Deputy Health and Nutrition Program Manager

About Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger-USA is a global humanitarian organization that takes decisive action against the causes and effects of hunger. We save the lives of malnourished children and we enable entire communities to be free from hunger. With more than 8,000 staff in over 50 countries, our programs reached 17 million people in 2019.

About the Country Program in Ethiopia

Action Against Hunger has been operational in Ethiopia since 1984 responding to both chronic and acute needs through a multi-sectoral strategy where nutrition, Food Security and Livelihoods, WASH, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support activities are integrated to have a meaningful impact on people’s resilience. Action Against Hunger currently operates in 6 different regions (Tigray, Oromia, Somali, Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz, and Gambella) with a portfolio of 20m USD/year of emergency, resilience building, research, and innovation programs. We have a country team of around 600 staff in 17 regional and satellite offices. Our main donors in Ethiopia in 2020/2021 are BHA, ECHO, Europaid, UNHCR, UNICEF, GFFO, BPRM, SIDA, EHF, WFP, CIAA, and others.

I.  Summary of position

 The Deputy Nutrition and Health Program Manager for Nguenyyiel refugee camp in Gambella region is responsible for designing, implementation and managing emergency nutrition and health response for the respective camp under the direct supervision of the Nutrition and Health Program Manager. The Deputy Nutrition and Health Program Manager will be based in Gambella and will be responsible for the technical management and quality of camp level lifesaving Nutrition and Health service delivery in line with Action Against Hunger, UNHCR, Donors standards, protocols and guidelines. S/he expected to lead and participate in the designing and implementation of CMAM/IYCF/GMP/BSFP/Outreach based intervention and capacity-building activities in close consultation with line manager, the health and Nutrition team, and project stakeholders. Moreover, she/he will make sure that other innovative center and community-based programming such as Family MUAC; MtM/FtFSGs and MAMI care pathway approaches including community-based nutrition sensitive activities have been delivered to all beneficiaries in line with standard guidelines, principles, SPHERE standards, and IYCF-E multi-sectoral framework for action in the refugee setting. S/he will contribute in developing project proposals through timely communication of needs and gaps that require due attention. S/he will work in collaboration with the nutrition and health team and other department at base level as well as with UNHCR, RRS and other partners operating in the camp to ensure effective coordination, collaboration, transparent and accountable program delivery mechanism. Additionally, s/he will represent Action Against Hunger in local level Nutrition and Health sectoral refugee coordination platforms and fora.  Moreover, the Deputy Nutrition and Health Manger is expected to establish and maintain productive working relationships with her/his line manager, project staff, local government authorities, partners and project beneficiaries.

The role’s purpose, engagement, and delivery are:

Purpose (The substantive focus of the job encompassing scope, depth and difficulty of work both conceptual and applied)

•  The Deputy Nutrition and Program Manager will be the Co-lead and accountable person for designing and overseeing the implementation of the humanitarian and development nutrition and health programs in the refugee camp. S/he will closely monitors contextual situation, needs, gaps, and analyses program data to contribute to project proposal for new funding opportunities that can improve the service delivery quality, access and coverage of essential lifesaving services in refugee camps and host communities.

• Provide overarching technical support and leadership for nutrition and health services in Nguenyyiel Refugee camp, including the establishment of strong referral linkage between the nutrition centers and communities. Effective engagement of refugees and community platforms (e.g. M2M and F2F SGs) into the refugee camp level multi-sectoral activities through enhancing their capacity, creating enabling environment etc. 

 Engagement: (The focus of interaction both internally and externally needed to deliver a service seek collaboration and build effective partnerships)

•   Collaborates with Action Against Hunger staff, different departments, local partners (UNHCR and RRS) and communities to building synergies between interventions between multi-sectoral programs with the aim to address the immediate and underlying causes of hunger and undernutrition in refugee camps and host communities. Engages in nutrition and health coordination platforms and various technical working groups and represents Action Against Hunger internally and externally when delegated by the Nutrition and Health PM or in his/her absence. 

