We are here for our neighbors in need, who are suffering in this broken world.

ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again. The work of ZOA is coordinated from the Netherlands. We are active in multiple countries in Africa, South America, the Middle East Region, and Asia. We work with approximately 900 employees worldwide and with (local) partners. We invite you to join our team of committed colleagues.                               

ZOA is looking for a

Infant and Young Child Feeding Officer

ZOA’s programme in Ethiopia

ZOA works in several regions in Ethiopia: Gambella Regional State (field office in Gambella Town), Somali Regional State (field office in Dolo Ado and Melkadida refugee camp), Tigray Regional State (field office in Shire and Mekelle), Oromia Regional State (field office in Harar), Amhara and Addis Ababa. In Ethiopia, ZOA works with Internally Displaced People (IDPs), host populations, persons with disabilities, returnees, and a large population of refugees who fled a combination of violence and drought in Somalia, South Sudan and Eritrea. 

What we offer

ZOA offers a challenging position with a lot of responsibilities. We offer good benefits and remuneration which suits the NGO sector (including, but not limited to: medical, accident and life insurances, provident fund, training options). 

Your challenge 

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 mobilisation, 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
• Knowledge of the usual computer software applications
• Strong team building skills
• Ability to work under pressure and in remote woredas and villages across Gambella
• Command of both spoken and written English and knowledge of local language is added advantage

Leadership Attitudes & Behaviours

• Should be able to motivate local staff to accomplish tasks

VALUES:

Accountability:

• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving results in line with ZOA core values;
• Good knowledge of CHS and capacitate partners to work in adherence to CHS;

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 children.

How to Apply

ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified women and men, people of all nationalities, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

 If you are interested in this position, please apply directly via CLICK HERE

CV’s of no more than 5 pages in length are appreciated. Please provide at least 3 references related to your previous employment listed in the application. References of previous positions held should not be older than five years. Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. It is our aim to inform all other candidates of their status in the recruitment process within 4 weeks after the vacancy has closed. An assessment may 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.

Please note that, as part of its recruitment process, ZOA carries out background and reference checks for all candidates. As ZOA 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). 

"Women are highly encouraged to apply for the position"

Also we reserve the right to stop accepting applications before the end date if we find a suitable candidate.