Nutrition Assistant at Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC)

The Justice, Development and Peace Commission of the Catholic Archdiocese (JDPC) of Ibadan, Nigeria is a ministry of service of the Church established to cater for all the people that are in need within her jurisdiction, irrespective of religion, culture, race or gender.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Nutrition Assistant

Location: Adamawa

Job Description

• The Nutrition Assistant will provide critical support to the nutrition team in implementing and monitoring nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions, including Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), and micronutrient supplementation, in Michika and Madagali LGAs.
• The role involves community mobilization, nutrition screenings, data collection, and ensuring the integration of protection principles to improve nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations.
• The Nutrition Assistant will work under the supervision of the Nutrition Officer, adhering to JDPI’s mission, safeguarding policies, and the ‘do no harm’ principle.

Responsibilities

• Assist in conducting nutrition screenings (e.g., Mid-Upper Arm Circumference – MUAC, edema checks) for children under five and pregnant/lactating women (PLW) using approved tools.
• Support the identification, registration, and referral of malnourished individuals (SAM/MAM cases) to appropriate treatment centers (e.g., Outpatient Therapeutic Program – OTP, Stabilization Centre – SC).
• Help distribute nutrition commodities (e.g., Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food – RUTF, Ready-to-Use Supplementary Food – RUSF, micronutrient supplements) and maintain accurate records.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating community-based nutrition education and sensitization sessions on IYCF practices, hygiene, and disease prevention.
• Support community mobilization and awareness campaigns to promote nutrition and health practices.
• Ensure integration of nutrition interventions with Health, WaSH, and Protection sectors for a holistic approach.
• Conduct follow-up visits for OTP beneficiaries, including defaulter tracing and household visits as needed.
• Disseminate Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials and support the delivery of Behavior Change Communication (BCC) messages.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Accurately record beneficiary data (e.g., admissions, discharges, referrals, attendance) using standardized tools and templates.
• Assist in compiling and summarizing daily, weekly, and monthly program data for submission to the Nutrition Officer.
• Support data verification, validation, and maintenance of proper records and filing systems at field sites.
• Contribute to the documentation of best practices, success stories, and lessons learned for internal and donor reporting.
• Support the Community Feedback and Complaints Mechanism (FCRM) to ensure accountability to affected populations.

Community Engagement:

• Collaborate with community leaders, health workers, and Community Nutrition Mobilizers (CNMs) to ensure program acceptance and ownership.
• Assist in identifying, training, and supervising community volunteers, including Lead Mothers and Fathers, for nutrition activities.
• Facilitate community-level focus group discussions (FGDs) and awareness sessions on nutrition, hygiene, and protection.
• Maintain respectful, culturally sensitive interactions with beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Supply Chain and Logistics Support:

• Assist in monitoring stock levels of nutrition supplies and equipment at field sites.
• Support the proper storage and handling of nutrition commodities to prevent damage or spoilage.
• Report any damaged, missing, or expired items to the Nutrition Officer promptly.
• Help prepare supply requests and ensure logistical support for field activities.

Monitoring and Quality Assurance:

• Support the Nutrition Officer during field visits to monitor program activities and provide technical guidance to community volunteers.
• Identify and report operational challenges or bottlenecks affecting program implementation.
• Adhere to national and international nutrition guidelines (e.g., Nigeria’s IMAM guidelines, Sphere Standards) and JDPC’s safeguarding policies.
• Ensure gender-sensitive, inclusive, and equitable access to nutrition services.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Participate in capacity-building sessions for community volunteers and health workers.
• Support coordination with local health facilities, government authorities, and other partners to strengthen referral systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Nutrition Officer or JDPC management to advance program goals.

Reporting:

• Submit timely and accurate weekly and monthly activity reports to the Nutrition Officer.
• Support data verification, validation, and compilation of activity statistics at field sites.
• Contribute to periodic donor reporting updates (e.g., 5Ws and activity reports).
• Support the MEAL team in monitoring activities, data verification, and lessons learned documentation.
• Provide feedback on community needs, challenges, and program progress to improve implementation.

Education and Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in nutrition, Community Health, Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, or a related field.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of practical experience in implementing community-based nutrition or health programs, preferably in humanitarian or emergency settings.
• Familiarity with CMAM, IYCF, and basic nutrition principles, including malnutrition screening and referral processes.
• Experience in data collection, record-keeping, and community mobilization.
• Knowledge of Nigeria’s National Guidelines for Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) is an advantage.
• Prior experience in Michika, Madagali, or similar humanitarian contexts in Northeast Nigeria is highly desirable.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Community Nutrition Mobilizers (CNMs)
• Community Volunteers

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: JDPC staff, including Nutrition Officer, Senior Project Officer, Senior Programme Manager, and MEAL team.
• External: Local Government Health Authorities, community leaders, health facilities, partner organizations, and beneficiaries.

Personal Skills:

• Strong sensitivity and respect for local cultures and socio-cultural dynamics in Madagali LGAs.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and community engagement skills.
• Good listening skills and ability to handle sensitive interactions with beneficiaries.
• Ability to work under pressure in challenging and remote field locations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines in multi-tasking environments.
• Basic proficiency in data collection and reporting using paper or digital tools.
• Team-oriented with a collaborative approach to working with JDPC staff and community volunteers.
• Commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and safeguarding principles.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online