 Delivery: (The focus on the execution of the work and the role on the team for supporting business/operational functions in terms of timeliness and quality)

•  The Deputy Nutrition and Health Manager under close supervision of his/her line manager will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality nutrition and health intervention in Nguenyyiel refugee camp with all inputs being availed to render services. S/he is also expected to provide and ensure regular technical assistance, supportive supervision and monitoring to frontline nutrition and health team. S/he is also responsible for the management of supply and other resources in the respective refugee camp in close collaboration, communication and coordination with his/her line manager, finance, logistics and HR departments. S/he will delivery activities in line with internal rules and regulations, funding regulations, and core values of the organization. In addition, S/he is expected to strengthen the program data management system in accordance with the existing MEAL system and met the quality standard of reports that are related to Action Against Hunger, donors and stakeholders informed.

Main responsibilities

1.       Ensure the implementation and compliance to quality standards of major nutrition and health activities in Nguenyyiel refugee camp (50%)

• Assure high quality standards on the implementation of major nutritional services in the refugee camp and nutrition centers, including SC, OTP, TSFP, BSFP, IYCF, MAMI and community based activities (Family MUAC, Screening, Community support groups, assessments) in line with Action Against Hunger, UNHCR, Donors, humanitarian standard procedures, national protocols and guidelines.
• Provide regular supportive supervision, mentoring, coaching, and technical guidance to the Nutrition and Health team in the camp in a manner that supports the growth of internal capacity using standard and harmonized checklist and scorecards.
• Support the Nutrition and Health PM in ensuring that all team members deliver their specific duties with a humanistic and compassionate approach through fluid/humane engagement towards beneficiaries. 
• Ensure the timely and consistent availability of essential drugs, supplies and equipment, food commodities in collaboration with Nut and Health PM and Logistics.
• Coordinate with local health authorities, UNICEF, WFP and UNCHR and ensure the availability of essential medicines and nutrition supplies required to render continues nutrition services in refugee camps.
• Strengthen and developing service referral linkages and network for the early detection, referral and treatment of acutely malnourished cases at refugee camp level of clients, through due participation and engagement of COAs.
• Ensure the availability of essential reference manuals, guidelines and SOPs at each nutrition center for ease of reference and harmonized service delivery approach in coordination with Line Manager.
• Assess and determine the nutrition and health team's specific training requirements and gaps and communicate the line manager to organize appropriate training in response.
• In collaboration with the Nut and Health PM and RedRose technician, ensure the proper handling and application of RedRose system as well as devices (Laptops, tablets, printers…etc) for nutrition assistance program in the refugee camp.
• Together with the Nut and Health PM and base logistics staff, ensure that proper management of nutrition supplies, including quantification, acquisition and proper distribution as well as requisition as per the latest nutrition supplies management SOPs and log procedure.  
• Closely support the pharmacy at refugee camp level to make sure that there is a standardized application of pharmaceutical management system.
• Achieve desirable performance outcomes for major nutrition and health programs as per the SPHERE standard and national/UNHCR guidelines.
• Ensure that all nutrition centers in the refugee camp are kept aseptic, hygienic and ensure that there are sanitary facilities in the nutrition center.
• Coordinate with other sectors and thematic areas in Action Against hunger such as WASH, FSL and Protection Gender MHPSS/ program managers and ensure effective integration of interventions at different levels of engagements
• Support and Participate in relevant assessments and surveys carried out in the camps and around the camps. Ensure that methodologies are technically acceptable and forward reports to PMs as required. 
• Make sure that all the Nutrition and Health services in the refugee camp are adapted to standard Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures are applied in all nutrition centers, and ensure adequate integration of risk communication, and community engagement activities in refugee camps.
• Check the team’s procurement requests according to the needs, available stock and budget availability, and submit to Health and Nutrition PM for validation.
• Coordinate and ensure timely delivery of health and nutrition supplies to the health facilities and nutrition centers in coordination with logistics department, UNHCR, RRS and other partners.

