IYCF Counsellor (Short-term)

Job Summary
CARE Pakistan, a global leader in humanitarian and development initiatives, is seeking a dedicated IYCF & Nutrition Counselor for a contractual role based in Makli, Sindh, with field activities in Sujawal District. This position supports the “Improved Nutrition Status of Mothers and Children” project by working closely with community structures such as Village Development Committees, Self Help Groups, Lady Health Workers, and Community Nutrition Workers. The counselor will promote Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) activities, focusing on direct engagement with adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women, and children. The role involves door-to-door screening, nutrition counseling, referrals, and follow-ups for essential health services, including RUTF/RUSF, IFA, MNT, deworming, ANC, PNC, and institutional deliveries. Coordination of nutrition, WASH, and education awareness at the community level is also a key component of this field-based technical position.

Key Responsibilities

Program Implementation and Management (25%)
Develop monthly work plans and collaborate with stakeholders to gather feedback and improve program delivery. Train community workers on CMAM and IYCF protocols. Conduct nutritional assessments and anthropometric measurements, ensuring accurate beneficiary records and documentation. Register children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in outpatient therapeutic programs (OTP) and identify those requiring referral to stabilization centers. Submit timely field-level data and mobilize communities to promote early detection of malnutrition.

Community Education and Counselling (35%)
Promote optimal breastfeeding practices and provide preparatory counseling to pregnant women. Educate mothers on maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation, and raise awareness among adolescent girls on health and hygiene. Foster a supportive environment for counseling, maintain positive relationships with beneficiaries, and address local taboos related to IYCF. Utilize educational materials to reinforce breastfeeding and complementary feeding, discourage bottle feeding, and respond effectively to community concerns.

Advocacy and Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) (25%)
Advocate for proper IYCF and nutrition practices, including encouraging EPI visits, antenatal and postnatal care, institutional deliveries, vaccination, and growth monitoring. Deliver SBCC sessions and nutrition messages to beneficiaries, parents, and community groups. Promote CMAM messaging to strengthen nutrition and health behaviors within the community.

Referral and Follow-Up (10%)
Identify malnourished children and pregnant or lactating women for referral to appropriate health services. Ensure follow-up visits for registered beneficiaries and monitor treatment adherence. Refer complicated SAM cases to stabilization centers and counsel caretakers on treatment protocols.

Other Responsibilities (5%)
Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Line Manager in line with organizational and program needs.

Required Qualifications
- Minimum education: Intermediate (completion required); Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences is desirable.
- 2-3 years of professional experience as a Nutrition Assistant or Team Leader.
- Proven operational experience in CMAM and IYCF programs within the targeted locations.
- Familiarity with community-based structures such as Village Development Committees, Self Help Groups, and volunteer organizations.
- Experience working on integrated, donor-funded projects, preferably with international NGOs.
- Understanding of WASH and education approaches (formal and non-formal).
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a flexible attitude toward feedback.
- Ability to work effectively within multicultural teams while respecting local culture and norms.
- Knowledge of community involvement and empowerment principles.

Additional Information
This is a short-term contractual position for three months based in Makli, with field activities in Sujawal District. CARE Pakistan is committed to safeguarding and participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, requiring thorough reference and screening checks. CARE is an Equal Opportunity employer, providing employment without discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Applications must be submitted by 2nd July 2025.