Specialist- Health and Nutrition

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.