# Health and Nutrition Specialist

**Company:** [Action Against Hunger](http://jobs.workable.com/companies/pXdstEgWtpPSDZK6qbutrc.md)
**Location:** Lusaka, Zambia
**Workplace:** on site
**Employment type:** Contract
**Department:** Program

[Apply for this job](http://jobs.workable.com/view/a9375eec-2689-4f24-a216-ad1d2b47b2bf)

## Description

**1\. JOB PURPOSE**

The Specialist – Health and Nutrition is responsible for **technical leadership, quality assurance, and strategic oversight** of integrated health and nutrition interventions under the project.

The role ensures **delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, and life-saving services** aligned with:

-   National **IMAM guidelines**
-   **SPHERE standards**
-   **DG ECHO requirements**
-   Ministry of Health (MoH) protocols

The Specialist will strengthen **health systems, nutrition programming, and community-based services**, targeting vulnerable populations including:

-   Children under five
-   Pregnant and lactating women (PLW)
-   Adolescents
-   Refugees and host communities

**2\. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

**2.1 Technical Leadership & Programme Quality**

-   Provide **technical oversight** for all health and nutrition interventions including:

-   CMAM/IMAM programming (OTP, TSFP, Stabilization Care)
-   Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH/RMNCH)
-   Primary Health Care (PHC)

-   Ensure **compliance with national and international standards**.
-   Lead the **design, adaptation, and contextualization** of protocols and SOPs.
-   Oversee integration of:

-   Nutrition
-   Health
-   WASH
-   Protection (including GBV referral pathways)

-   Ensure quality implementation of:

-   **MIYCN (Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition)**
-   **GMP (Growth Monitoring & Promotion)**
-   **Family MUAC approach**

**2.2 Programme Implementation & Supervision**

-   Oversee implementation of activities across:

-   Mantapala Rural Health Centre (RHC)
-   Health Posts (HPs)
-   Community platforms

-   Ensure:

-   Functional OTP and inpatient services
-   Continuous service delivery (24/7 where applicable)
-   Effective referral systems

-   Supervise and mentor:

-   Health staff
-   Nutrition teams
-   Community health workers

-   Conduct **regular field monitoring visits** to ensure quality and compliance.

**2.3 Capacity Building & Systems Strengthening**

-   Design and deliver **competency-based training** for:

-   Health workers
-   Community volunteers
-   Partner staff

-   Build capacity in:

-   IMAM protocols
-   Clinical case management
-   Nutrition screening and referral
-   Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)

-   Provide **on-the-job coaching, mentorship, and supportive supervision**.
-   Strengthen:

-   Health facility systems
-   Data use for decision-making
-   Referral pathways

**2.4 Supply Chain & Commodity Management**

-   Ensure **availability of essential medicines and nutrition supplies**, including:

-   RUTF, F-75, F-100
-   Medical kits

-   Oversee:

-   Forecasting
-   Procurement planning
-   Stock monitoring

-   Prevent stock-outs and ensure **buffer stock systems**.

**2.5 Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)**

-   Ensure accurate and timely data collection using:

-   **DHIS2 systems**
-   CMAM/IMAM databases

-   Track key indicators such as:

-   SAM recovery rates
-   Admission rates
-   Stock availability

-   Lead:

-   Data analysis
-   Programme reviews
-   Learning and adaptation

-   Ensure **accountability to affected populations** through:

-   Feedback mechanisms
-   Community engagement

**2.6 Coordination & Representation**

-   Represent the organization in:

-   Health and Nutrition Cluster meetings
-   Technical Working Groups

-   Coordinate with:

-   Ministry of Health
-   UN agencies (UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR)
-   Local partners (e.g., Caritas)

-   Ensure **alignment and complementarity** with other actors.

**2.7 Integration of Cross-Cutting Themes**

Ensure full integration of:

-   **Gender equality and inclusion**
-   **Protection mainstreaming**
-   **Safeguarding (PSEA)**
-   **Disability inclusion**
-   **Environmental considerations**

**2.8 Emergency Preparedness & Response**

-   Lead technical input into **Crisis Modifier activation**.
-   Support rapid response during:

-   Disease outbreaks
-   Malnutrition surges
-   Climate shocks

**3\. KEY DELIVERABLES / KPIs**

-   ≥85% **SAM recovery rate** achieved
-   ≥90% **health staff meet competency standards**
-   **Zero prolonged stock-outs** of essential nutrition commodities
-   Increased **coverage of CMAM services**
-   Functional **referral systems** across all facilities
-   Improved **service utilization rates**
-   Timely and accurate **reporting (100% compliance)**

## Requirements

**Education**

-   Bachelor’s degree in:

-   Medicine
-   Public Health
-   Nutrition
-   Nursing

-   Master’s degree in Public Health or Nutrition (preferred)

**Experience**

-   Minimum **5–7 years** relevant experience
-   Proven experience in:

-   Humanitarian health and nutrition programming
-   CMAM/IMAM implementation
-   Health systems strengthening

-   Experience working in:

-   Refugee or emergency contexts
-   Multi-stakeholder environments

**Technical Skills**

-   Strong knowledge of:

-   IMAM/CMAM protocols
-   RMNCH services
-   Public health systems

-   Experience with:

-   DHIS2
-   Data analysis tools
-   Training and facilitation

**Core Competencies**

-   Strategic thinking
-   Leadership and team management
-   Strong analytical skills
-   Excellent communication and coordination
-   Problem-solving in complex environments

**5\. SAFEGUARDING & ETHICS**

-   Adhere to **Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies**
-   Ensure **zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)**
-   Promote **Do No Harm principles**

Ensure confidentiality and ethical data handling

## Benefits

Action Against Hunger – USA provides all staff with an attractive salary and benefits package . We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status or as a veteran. Action Against Hunger- USA complies with applicable laws governing non discrimination in employment