JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Specialist – Health and Nutrition
Department: Programme / Technical
Location: Nchelenge District (Mantapala Refugee Settlement & Host Communities), Zambia
Reports to: Head of Programme / Health & Nutrition Coordinator
Technical Line: Regional / Country Health & Nutrition Advisor
Supervises: Health Officers, Nutrition Officers, Nurses, Community Health Workers (indirect)
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (Project-Based)
Duration: 12 Months (Renewable subject to funding)
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)
4. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
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
6. WORKING CONDITIONS
- Based in remote humanitarian setting
- Frequent field travel
- Possible exposure to emergency situations
7. SUCCESS PROFILE
A successful Specialist will:
- Deliver high-impact, life-saving interventions
- Strengthen local health systems sustainably
- Ensure integration across sectors
- Maintain donor compliance and technical excellence
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
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to hrzambia@zm-actionagainsthunger.orgby 15th April, 2026. Please include "Health and Nutrition Specialist” in the subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
