Basic Function:
The role involves managing treatment for severe acute malnutrition (SAM), both with and without complications, delivering nutrition rehabilitation to admitted SAM cases, and preventing further decline by administering therapeutic feeds and essential medicines, including specialized treatments. Additionally, the position requires overseeing health and nutrition counseling initiatives, as well as building the capacity of CAM assistants to enhance program effectiveness.
Responsibilities encompass assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care, ensuring adherence to established clinical protocols and safety standards. Additionally, this role involves collaborating with healthcare professionals to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered services, maintaining accurate and detailed documentation, and participating in ongoing professional development to enhance clinical competencies. The position requires strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Lead community outreach initiatives to conduct mid-upper arm circumference screenings and actively identify cases of malnutrition among children under five within target communities and internally displaced persons camps. Deliver Outpatient Therapeutic Program (OTP) services in these areas while performing defaulter tracing, follow-up visits, and disseminating key health messages at OTP sites. Ensure timely identification of complications, non-responders, and two-way referrals to the Stabilization Center (SC) based on established criteria. Develop a comprehensive Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CAM) work plan, analyze trends in malnutrition cases based on admissions, and conduct mortality audits at the OTP. Assist the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) unit during assessments, focus group discussions, and the preparation and submission of timely reports. Maintain meticulous documentation of services rendered and continuously monitor OTP performance indicators and metrics.
Support the effective management of severely acute malnourished (SAM) children with complications at the Stabilization Center, ensuring accurate clinical diagnoses, thorough health evaluations, and adherence to treatment protocols. Uphold all admission, discharge, and transfer criteria between the OTP and SC, ensuring full compliance and comprehension. Conduct daily ward rounds and establish a 24-hour duty roster for CAM Stabilization Center assistants. Perform weekly and monthly physical inventories of nutrition supplies to verify stock levels, ensuring sufficient availability of medical and food supplies while coordinating with logistics for pre-positioning as planned. Oversee the preparation of therapeutic milk and food for SAM children and their caregivers, respectively. Collaborate closely with CAM assistants at the SC to ensure protocol adherence and seamless referrals to and from the OTP. Perform comprehensive health checks, monitor vital signs, administer medications and feeds according to protocols, and report progress or challenges promptly.
Address inquiries regarding technical aspects of program admissions and discharges, update patient forms and files—including critical care pathway cards and OTP follow-up cards—to ensure completeness, accuracy, and coherence in tracking patient progress. Deliver targeted health and education messages to beneficiaries in alignment with established protocols and guidelines. Compile statistical data on admissions, defaults, cures, absences, and deaths, and draft activity reports. Assist in Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transition (SMART), Semi-Quantitative Evaluation of Access and Coverage (SQUEAK), and other nutrition surveys at the Local Government Area level. Fulfill any additional duties as assigned.
Assists in various duties, including but not limited to coordinating schedules, managing correspondence, and maintaining organizational records. Supports team initiatives by conducting research, preparing reports, and facilitating communication between departments. Assumes ad hoc tasks as assigned, ensuring adherence to deadlines and project requirements. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency.
This position description is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the role, though it is not exhaustive, and the incumbent will undertake additional related duties as necessary. Furthermore, the employee will be responsible for reporting on and communicating the progress and outcomes associated with their assigned tasks.
Report any professional challenges or issues to HNS promptly.
Proven expertise and competencies are essential, along with a strong aptitude for problem-solving and adaptability to dynamic environments. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills are required to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Proficiency in relevant technical tools and methodologies is mandatory, alongside a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Prior experience in a similar role is preferred, and the ability to work autonomously while meeting strict deadlines is critical.
Proficiency in remaining at the LGA is a prerequisite, along with a demonstrated commitment to doing so.
Demonstrates exceptional adaptability and resilience in challenging or demanding work environments, including prolonged periods of walking to reach a stabilization center.
Proficient in both local and English languages, both verbally and in writing.
Effective collaboration and clear, professional communication skills are essential for this role.
Professional experience in a clinical environment is considered advantageous.
Skilled in compiling and producing weekly and monthly program reports.
Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in executing day-to-day responsibilities, readily adjusting to changing priorities or unexpected challenges as they arise.
Qualifications and Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in a related field is essential, along with a minimum of five years of professional experience in a comparable role. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail are imperative, along with proficiency in industry-standard software and tools. Excellent communication abilities are required to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams and convey complex information clearly. Candidates must demonstrate a proactive approach to problem-solving and the capacity to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Familiarity with regulatory standards and compliance protocols is highly desirable.
A Bachelor of Science in Nursing, supported by 1–3 years of practical experience, is required. Alternatively, candidates holding an MBBS degree with at least one year of professional experience will be considered. Prior involvement with a humanitarian organization is a preferred qualification.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
1 - 3 years
