Senior Program Officer - Nutrition

Job Description

The USAID funded ‘Feed the Future’ Tajikistan Health and Nutrition Activity (THNA) led by IntraHealth International, works in partnership with the Tajikistan Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population (MOH) of the Republic of Tajikistan to improve health status and nutrition, particularly for women and children living in the Khatlon province. Specifically, the Activity works to improve the integration of health care at the family, community, clinical, and national levels related to good maternal and child health and nutrition (MNCH) and emphasizes sanitation and hygiene.

In practice, THNA works closely with the MOH to improve and promote the use of evidence-based and MOH-approved clinical guidelines, works in communities to improve healthy behaviors and practices, and strengthens linkages between the health care facilities and the communities. In collaboration with other Feed the Future (FTF) initiatives, THNA addresses a range of food security challenges, incorporates gender-equitable and culturally sensitive approaches, and leverages public and private partnerships. THNA is active in 12 districts of the Khatlon Province in the southwest of the country, FTF’s selected zone of influence (ZOI).

Beginning its second year, THNA is finalizing a strategy for improving nutritional outcomes which will guide activity for the next four years. The strategy has two key goals:

• enable THNA to contribute to an increased profile of the importance of improved nutrition in the country
• contribute to reductions in stunting, wasting, and other deficiencies caused by poor nutrition via interventions and activity sets which work with facilities, in communities, and in the space between them.

IntraHealth International seeks a nutrition expert for a two year posting to Qurghonteppa, Tajikistan.

SUMMARY OF ROLE

The Senior Program Officer for Nutrition will serve as THNA’s technical expert on nutrition and build on the strategy by designing new activities, modifying current programs, and overseeing their implementation by actively building staff capacity through training, coaching, and mentoring; ensuring that work plan milestones are met; and contributing to overall THNA effectiveness as a member of the management team. The Senior Program Officer will report to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Guide implementation of the project’s nutrition strategy via daily interaction with the program team and frequent field work
• Build staff capacity as mentor and trainer, both formally and as a capacity building coach
• Prepare work plans and budgets for nutrition activities– both shorter term, activity plans and annual work plans
• Meet as needed with government officials, project staff, health care workers, and community members to contribute to dialogue, networking, and integration of health services in Khatlon province
• Contribute as an active and important member of THNA’ program leadership team
• Advocate and encourage THNA partners for more focus on improved nutrition

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree or higher in global public health, social sciences, clinical services, or related discipline and 4 years of experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study and 8 years of experience.
• At least one year of supervisory experience.
• Technical expertise in nutrition required with no less than 5 years of experience
• Field experience required
• Experience preparing and implementing nutrition strategies and work plans
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Tajik, Russian, or Uzbek language skills beneficial
• Experience working in a non-English speaking environments
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

About Qurghonteppa and Khatlon

Qurghonteppa is a modest sized city about a 90-minute drive south of the capital, Dushanbe. It is safe, quiet, and, in the summer, rather hot. It is a pleasantly livable place. Internet access is good and utilities reliable. THNA has a comfortable project office with a staff of over 40.

The province is large and poor. THNA works with health care facilities because they need help, and a nutrition expert is needed because dietary diversity is low and stunting & wasting are high. The provinces are safe, and the roads are fine. The people are hospitable and friendly.

About the Organization

Why Choose IntraHealth

Would you like to be a part of purposeful work that saves lives?

For 35 years, in 100 countries, IntraHealth International has empowered health workers to better serve communities in need. IntraHealth fosters local solutions to health care challenges by improving health worker performance, strengthening health systems, harnessing technology, and leveraging partnerships.

As a global champion for health workers, IntraHealth International advocates for the role of the health worker as critical in saving lives and helping the world to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. We partner with governments, NGOs, the private sector, and other organizations to foster policies that empower health workers to better serve communities in need.

Summary of Benefits

IntraHealth International, Inc. is a great place to work and prides itself on its comprehensive benefits package. We offer competitive salaries and a dynamic inclusive work environment which supports health workers so they can improve the lives of people throughout the world.

IntraHealth International is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To apply and learn more about IntraHealth Careers @: http://www.intrahealth.org/section/careers

Learn more about “Who We Are” @: http://www.intrahealth.org/section/about-us1