The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is launching a short-term nutrition project funded by UNICEF, aimed at enhancing nutrition service delivery and outreach across seven districts in Punjab province. This four-month initiative, with the possibility of extension, focuses on community-based malnutrition screening and support. The Nutrition Facilitator will be stationed in one of the target districts—Multan, Khanewal, Layyah, Vehari, Bahawalnagar, Lodhran, or Rahim Yar Khan—and will work closely with a small outreach team to conduct door-to-door and village-level screenings following CMAM/MUAC protocols. The role involves identifying malnourished children, facilitating referrals to health facilities, providing counseling to caregivers, and maintaining detailed follow-up records to ensure effective treatment and recovery.
Key Responsibilities
Community Screening: Conduct malnutrition screenings in villages through door-to-door visits and organized community sessions. Use MUAC tape and check for bilateral pitting oedema according to CMAM guidelines. Identify and document children who are malnourished or at risk.
Referral: Refer children with acute malnutrition to the nearest health facility or OTP/SC site for treatment. Clearly explain the referral process to caregivers and encourage timely attendance. Coordinate with health facility staff to confirm enrollment and follow-up on referred cases.
Counseling: Deliver counseling sessions to mother and father groups on child nutrition and care practices. Support awareness initiatives on early signs of malnutrition and the importance of timely screening. Collaborate with the IYCF Counselor to reinforce key feeding and care messages during community outreach.
Follow-Up and Reporting: Conduct follow-up visits to monitor treatment progress and attendance of referred children. Track defaulters and those not improving, referring them back for additional support. Maintain accurate records of all screening, referral, and follow-up activities. Submit regular and complete reports to the District Project Officer.
Team Coordination: Work as part of a three-member outreach team alongside the IYCF Counselor and Community Outreach Worker. Plan and implement joint outreach activities, dividing villages and households to ensure comprehensive coverage. Report progress and challenges regularly to the District Program Officer.
Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree is required. Certification or training in nutrition or community health is highly advantageous.
Work Experience: A minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience, including at least one year in nutrition or health programs, preferably within an NGO setting focused on community-based nutrition. Experience with CMAM/MUAC screening or community outreach is preferred.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong understanding of MUAC screening and CMAM protocols.
- Effective communication skills for engaging with diverse community groups.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively, including on foot, within outreach areas.
- Excellent record-keeping and follow-up capabilities.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a small team environment.
- Commitment to IRC’s core values, humanitarian principles, and child safeguarding policies.
- Community management skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach.
The IRC upholds professional standards based on integrity, service, equality, and accountability, ensuring a safe and respectful work environment. All staff are expected to adhere to these principles and IRC’s policies on safeguarding, conflict of interest, fiscal integrity, and protection from retaliation. This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to improving child nutrition and health outcomes in vulnerable communities.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, with interviews conducted on a rolling basis.