IYCF Specialist (Roster)

BACKGROUND: 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response. 

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

NOTICE: Emergency Roster Recruitment

Please be advised that this recruitment is for Emergency Roster Placement only and does not involve immediate hiring. This position will be based in different districts/woredas under our field office. Final candidates will be added to the roster and will be contacted right away when an emergency response arises. 

Job Overview: 

Under direct supervision of Field coordinator and technical supervision from Addis based Health and Nutrition technical unit, an Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Specialist is responsible for promoting, protecting, and supporting optimal feeding practices for children under two years old, particularly in emergencies or vulnerable contexts. The IYCF specialist will lead the assess the mothers/caregivers’ wellness status and ability to breastfeed using a guided assessment to evaluate proper route of support by either providing close support on breastfeeding to lactating mothers, exploring if non-breastfeeding mothers can re-lactate and supporting them to properly feed their infant and young children. They provide technical guidance on breastfeeding and complementary feeding, build the capacity of healthcare providers, and implement behavior change strategies to improve child nutrition, health and survival. The IYCF specialist is responsible for the timely reporting activities and supporting the targeted health facilities (Hospital, HCs and HPs) in any IYCF/IYCF-E related activities and any other work required by the project in Target Woreda under xx field office. IYCF Specialist will report directly to the Field Coordinator.

  Major Responsibilities

• Closely follow up the implementation of IYCF activities according to IRC and national standards.
• Ensure that IYCF service is integrated with all maternal and child health services such as under 5 OPD, EPI and ANC. 
• Facilitates the training courses under the project regarding IYCF.
• Support and liaise with the health center staff and provide on-the-job training and capacity building.
• Make sure that the health staff have adequate training in providing proper IYCF counselling.
• Conduct formative assessments for key behaviors and skill for IYCF and develop culturally appropriate and effective IEC materials and adapt it to day-to-day counselling.
• Creates and maintains relationships with local health and other authorities and try to link IYCF program with the existing health structure smoothly,
• Provides technical support and training where required to all team members, outreach team including health extension workers and community volunteers on IYCF.
• Support and ensure record and report of IYCF activities at health post and health center level. 
• Organizes monthly report of community mobilization, IYCF activities and report to MHNT leader.
• Analyze monthly performance of all IYCF activities and take appropriate measures with staff for better performance.
• Reports any problems in a timely manner to the Health & Nutrition Manager,
•  Work with CMAM officer, OTP/SC Nurses, Mobile health, and nutrition team for integrating IYCF practice promotion activities to their daily health and nutrition works.
• Perform any other related duties as required

Safeguarding Responsibilities: - 

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC team/office. 
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Educational Requirements 

• BSc or master’s in public health, Nursing or Midwife 

Preferred experience & skills: 

• Minimum Three-year working experience for postgraduates, four years working experience for Degree holders out of which two-year experience directly related to emergency health & nutrition related fields Knowledge, training, and experience in IYCF and community mobilization/SBCC.
• Demonstrated skills in program planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Demonstrated skills in peer group training, Training of Trainers, and development of training materials.
• Good computer (Microsoft) skills, all and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Language Skills:

• Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory and Local language is advantageous.

 Certificates or Licenses:

• Professional Licenses 
• Trained and certified on IYCF, IMAM/CMAM

How To Apply

How to apply:

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website: - 

IRC Career Site:- https://theirc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/External_Careers/details/IYCF-Specialist_JR00002869

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information. 

• Name of the position you have applied for 

• Date of application 

• Summary of your qualifications and experience 

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address 

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees. 

Disclaimer: - Please note that IRC will never request applicants or candidates to make any form of payment at any stage of the recruitment process. 

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability. 

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients. 

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons. 

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances.