About ZOA

ZOA works with committed and motivated staff in serving millions of people affected by poverty, disaster, injustice and conflicts. Through the efforts of our dedicated staff, we are able to bring Signs of Hope and to support people who suffer due to armed conflict or natural disasters by helping them to rebuild their livelihoods.

We value our employees and offer a wide range of benefits to meet the specific needs of our staff and their families. However, ZOA has a zero tolerance towards violation of safeguarding policies like Child Protection & Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuses.

Because ZOA highly values Integrity, we also expect all colleagues to sign up for and adhere to our Code of Conduct. As part of its recruitment process, ZOA carries out rigorous background and reference checks for all candidates, which will include checking government sanction lists and possibly criminal records. As ZOA also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire, the “Statement of Conduct”, which will be sent to past employers regarding Misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment). This Statement of Conduct adopts the definitions used in the Scheme. The provision of references by ZOA will be subject to the Scheme as well.

Purpose

The IYCF Program Officer leads on the IYCF mother groups and their backyard gardening component of ZOA’s ‘Improving nutrition, livelihood and education participation through home grown school meal program, Ethiopia program in Gambella region different woredas, on a day-to-day basis, to ensure optimal delivery of the programme, ensuring adherence to all ZOA policies. The role also involves working alongside other NGOs, government and international partners to share best practice and further the interests and reach of behavioral change towards IYCF practice care takers and access for diversified food.

Typical Responsibilities - Key end Results of the Position:

• Ensure the mother-to-mother support group and backyard gardening beneficiaries are targeted for IYCF promotion, counseling, and support;
• Build the capacity of Community workers for IYCF and MTMSG group Facilitators on IYCF promotion, counseling, and support.
• Plan for IYCF promotion with Community workers and HEW workers working at health centers and Health posts.
• Support implementation and impact of Mother to Mother Support groups and create enabling environment for positive deviance mothers for optimal IYCF practices.
• Ensure MTMSG discussion session use of MOH/UNICEF IYCF counselling cards & the IYCF promotion is conducted regularly and as required;
• Ensure community mobilization, sensitization and participation of targeted communities on IYCF matters using MOH & UNICEF IYCF framework and working with the community structure
• Facilitate linkage with the existing health system & health partners, in the targeted woreda (ANC, PNC, and Growth Monitoring) and ensure the all linkages are done in timely manner
• Ensure that the families of malnourished children receive appropriate individual IYCF support and have quality recording of IYCF activities;
• Participate in the development of mother support groups and regular work plan for HEW & mother support groups.
• The position holder will be expected ensures the availability of teaching aid and IEC materials for program implementation
• Ensure that IYCF tools are properly utilized and documented; prepare IYCF reports regularly and submit to project manager
• Prepare training materials and conduct IYCF trainings when necessary
• Liaise with GRHO, WHO, and Health facilities and ensure the quality of IYCF/Nutrition capacity building activities are technically sound, aligned with proposed implementation plan and adhere to standard guidelines;
• Make sure that Mother who need special counselling are identified, linked and followed well for behaviour change
• Perform other extra duties as required

Dealing with Problems.

The IYCF officer will support in strengthening the relationships with all INGOs, UN agencies and government stalk holders with developing proper program planning for smooth project implementation.

Communications and Working Relationships:

• Should be able to have a medium level of interaction with government officials, beneficiaries and ZOA to facilitate project works in the region.

Job Requirements

Educational and experience requirement

• A university degree in a relevant field. Specifically, Nurse, public health, and nutrition with IYCF experience,

Skills and Experience:

The successful candidate will have at least at least three years’ experience working on IYCF and community based health and nutrition programs in Ethiopia preferably in Gambella within a non-governmental organization. In addition, the following skills and competencies are required:

• Proven community sensitization and mobilization skills
• Excellent facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills
• Command of both spoken and written English and knowledge of local language is added advantage
• Knowledge of the usual computer software applications
• Strong team building skills
• Must have a renewed motorbike driving license
• Ability to work under pressure and in remote woredas and villages across Gambella

Leadership Attitudes & Behaviors

• Should be able to motivate local staff to accomplish tasks

Physical Environment and Demands:

• The job duties require an employee to work in a hardship areas for extended periods

VALUES:

Accountability:

•  Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving results in line with ZOA core values.
• Honest and reliable

Collaboration:

•  Builds and maintains effective relationships, with own team, colleagues, members, donors and partners.
• Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength.
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.
• Respect advises and follow instructions given by the line supervisor
• Respect line of hierarchy to the best interest

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions.
• Willing to take calculated risks.

Integrity:

•  Honest, encourages openness and transparency.
• Always acts in the best interests of ZOA Safeguarding policies (Child Protection, PSEA)

How to Apply

f you are interested in this position, please apply via ethiojobs.net by sending your CV and a motivation letter indicating your suitability for this position to before the due date

Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in your CV or motivation letter. 

Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. It is our aim to inform candidates of their status in the recruitment process within 4 weeks after the vacancy has closed. A written test will be part of the recruitment procedure. Documents that do not match the profile above will not be considered. Internal candidates will have priority, in case of similar results. Also we reserve the right to stop accepting applications before the end date if we find a suitable candidate.