Auxiliar para Brigada Integral de Salud y Nutrición - San Juan Cotzal, Quiché

Organizational Context

The World Food Programme (WFP) in Guatemala supports the government's efforts towards sustainable and inclusive development, focusing on resilience, nutrition-sensitive programs, and rural transformation. WFP collaborates with government entities to achieve Zero Hunger and prevent malnutrition, supporting initiatives like the "Gran Cruzada por la Nutrición." Guatemala faces significant challenges with chronic malnutrition and anemia, exacerbated by climate change impacts. WFP's work aims to break the cycle of hunger and poverty through equitable and inclusive actions, empowering communities and vulnerable populations.

Job Purpose

The World Food Programme (WFP) in Guatemala is dedicated to saving lives and changing lives by providing food assistance and building resilient communities. The country faces high rates of chronic malnutrition and anemia, worsened by climate change. This role supports the "Gran Cruzada por la Nutrición" initiative by deploying integral health and nutrition brigades to affected communities. These brigades are crucial for conducting nutritional screenings, identifying malnutrition cases, providing immediate treatment in coordination with the Ministry of Health, and strengthening local health capacities. The volunteer will contribute directly to reducing morbidity and mortality in climate crisis contexts, supporting the health system in protecting and recovering the nutritional status of vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the WFP Guatemala Nutrition Associate, the Health and Nutrition Brigade Assistant will be responsible for planning and coordinating inter-agency activities, engaging community leaders, and collaborating with local authorities. Key duties include conducting nutritional assessments for children under five, adolescents, pregnant, and lactating women, and providing integral maternal care support. The role involves reviewing child health cards, administering micronutrient supplementation and deworming according to MSPAS protocols, and providing counseling on health, nutrition, and disease prevention. Responsibilities also include managing brigade supplies, maintaining accurate records using official MSPAS formats and WFP platforms, and preparing monthly reports detailing activities, coverage, results, and relevant findings for decision-making.

Work Experience

A minimum of 1 month of general work experience is required, with 6 months of relevant experience in comprehensive health and nutrition education. Desirable experience includes emergency nutrition, food security, working with the Ministry of Health's protocols, treating acute malnutrition, rural community work, and previous experience with UN or international organizations. Skills in anthropometric measurements, participatory methodologies, communication, and interpersonal relations are also desirable.

Skills

Key competencies include adaptability, flexibility, effective communication, planning, organization, inclusion, respect, self-management, group management, and conflict resolution. Expertise areas include community development, development programs, and health. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with minimal supervision.

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