Nutrition Assistant

Role Purpose: The Nutrition Assistant provides specialized technical oversight and quality assurance for CASFOD’s nutrition interventions. The Nutrition Assistant is responsible for mentoring field teams, validating data, and ensuring that all Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP), Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP), and Cash Voucher Assistant (CVA) activities align with National guidelines, Protocols and SPHERE standards. The Nutrition Assistant acts as a technical bridge between field implementation and program management. Reports to: Nutrition Officer Key Responsibilities: Technical Oversight and Quality Assurance · Protocol Adherence: Ensure all screenings, admissions, and discharges at OTP sites strictly follow the National Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) guidelines. · Technical Mentorship: Provide daily on-the-job coaching to Nutrition Service Providers, Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) on accurate MUAC measurements, Z-score calculations, and bilateral edema checks. · Clinical Validation: Review "Red" (SAM) and "Yellow" (MAM) cases to ensure appropriate treatment or referral to Stabilization Centers (SC) is technically justified. · IYCF Promotion: Oversee the technical quality of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) counseling, ensuring messages are evidence-based and culturally appropriate. 2. Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) Integration · Beneficiary Identification: Identify and register vulnerable households (caregivers of malnourished children) eligible for nutrition-sensitive cash transfers or food vouchers. · CVA Sensitization: Educate beneficiaries for the purpose of cash voucher (e.g., Cash for Nutrition") · Distribution Oversight: Assist in the organization and monitoring of cash/voucher distribution points, ensuring safety, dignity, and transparency. · Market Monitoring: Conduct basic price monitoring of "Fresh Food Items" in local markets to ensure the voucher value remains sufficient for a nutritious diet. · Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM): Participate in surveys to track how the cash/vouchers were used and their impact on the child’s recovery and household food security. 3. Advanced Data Management and Analysis · Indicator Tracking: Beyond simple recording, analyzing key performance indicators such as Average Length of Stay (ALoS), Cure Rates, Defaulter Rates, and Weight Gain to identify program gaps. · Audit OTP registers and beneficiary ration cards weekly to ensure data consistency and prevent reporting errors. 4. Strategic Supply Chain and Logistics · Support the Nutrition officer in forecasting RUTF, RUSF, and routine medication needs based on admission trends to prevent stock-outs. 5. Community-Led Innovation and Advocacy · Lead the technical implementation of community-based nutrition solutions, such as the standardized production and quality control of "Tom Brown" for nutritional support. · Represent CASFOD in local nutrition coordination meetings as delegated by the coordinator. Requirements Qualifications and Experience · Education: Bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, Public Health, Nursing, or a related field. · Experience: 2–4 years of practical experience in technical roles within the nutrition sector (specifically CMAM, MIYCN, and CVA). · NYSC Certificate · Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of the humanitarian nexus (HDP) and localization. · Advanced knowledge of malnutrition treatment protocols and SPHERE standards. · Proficiency in data tools (Excel, KoboCollect) and content creation tools) for technical reporting. · Context: Proven experience working in the Borno State humanitarian context, particularly in Kunduga LGAs.