivalent combination of education and work experience. Minimum 7 years technical and programming experience in IMAM/CMAM programs, in with additional expertise in community health and nutrition activities, including IMCI, essential nutrition actions, nutrition assessments, monitoring and evaluation, and behavior change communication. Experience with USAID-funded programs required. Experience working in Uganda and other countries preferred. Experience in building capacity of partner organizations. Experience with nutrition information systems Knowledge of health systems strengthening theory and approaches. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Ability to solve problems creatively. Ability to multi-task and work as a member of a team. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and manage a variety of tasks with accuracy. Excellent facilitation skills. Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with government partners, UN agencies, PVOs, and other partners. Ability to translate technical information into practical guidance and tools and effectively communicate these using print, electronic, and presentation media.

FHI 360 has a competitive compensation package. Interested candidates may register online through FHI 360's Career Center at www.fhi360.org/careercenter or through the Employment section at www.fhi360.org. Please submit CV/resume and cover letter including salary requirements. Please specify source in your application.

AA/EOE/M/F/V/D