2. Participate in project MEAL activities: (20%)

•  Develop annual health and nutrition master beneficiaries and BoQ for the operation areas refugee camp in close coordination with line manager and MEAL department.
• Prepare and follow up Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) and APRs for health and nutrition projects in close consultation with line manager and other team members.
• Ensure and support the implementation of activities according to the Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) per each project or grant.
• Make a close follow up of project budget utilization status through close monitoring of BFUs and specific grants spending status and addressing challenges on timely manner in close  consultation with line manager.
• Participate in regular base level BFU and APR meetings; provide inputs that would enhance the timely and effective project implementation and completion as required from line Manager.
• Collaborate with Nut and Health PM in planning/forecasting project budget and monitor the financial utilisation of the budget allocated for the respective refugee camp.
• Support the line manager in preparing quality grant reports (Narrative and Qualitative), including APR narrative and quantitative reports, both for internal and external purposes in line with agreed timeframes and standards.
• Ensure that project staff are adhering to the standard quality reporting and recording system of Action Against Hunger.
• Participate in relevant nutrition and health surveys and assessments, including SENS that are carried out in refugee camps in collaboration with Action Against Hunger Nutrition Survey Manager and MEAL department.
•   Ensure that weekly/ monthly data compilation and reporting of activities for internal and external consumptions
•  Evaluate the relevance and appropriateness of the intervention in view of the evolution of the context, needs, and introduce new interventions as required.
• Ensure Health and Nutrition activities are running with recommended and agreed Indicators and ensue that stated goals and objectives are met. 
• Collect, analyse and  interpret trends of the regular  nutrition and health program data in close consultation with MEAL department on regular basis and communicate timely key findings for advocacy as well as program implication purposes.
• Contribute to and ensure the generation, documentation and dissemination of evidences, good program implementation practices, success stories, lessons at field and regional level in collaboration with other AAH staff and other departments.
• Identify and propose the development of new innovative health and nutrition programs and projects in collaboration with Health and Nutrition PM and at capital based technical advisors.
• Conduct regular project review meeting to assess progressed of projects.
• Project reporting schedules, templates, requirements, and sensitise the Health and Nutrition team in the refugee camp on revised guidelines as well as policies to ensure the fulfilment of requirements and respect reporting procedures etc in line with Action Against Hunger and donor standards.
• Ensure quality monthly nutrition and health cluster updates are developed and shared with Health and Nutrition Program Manager and capital based TAs.
• Ensure the application of standard and appropriate National, RRS, UNHCR & other Donors protocols and guidelines on recording and reporting.
•  Ensure that RedRose digital system is well up to date, reports are properly as well as regularly backed up, data are analysed monthly and reports are generated effectively and shared timely. 

3.       External coordination, representation and communication in the field of Nutrition and Health at regional and local level: (10%)

•  Participate in the different external coordination mechanisms at regional and camp level when required in collaboration with Health and Nutrition PM.
• Provide updates on Action Against Hunger health and nutrition activities in the different external coordination meetings when required in collaboration with Health and Nutrition PM.
• Liaison with international and local partners regarding health and nutrition activities.
• Provide support to health and nutrition team on external partners’ (including donor visits) field visits - represent Action Against Hunger.
• Share minutes and summary of action points of meetings attended and

 4.       Human Resource Management and staff development: (20%)

The Deputy Health and Nutrition Program Manager is responsible to:

•  Collaborate closely with the HR and the Nutrition and Health PM on the timely recruitment of staff and incentive workers for nutrition activities. Moreover, conduct a briefing for all new staff and incentives workers assigned for outreach/community activities before they commence work.
• Identify training needs of health and nutrition staff and organize oriented trainings based on skill assessments and observation in collaboration with Health and Nutrition PM.
• Management of his/her teams motivation, inspiration, commitment and wellness from leadership, capacity and other competency perspectives. 
• Support that all team members deliver their specific duties towards beneficiaries in compassionate, respectful and caring manner. 
• Collaborate closely with the HR and the Nutrition and Health PM on the timely recruitment of staff and incentive workers for nutrition activities. Moreover, conduct a briefing for all new staff and incentives workers assigned for outreach/community activities before they commence work.
• Conduct staff appraisals and mange individual performance appraisal of the team members in regular bases (coordinate with HR on procedures, templates and schedules). 
• In collaboration with the Nutrition and Health PM, organize regular staff meetings to discuss challenges and formulate the way forward.
• Ensure fluid communication flow in the team and with other sector staff
• Manage and closely follow absences, late coming and/ or annual leaves of staff under direct supervision and report to HR/Line manager. 
• Identify and report any issues in the team to and endeavour to address outstanding issues.
• Follow up on staff leave planning and attendance in close collaboration with camp supervisors. 
• Take the responsibilities and tasks assigned by Nut and Health PM in his/her absence. 

