Technical Officer, Nutrition

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Afghanistan aims to reduce nutrition-related mortality and morbidity by promoting healthy nutrition practices and preventing malnutrition. This role supports integrated nutrition and RMNCAH interventions, focusing on improving program quality, coverage, and impact within the country's health system.

Job Purpose

The Technical Officer, Nutrition will work to reduce nutrition-related mortality and morbidity among mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents in Afghanistan. This involves promoting healthy nutrition practices and preventing malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. The role is crucial for improving, strengthening, and sustaining effective, data-driven, and integrated nutrition and RMNCAH interventions. By enhancing program quality, coverage, and impact, the position contributes significantly to the overall health and well-being of the target population, aligning with national nutrition policies and strategies.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and collaborate with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), other ministries, and UN organizations to integrate nutrition interventions within RMNCAH programs, ensuring alignment with national strategies. Provide technical support for implementing and monitoring country-specific nutrition activities, adapting WHO expertise to local contexts. Support BPHS/EPHS implementers in scaling up integrated nutrition-RMNCAH interventions, including counseling and management of acute malnutrition. Improve the quality of therapeutic feeding services by providing necessary kits and equipment. Liaise with government counterparts and international agencies to maintain and enhance nutrition surveillance systems and data reporting. Conduct data analysis, support evidence dissemination, and train local personnel in data collection, analysis, and reporting. Advocate for the use of nutrition data and support the development of guidelines for its dissemination and application. Mobilize additional resources for nutrition activities and actively participate in relevant coordination platforms and working groups.

Work Experience

Essential: At least 2 years of relevant experience in nutrition and food security. Desirable: Working experience with UN organizations.

Skills

Good knowledge of nutrition and RMNCAH programmatic interlinkages, particularly in fragile settings. Expertise in managing acute malnutrition, growth monitoring, antenatal/adolescent/child nutrition, and nutrition surveillance systems. Sound knowledge in planning, training, monitoring interventions, and developing locally adapted tools. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage health professionals, policymakers, and communities. Expert knowledge of English, Dari, and Pashto.

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