Medical Teams Uganda
JOB SUMMARY
The Nutrition Officer contributes to the calling of Medical Teams International by coordinating and leading nutrition activities for the health facilities and communities under their supervision. The role ensures proper case management and improved nutrition awareness.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure nutrition clinics and community outreach activities are carried out as per facility work plans with emphasis on integration with medical services; ensure duty rosters are appropriately developed and approved by respective In-Charge.
- Ensure malnutrition case screening and growth monitoring is carried out and appropriate corrective actions implemented.
- Support in offering technical support to facility staff and community-based teams on the management of acute malnutrition.
- Documents management records on activities under nutrition services; Consolidate data from Nutritionists to prepare reports as per schedule and make data-driven program decisions.
- Participate in research activities that contribute to improving community health.
- Build capacity of inpatients and caregivers by advising on proper care and nutrition at home.
- Carry out home visits to follow up on discharged patients to ensure adherence to advice.
- Ensure the security of food and related nutrition supplies, including taking precautions to avoid contamination.
- Ensure the kitchen and surrounding environment is hygienic and well maintained.
- Ensure that nutrition practices are conducted with the highest level of integrity and ethics according to professional and Medical Teams codes of conduct.
- Ensure direct reports have clear objectives, receive mentorship and participate in capacity building opportunities.
Other Duties:
- Ensure the Safeguarding of program participants and employees through promoting an environment of awareness and upholding the code of conduct provisions of Medical Teams Protection from Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Child & Vulnerable Adult protection, and harassment-free workplace policies. Incumbents will remain alert and responsive to any child and adult safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the child and adult safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding code of conduct and behavior expectations.
- Utilize volunteers when appropriate.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
EDUCATION, LICENSES & CERTIFICICATIONS
Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Human Nutrition, Dietetics or related field
EXPERIENCE
Required:
- Minimum 2 years of nutrition field experience with a busy project implementing IMAM
Preferred:
- Experience in clinical medicine or community health
- Experience working in emergency operations
- Experience working with INGOs
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITITES
Knowledge:
- In-depth knowledge of nutrition principles and management of acute malnutrition
Skills:
- Skilled in coordinating staff and community members to deliver health education sessions and nutritional screening activities
- Skilled in conducting nutritional assessments and managing cases
- Skilled in presenting complex information at an appropriate level to an individual or group
- Skilled in using behaviour change strategies to mobilize community members to take ownership of healthcare needs
- Skilled in data analysis and report writing
- Skilled at building and maintaining a high functioning, high performing work team
- Skilled at building staff capacity and professionally mentorship
- Moderately skilled in Microsoft 365 software: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Excellent interpersonal, relational and communication skills
- A good command of both written and spoken English
Abilities:
- Commitment to Medical Teams International Calling Statement and Core Values: Courageous, Tenacious, Accountable, Selfless, and Not Alone
- Ability to be flexible and manage stress, especially in situations which require a high degree of diplomacy
- Ability to maintain detailed records with high accuracy
- Ability to work collaboratively with others
