Overview

Health and Nutrition Specialist Jobs in Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia at Action Against Hunger (ACF) – Pakistan

Title: Health and Nutrition Specialist

Company: Action Against Hunger (ACF) – Pakistan

Location: Lusaka, Lusaka Province, Zambia

Description

  • JOB PURPOSE

The Specialist – Health and Nutrition is responsible for technical leadership, quality assurance, and strategic oversight of integrated health and nutrition interventions under the project.

The role ensures delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, and life-saving services aligned with:

  • National IMAM guidelines
  • SPHERE standards
  • DG ECHO requirements
  • Ministry of Health (MoH) protocols

The Specialist will strengthen health systems, nutrition programming, and community-based services, targeting vulnerable populations including:

  • Children under five
  • Pregnant and lactating women (PLW)
  • Adolescents
  • Refugees and host communities
  • KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Technical Leadership & Programme Quality

  • Provide technical oversight for all health and nutrition interventions including:
    • CMAM/IMAM programming (OTP, TSFP, Stabilization Care)
    • Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH/RMNCH)
    • Primary Health Care (PHC)
  • Ensure compliance with national and international standards.
  • Lead the design, adaptation, and contextualization of protocols and SOPs.
  • Oversee integration of:
    • Nutrition
    • Health
    • WASH
    • Protection (including GBV referral pathways)
  • Ensure quality implementation of:
    • MIYCN (Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition)
    • GMP (Growth Monitoring & Promotion)
    • Family MUAC approach

2.2 Programme Implementation & Supervision

  • Oversee implementation of activities across:
    • Mantapala Rural Health Centre (RHC)
    • Health Posts (HPs)
    • Community platforms
  • Ensure:
    • Functional OTP and inpatient services
    • Continuous service delivery (24/7 where applicable)
    • Effective referral systems
  • Supervise and mentor:
    • Health staff
    • Nutrition teams
    • Community health workers
  • Conduct regular field monitoring visits to ensure quality and compliance.

2.3 Capacity Building & Systems Strengthening

  • Design and deliver competency-based training for:
    • Health workers
    • Community volunteers
    • Partner staff
  • Build capacity in:
    • IMAM protocols
    • Clinical case management
    • Nutrition screening and referral
    • Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)
  • Provide on-the-job coaching, mentorship, and supportive supervision.
  • Strengthen:
    • Health facility systems
    • Data use for decision-making
    • Referral pathways

2.4 Supply Chain & Commodity Management

  • Ensure availability of essential medicines and nutrition supplies, including:
    • RUTF, F-75, F-100
    • Medical kits
  • Oversee:
    • Forecasting
    • Procurement planning
    • Stock monitoring
  • Prevent stock-outs and ensure buffer stock systems.

2.5 Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)

  • Ensure accurate and timely data collection using:
    • DHIS2 systems
    • CMAM/IMAM databases
  • Track key indicators such as:
    • SAM recovery rates
    • Admission rates
    • Stock availability
  • Lead:
    • Data analysis
    • Programme reviews
    • Learning and adaptation
  • Ensure accountability to affected populations through:
    • Feedback mechanisms
    • Community engagement

2.6 Coordination & Representation

  • Represent the organization in:
    • Health and Nutrition Cluster meetings
    • Technical Working Groups
  • Coordinate with:
    • Ministry of Health
    • UN agencies (UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR)
    • Local partners (e.g., Caritas)
  • Ensure alignment and complementarity with other actors.

2.7 Integration of Cross-Cutting Themes

Ensure Full Integration Of

  • Gender equality and inclusion
  • Protection mainstreaming
  • Safeguarding (PSEA)
  • Disability inclusion
  • Environmental considerations

2.8 Emergency Preparedness & Response

  • Lead technical input into Crisis Modifier activation.
  • Support rapid response during:
    • Disease outbreaks
    • Malnutrition surges
    • Climate shocks
    • KEY DELIVERABLES / KPIs
    • ≥85% SAM recovery rate achieved
    • ≥90% health staff meet competency standards
    • Zero prolonged stock-outs of essential nutrition commodities
    • Increased coverage of CMAM services
    • Functional referral systems across all facilities
    • Improved service utilization rates
    • Timely and accurate reporting (100% compliance)

    Requirements

    Education

    • Bachelor’s degree in:
      • Medicine
      • Public Health
      • Nutrition
      • Nursing
    • Master’s degree in Public Health or Nutrition (preferred)

    Experience

    • Minimum 5–7 years relevant experience
    • Proven experience in:
      • Humanitarian health and nutrition programming
      • CMAM/IMAM implementation
      • Health systems strengthening
    • Experience working in:
      • Refugee or emergency contexts
      • Multi-stakeholder environments

    Technical Skills

    • Strong knowledge of:
      • IMAM/CMAM protocols
      • RMNCH services
      • Public health systems
    • Experience with:
      • DHIS2
      • Data analysis tools
      • Training and facilitation

    Core Competencies

    • Strategic thinking
    • Leadership and team management
    • Strong analytical skills
    • Excellent communication and coordination
    • Problem-solving in complex environments
    • SAFEGUARDING & ETHICS
    • Adhere to Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies
    • Ensure zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)
    • Promote Do No Harm principles

    Ensure confidentiality and ethical data handling

    Benefits

    Action Against Hunger – USA provides all staff with an attractive salary and benefits package . We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status or as a veteran. Action Against Hunger- USA complies with applicable laws governing non discrimination in employment

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