IYCF Officer at World Vision in Mekele

Job description

With 75 years of experience, our focus is on helping the most vulnerable children overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. We help children of all backgrounds, even in the most dangerous places, inspired by our Christian faith. Come join our 31,000+ staff working in nearly 100 countries and share the joy of transforming vulnerable children’s life stories! Employee Contract Type: Local - Fixed Term Employee (Fixed Term) Job Description: Job Purpose : The IYCF‑E Officer will lead and strengthen the implementation of Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF‑E) interventions to prevent malnutrition and improve optimal feeding practices among infants and young children (0–23 months), particularly in emergency-affected areas. S/he will support Woreda Health Offices, PHCUs, and health facilities to ensure delivery of high‑quality IYCF services, including promotion, counseling, and support for mothers and caregivers through routine health services, CMAM platforms (OTP, SC, TSFP), and outreach campaigns such as EOS and Child Health Days. The position will ensure the integration of IYCF‑E with CMAM and emergency nutrition interventions, focusing on early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, and support for vulnerable groups including pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and caregivers of children under two. The IYCF‑E Officer will also strengthen community-based approaches, including mother support groups and Family MUAC platforms, while ensuring alignment with the National Nutrition Program, IYCF‑E guidelines, and SPHERE standards. The role includes capacity building of health workers, ensuring availability of IYCF materials, and promoting behavior change through culturally appropriate approaches. Major Responsibilities : IYCF-E Program Implementation and Maternal/Caregiver Support Lead implementation of IYCF-E interventions in line with national guidelines and international standards. Establish and support Mother-to-Mother Support Groups (MTMSGs) and safe spaces for women and caregivers. Provide skilled counseling on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and maternal nutrition. Promote early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for infants 0–6 months. Support caregivers in safe preparation of complementary foods for children 6–23 months. undefined IYCF-E Screening, Identification, and Referral Linkages Integrate IYCF screening into CMAM, health, and community outreach services (GMP, EOS, CHD). Identify nutritionally at-risk infants under 6 months and refer for appropriate care. Strengthen referral pathways between IYCF, CMAM, and health services. Support early identification of feeding difficulties and vulnerable caregivers. undefined Nutrition Service Quality Assurance (IYCF-E) Conduct supportive supervision and mentoring of health workers on IYCF counseling. Ensure adherence to national IYCF and emergency nutrition guidelines. Monitor quality of counseling services at facility and community level. Ensure compliance with the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Capacity Building and Community Engagement Train health workers, community volunteers, and partners on IYCF-E. Strengthen community awareness through SBCC (Social and Behavior Change Communication). Support community structures to promote optimal feeding practices. Facilitate male engagement and family support in childcare and feeding practices. IYCF Supplies, Safe Feeding Support, and Logistics Ensure availability of essential IYCF supplies (counseling materials, job aids, anthropometric tools). Support safe, appropriate use of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) only when indicated. Monitor distribution and accountability of any nutrition-related supplies. Ensure safe food preparation practices are promoted and followed. undefined Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MEAL) Ensure timely collection and reporting of IYCF indicators and activities. Track key indicators (EBF rates, complementary