Job Purpose: The IYCF‑E Officer will lead and strengthen the implementation of Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF‑E) interventions to prevent malnutrition and improve optimal feeding practices among infants and young children (0–23 months), particularly in emergency-affected areas. S/he will support Woreda Health Offices, PHCUs, and health facilities to ensure delivery of high‑quality IYCF services, including promotion, counseling, and support for mothers and caregivers through routine health services, CMAM platforms (OTP, SC, TSFP), and outreach campaigns such as EOS and Child Health Days. The position will ensure the integration of IYCF‑E with CMAM and emergency nutrition interventions, focusing on early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, and support for vulnerable groups including pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and caregivers of children under two.
The IYCF‑E Officer will also strengthen community-based approaches, including mother support groups and Family MUAC platforms, while ensuring alignment with the National Nutrition Program, IYCF‑E guidelines, and SPHERE standards. The role includes capacity building of health workers, ensuring availability of IYCF materials, and promoting behavior change through culturally appropriate approaches.
Major Responsibilities:
IYCF-E Program Implementation and Maternal/Caregiver Support
- Lead implementation of IYCF-E interventions in line with national guidelines and international standards.
- Establish and support Mother-to-Mother Support Groups (MTMSGs) and safe spaces for women and caregivers.
- Provide skilled counseling on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and maternal nutrition.
- Promote early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for infants 0–6 months.
- Support caregivers in safe preparation of complementary foods for children 6–23 months.
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IYCF-E Screening, Identification, and Referral Linkages
- Integrate IYCF screening into CMAM, health, and community outreach services (GMP, EOS, CHD).
- Identify nutritionally at-risk infants under 6 months and refer for appropriate care.
- Strengthen referral pathways between IYCF, CMAM, and health services.
- Support early identification of feeding difficulties and vulnerable caregivers.
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Nutrition Service Quality Assurance (IYCF-E)
- Conduct supportive supervision and mentoring of health workers on IYCF counseling.
- Ensure adherence to national IYCF and emergency nutrition guidelines.
- Monitor quality of counseling services at facility and community level.
- Ensure compliance with the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes.
Capacity Building and Community Engagement
- Train health workers, community volunteers, and partners on IYCF-E.
- Strengthen community awareness through SBCC (Social and Behavior Change Communication).
- Support community structures to promote optimal feeding practices.
Facilitate male engagement and family support in childcare and feeding practices.
IYCF Supplies, Safe Feeding Support, and Logistics
- Ensure availability of essential IYCF supplies (counseling materials, job aids, anthropometric tools).
- Support safe, appropriate use of breastmilk substitutes (BMS) only when indicated.
- Monitor distribution and accountability of any nutrition-related supplies.
- Ensure safe food preparation practices are promoted and followed.
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Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting, and Learning (MEAL)
- Ensure timely collection and reporting of IYCF indicators and activities.
- Track key indicators (EBF rates, complementary feeding practices, counseling coverage).
- Conduct rapid assessments and surveys (e.g., IYCF assessments in emergencies).
- Document lessons learned and best practices.
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Coordination and Integration with Nutrition and Health Programs
- Coordinate with CMAM, health, WASH, and food security teams.
- Participate in nutrition cluster and technical working groups.
- Ensure alignment with Emergency Nutrition Response and National Nutrition Program.
- Strengthen linkages with maternal health and child protection services.
Required Education, training, license, registration, and/or Certification:
- BSc degree in Nutrition / Public Health Nutrition, Public Health, Nursing or Midwifery, Health Officer or related health sciences field and related health field of study preferred from accredited universities or health colleges
Certificates on:
- Formal training in Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) is required.
- Certified or documented training in IYCF in Emergencies (IYCF‑E) is strongly preferred.
- Training in CMAM (Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition).
- Training in Breastfeeding Counseling (BFC) or IYCF counseling skills.
- Training in Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) or community mobilization is an advantage.
- Familiarity with Family MUAC approach training is desirable.
Required Professional Experience:
- Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in IYCF, nutrition, or public health programs.
- Proven experience in IYCF-E programming in emergency or humanitarian settings.
- Experience integrating IYCF with CMAM programs (OTP, SC, TSFP).
- Experience working with HEWs, PHCUs, and community platforms.
- Demonstrated experience in training, coaching, and supportive supervision.
- Experience in SBCC and community engagement, especially in pastoralist contexts.
- Prior work in Tigray/emergency settings is highly desirable.
Knowledge Requirements:
Strong understanding of:
- National IYCF and IYCF-E guidelines (Ethiopia)
- National Nutrition Program (NNP)
- CMAM approach and integration with IYCF
- SPHERE standards and humanitarian principles
Knowledge of:
- Breastfeeding counseling and complementary feeding practices
- Behavior change communication strategies
- Cultural practices affecting infant feeding in pastoralist communities
- Familiarity with Family MUAC and community-based approaches
- Basic knowledge of nutrition monitoring and reporting tools
Required Language(s):
- English and knowledge of local language is advantageous
More Information
- Job City Tigray
