The Nutrition and WASH Assistant will provide Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition and WASH technical expertise in support of the Shock-Affected Communities in Binga and Gokwe North districts. The Nutrition and WASH Assistant will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition and WASH components that contribute to the overall success of the project. S/he is responsible for the day-to-day management and smooth running of the nutrition and WASH aspects of the program in line with the national, consortium and NAZ protocols.
S/he is responsible for overseeing implementation of project activities in nutrition, which aims to lower under-5 mortality rates in Binga and Gokwe North districts through community-based identification, referral and treatment of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM). S/he will collaborate with the Ministry of Health Child Care (MoHCC) in capacitating the Health Care Workers and Village Workers on Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) and Maternal, Adolescents, Infant and Young Child Feeding (MIYCF) and WASH practices and behaviors to ensure the best possible nutrition and health care services are delivered to mothers/caregivers and children under 5 years. S/he will work in constant collaboration with the NAZ, consortium staff, Health Facility Staff, District/Province Health Department, other local authorities and community members to share nutrition, WASH and health issues to improve/promote the health of the community.
The position requires an individual with a strong understanding of nutrition, WASH, health and resilience linkages with experience of working in developmental programmes in a rural setting. The ideal candidate must demonstrate strong facilitation, stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills to achieve results within multi-sector teams.
Duties and Responsibilities
include but are not limited to: _________________________________________________________________________________
Objective 1: Ensure implementation of project activities as defined in the project document.
Technical Support
Serve as the nutrition and health resource person at ward level per agreed harmonized consortium approaches.
Support the implementation of the integrated nutrition and WASH components, thus Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) and Maternal, Infant and Young Child Feeding in emergencies) ensuring full accountability.
Ensuring adherence to the current IMAM protocols (Outpatient Therapeutic Programme and Stabilization Centre) at Health Institutions.
Ensure quality supervision of diagnostic and treatment services at Voucher Distribution Points, Community level and Health Institution.
Coordination & Representation:
Organize and implement the nutrition and WASH program and ensure that the program complies with Ministry of Health guidelines and as guided by the Nutrition Coordinator, NAZ and Consortium guidelines
In collaboration with Nutrition Coordinator, ensure that the local authorities and particularly the District/ Province Health Department is involved in the planning, implementation and monitoring of quality program
Liaise with key partners including District Health Departments, local leaders, NGO partners, and other stakeholders (as necessary) to ensure good links between malnutrition treatment and other sectors
Develop workplan for and implement regular review meetings for technical area at ward level.
Organize and conduct trainings for all project beneficiaries.
Produce timely reports for internal use and contribute to donor reports on the status of on-going programming.
Keep local leaders and stakeholders abreast of developments within the project.
Attend relevant internal and external meetings as directed by the Field Supervisor and Nutrition Coordinator
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Objective 2: Ensure timely routine reporting of the project activities.
Supervise the nutrition and WASH aspects of the project and ensure effective use of the resources
Ensure that monthly reports are collected and compiled appropriately from all clinics on malnutrition
Compile statistical data and draft appropriate reports on activities
Analyse nutrition and WASH situation and prevailing trends and provide constructive written feedback
Produce timely reports for internal use and sharing with relevant external stakeholders on the status of on-going programming.
Participate in weekly/ monthly district meetings
Generate weekly, monthly and quarterly reports (narrative and quantitative)
Ensure that activity and training reports are compiled
Compile statistical data and draft appropriate reports on activities
Participate during project assessments as may be determined by the project
Documentation of best and emerging practices for learning purposes and increase project visibility
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Objective 3: Administrative and Other Duties:
Provide monthly written reports on activities to the Field Supervisor
Participate in the follow-up of supplies consumption and orders
Overall planning of stock levels, making sure that they are sufficient for the functioning of the program
Under the direction of the Nutrition Coordinator, take up responsibilities such as program activities follow up; work planning; attendance at National/ State/ Country level meetings and workshops.
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Policy compliance – Mandatory Reporting Policy (MRP):
Comply with all NAZ policies.
Assist where necessary in undertaking activities that aim to prevent the occurrence of sexual abuse and exploitation of beneficiaries by NAZ and other humanitarian workers.
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Confidentiality:
Ensuring the non-disclosure of any information whatsoever relating to the practices and business of NAZ acquired in the course of duty, to any other person or organization without authority, except in the normal execution of duty.
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Note: The role of Nutrition and WASH Assistant cannot be limited to the specific duties and tasks detailed herein and may be adjusted in accordance with the needs and operational circumstances of the organization. The success of the NAZ’s mission is the highest priority and all issues which arise must be addressed accordingly. Therefore, the Nutrition and WASH Assistant will be required to manage all unforeseen issues and circumstances and remain flexible to perform other duties, as and when required.
The following may be acquired through a combination of formal or self-education, prior experience or on-the-job training.
Education and Technical Qualifications
Academic Background: Degree in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related discipline.
Professional Experience & Programmatic Expertise
Sector Experience: Minimum of two years of progressive experience in Nutrition-Specific (e.g., IYCF, SAM/MAM management) and Nutrition-Sensitive (e.g., WASH-Nutrition integration) programming.
Integrated Programming: Proven experience implementing and monitoring programs across Food Security, Disaster Risk Management (DRM), and WASH infrastructure/hygiene promotion.
Rural Operations: Demonstrated ability to work autonomously in remote ward-level areas with minimal supervision.
Technical Certifications: Valid Class 3 Driver’s License is an added advantage (ability to operate a motorbike in rugged terrain).
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in local languages relevant to the specific field of operation (e.g., Shona, Ndebele, or other local dialects) to facilitate direct community engagement.
Technical Systems & IT Proficiency
Data Management: Advanced computer literacy with a focus on Microsoft 365 (Word and Excel) for complex data entry, automated reporting, and trend analysis.
Functional Competencies & Soft Skills
Operational Efficiency: Demonstrates a systematic, result-oriented approach to work, remaining highly productive under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
Collaborative Leadership: Strong team player with the ability to work effectively within multi-disciplinary teams and relate to individuals of diverse cultures, genders, and backgrounds.
Organizational Capacity: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage ward-level logistics and community-based activities efficiently.