Nutrition Assistant (Short-term)

CARE Pakistan is looking for a Nutrition Assistant to support the “Improved Nutrition Status of Mothers and Children” project in Makli, Sindh. This field-based role involves working closely with Village Development Committees, Self Help Groups, Lady Health Workers, Community Nutrition Workers, and other community structures to promote Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) messaging. The Nutrition Assistant will facilitate community outreach and Out-Patient Therapeutic Program (OTP) activities by screening and registering children aged 6-59 months, providing services such as OTP admissions, deworming, and distribution of micronutrient powders. The role also includes ensuring follow-ups according to established protocols and referring complicated cases to stabilization centers. Coordination with local government departments and civil society organizations is essential to implement nutrition interventions and lead team activities. This is a contractual position for three months.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning and Coordination (35%)
Develop monthly work plans in consultation with the line manager and guide the team in effective field planning. Work closely with public departments and community-based workers to support nutrition and health interventions. Share updates within the team and community, and actively participate in national and international awareness campaigns and events.

Field Operations and Data Management (30%)
Conduct anthropometric measurements and register children with severe acute malnutrition in OTP programs, ensuring proper follow-ups and referrals of complicated cases to stabilization centers. Maintain accurate records of beneficiaries, track defaulters and absentees, and report any field issues promptly. Manage supplies and equipment efficiently. Maintain beneficiary data using the Nutrition Information System and ensure timely submission of reports. Keep project documentation in both hard and soft copies.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building (30%)
Provide counseling to parents and caretakers on treatment protocols and promote adherence to prescribed care. Deliver Social Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) sessions and nutrition messages to beneficiaries and community members. Conduct capacity-building sessions for team members, community structures, and parents. Mobilize communities for early detection of malnutrition and encourage their participation in project activities. Oversee the planning and implementation of outreach activities.

Other Responsibilities (5%)
Carry out any additional tasks assigned by the line manager in line with organizational and program needs.

Required Qualifications
- Minimum Intermediate education; a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences is preferred.
- 2 to 4 years of professional experience as a Nutrition Assistant or Team Leader.
- Operational experience in targeted locations with integrated projects involving WASH, Education, and Nutrition.
- Familiarity with Village Development Committees, Self Help Groups, clubs, and volunteer community-based structures, including their methodologies and operations.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and diverse stakeholders.
- Good understanding of CMAM and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) concepts and approaches.
- Knowledge of WASH and Education (formal and non-formal) approaches.
- Understanding of caseload calculation formulas and relevant references.
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural teams with respect for local culture and norms.
- Experience coordinating with public departments, community representatives, and union council-level stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Openness to feedback from team members, stakeholders, and the community.
- Awareness of community involvement and empowerment principles.

CARE Pakistan is committed to safeguarding and participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory references and screening checks. CARE is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.