Program Officer - Health & Nutrition

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a private, non-denominational, international development agency established in 1967. It seeks sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy and ill-health with special emphasis on the needs of rural communities in mountainous and other resource poor regions, primarily in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Its main areas of focus are education, health, rural development, environment and strengthening civil society.

The Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan) [AKF(P)] is seeking high calibre professional for the position of Programme Officer-Health and Nutrition. The incumbent will report to Head of Programme - Health & Nutrition and will work closely with Regional Coordinator Nutrition. The position will be based in Islamabad with extensive travel to project sites / areas.

A: Background:

Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is undertaking key strategic interventions to address the causes of stunting in most remote and marginalized communities in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral. The stunting levels in these areas, all above 30%, are unacceptably high, further compounded by high levels of micronutrient deficiency and acute malnutrition (wasting) in children under five. The programme targets the first 1,000 days focusing on pregnant women and children under 2 years of age. In addition, programme will continue to track progress and ensure a strong growth trajectory for children ages 24-59 months across all target communities.

The objectives of the programme are:

1. A reduction in stunting amongst under-five children

2. Improved nutritional status of children in remote communities with a strong growth trajectory for children 1 – 59 months promoted through nutritional counselling, growth monitoring, and early identification, treatment, and support for stunted, wasted, and growth faltering children.

3. A strong start for newborns (0 – 28 days old), including early identification, care, and support provided for small for gestational age and low birth-weight neonates.

4. A reduction in the prevalence of low birth weight babies with improved nutritional status of child-bearing age women, including pregnant and lactating women, in target communities.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Coordinate with the implementing partners in preparing yearly budget and activity plans, conduct regular field visits and progress review meetings, identify issues and challenges that are likely to influence the delays in the implementation and propose mitigation measures.

·         Assist in managing the implementation of projects work plans according to the approved workplans and budget.

·         Assist in monitoring project progress according to the monitoring plan, performance measurement framework, budget expenditure and assist in preparing and timely delivering the quality reports.

·         Support partners to comply with the standard guidelines and protocols in the delivery of maternal, infant and young child and adolescent nutrition and health, and community engagement for the behavior change communication.

·         Arrange capacity building of project staff and health care providers according to the work plans and engage technical experts for specific project needs and themes

·         Actively pursue the procurement plan and efficiently manage supply chain of nutrition supplies and commodities at the health facilities in close coordination with implementing partner and keep track. 

·         Arrange coordination meetings with the stakeholders, ensuring participation of key government officials, prepare minutes of meeting, and follow up on the action points.

·         Will work closely with the Grants and Finance, M&E and Gender and shall provide technical assistance to the implementing partners, taking care of the grant management, monitoring and coordination of the activities.

Required Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience

·         The incumbent should have a strong background in maternal and child nutrition with an advanced /Master’s degree in Public Health/nutrition and preference will be given to candidates having MBBS as their first degree from a recognised University.

·         At least 5 years of relevant experience of working working on health and nutrition initiatives with preference to candidates who have worked in food insecure regions and/ or Northern Pakistan.

·         Candidate should have an in-depth knowledge of the issues and challenges within the health and nutrition sector in Pakistan and the regions where AKDN is actively working particularly Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral.

·         Strong competencies in measuring results; expertise in innovative M & E systems and approaches.

·         Experience developing partnerships for health and nutrition programming with a wide range of stakeholders (Government and implementing partners

·         Candidates with good written & spoken English, excellent interpersonal skills & knowledge of MS Office, flexibility to travel and ability to work in a diversified team environment are encouraged to apply.

AKF(P) offers a competitive remuneration package and conducive working environment. AKF(P) recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and the safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(P)’s Safeguarding policy.

The deadline for applications is January 24, 2021. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.