II.                Supervisory Responsibilities

•  Acting as the direct technical supervisor for Health and Nutrition Camp Supervisors, IYCF supervisor and community mobilization supervisors based in Nguenyyiel refugee camps in Gambella.

III.                   Gender Equality Commitments 

 ·       Foster an environment that reinforces values of people of all genders equal access to information.

 ·       Provide a work environment where people of all genders must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.

 ·       Promote a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all stakeholders, particularly for children, beneficiaries, and members of staff.

 ·       Help to prevent any type of abuse including workplace harassment and sexual abuse and exploitation.

 ·       Respect beneficiaries’ women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status.

 ·       Value and respect all cultures.

IV.                 Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA):

•  Beware of minimum operating standards of SEA.
• Protect and prevent others from SEA.
• Report SEA.
• Strictly compile with AAH child protection, safeguarding and SEA policies.

 V.                     Fiscal Responsibility

•  Ensure timely budget utilization of health and nutrition programs and project activities in liaison with base level finance colleagues and line manager, primarily for the assigned refugee camp.
• Ensure budget expenditure is in line with program/ project objectives, timeframe, within project tolerance level.
• Provide regular follow, support and guidance to the health and nutrition staff on ways to effectively and efficiently utilize project resources, including project-committed budget while ensuring the quality standards of services in the refugee camp.
• Promote and support the applications of standard operating procedures and policies of Action Against Hunger, national and international humanitarian rules and regulations.

VI.                     Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to make a frequent visit to the refugee camp to undertake the aforementioned key responsibilities with a requirement of sitting in office to prepare reports and undertake other office based activities.
• S/he is required to deliver assignment and commitments with in short periods under stressful situations in the context of emergency.
• Must be able to proofread own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis.
• S/he is expected to work under minimal supervision of the line manager.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

VII.                   Working Conditions, Travel and Environment

•  The duties of the job require regular job attendance at least five days per week in Action Against Hunger Operational area.  Must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required.
•  Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international business purposes. While performing the duties of this job in the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well as to infectious diseases.

VIII.       Required Qualifications and Professional Experience

• University degree in health science and related field of study, including Public Health, Nursing, Human Nutrition, Medical Doctor preferably with Masters of Public Health (MPH) from recognized university/college.
• At least 5 years of practical experience on designing, implementing, leading and evaluating high impact Nutrition, RMNCH and other nutrition sensitive programmes.
• Experience in managing high impact nutrition and health projects funded by major donors BHA-OFDA, ECHO, UNHCR, EU etc.
• Good knowledge in the management of projects with practical exposure to budget management.
• Commendable experience and knowledge about current national nutrition and health policies and strategies in Ethiopia and globally as well as refugee response, such as CRRF.
• Practical exposure to and participation in national and sub-national nutrition and health coordination platforms and various Technical Working Groups (TWGs).
• Having practical experience working in INGOs is preferable.

IX.          Required Skills and Experiences

• Having a practical exposure and experience in managing high impact nutrition and health programs such as CMAM, IMNCI, EPI, and RMNCH etc.
• Practical exposure and experience in capacitating (Training, mentoring, coaching and supervising frontline health workers and supervisors.
• Experienced in managing team and staff in humanitarian and development context.
• Adaptive enough in following organization policies and protocols, having good judgement and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to take initiative and prioritize multiple tasks with minimum supervision.
• Well-developed interpersonal, organizational, strong communication skills and documentation habits.
• Knowledge and skill of MS Office Suite and other statistical software (Epi Info 7, ENA for SMART, and SPSS) is required and comfortable working with computers with minimal IT support.
• Good command of English (essential) and knowledge of one or more local language is desirable.  
• Possess strong documentation habit and attention to detail.
• Genuine interest in and commitment to the mission and principles of Action Against Hunger.