Chemonics International Inc, a U.S. based international development consulting firm, seeks 14 Clinical Nutritionist Interns for the USAID/Tanzania Lishe (Nutrition) Project. The five-year project aims to strengthen health and food market systems that promote the adoption of optimal nutrition-related behaviors across a range of stakeholders in targeted regions in Tanzania. We are seeking individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.
Candidates must be recent graduates in clinical nutrition, dietetics, human nutrition or a related field from an accredited institution. The clinical nutritionist interns will be based in regional or district health facilities for one year and will engage in hands-on experience with patient management and treatment, gaining invaluable experience in a clinical setting including nutrition education and promotional activities. Ideal candidates will be expected to effectively promote quality delivery of nutrition interventions at health facilities. The interns will be strategically located in the Project’s five regions of Njombe, Songwe, Rukwa, Katavi, and Kigoma, contributing to the improvement of healthcare and nutrition education in these regions. The interns will report to Nutrition and Health Systems Coordinators at their respective regions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITES
- Provide technical assistance in the implementation and monitoring of hospital-based quality improvement projects such as quality improvement; maternal, infant, young child, and adolescent nutrition; and the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the designated health facilities.
- Provide technical support to health facilities for the establishment of nutrition units/corners, including ECCD.
- Quality Improvement Initiatives: Collaborate with regional Project coordinators to facilitate hospital-based quality improvement initiatives for clinical nutrition in their health facilities.
- Patient Nutrition Education: Provide individual and group nutrition education sessions for clients focusing on infant maternal and young child feeding and promotion of the 10 Steps of Successful Breast Feeding.
- Management of Acute Nutrition (MAM): Lead menu planning for therapeutic diets for MAM clients according to prescribed guidelines and the treatment of MAM in children under five years of age.
- Nutritional Assessment: Learn to conduct comprehensive nutritional assessments, including obtaining diet histories, analyzing dietary intake, assessing anthropometric measurements, and interpreting laboratory data.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and progress notes in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Communicate effectively with members of the healthcare team, including physicians, nurses, therapists, and other allied health professionals to coordinate patient care and optimize outcomes.
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice: Stay updated on current nutrition research and evidence-based practice guidelines, incorporating new findings into patient care when appropriate.
- Professional Development: Participate in educational seminars, workshops, and conferences to enhance knowledge and skills in clinical nutrition and dietetics.
- Project Reporting: Enhance overall Project reporting (monthly, quarterly, and annually) by consistently updating Project leaders on success stories, challenges, and key lessons learned from the implementation of hospital-based quality improvement projects in their regions.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Actively participate in Project surveys, engaging in data collection, analysis, and the development of conclusions and recommendations aimed at strengthening clinical nutritional services in health services.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in clinical nutrition, dietetics, human nutrition or a related field from an accredited institution.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively educate and counsel patients from diverse backgrounds.
- Proficiency in computer applications, including electronic health record systems and Microsoft Office suite.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional growth in the field of clinical nutrition and dietetics.
- Background in research methodologies related to clinical nutrition.
- Experience in community engagement and outreach programs related to nutrition and healthcare education.
- Strong organizational and work prioritization skills, attention to detail.
To apply for any of the below positions, please submit a CV and application through the link. Please submit your application as soon as possible, as candidates will be contacted on a rolling basis. Applicants should indicate their regional preference with their application. The internship is unpaid, but Chemonics will provide a transportation stipend of TSh.600,000 / month. Chemonics will provide transportation costs from successful candidates’ homes of record to the region to their assigned region. This application will close on Monday, October 7, 2024. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted. Applicants should indicate their regional preference with their application.
