MIYCN Counsellor - Damboa

Role Purpose

The MIYCN Counselor
is a frontline position responsible for providing specialized, one-on-one, and
group counseling on optimal nutrition practices for pregnant and lactating
women, mothers, caregivers, and their children. This role is crucial for
promoting healthy feeding practices, preventing malnutrition, and supporting
positive health outcomes within the community, adhering to national and
international guidelines.

Key Responsibilities: 

Counseling
and Education:

·       Provide comprehensive and accurate
counseling on MIYCN practices, including:

1.      Exclusive breastfeeding for the
first six months.

2.      Introduction of appropriate
complementary feeding from six months onwards while continuing breastfeeding up
to two years or beyond.

3.      Dietary diversity for pregnant and
lactating women and young children.

4.      Maternal nutrition during pregnancy
and lactation.

5.      Hygiene practices related to food
preparation and child feeding.

6.      Responding to common feeding
difficulties and myths.

7.      Conduct both individual and group
counselling sessions at health facilities, community centres, or through home
visits, adapting messages to cultural contexts.

8.      Use participatory and interactive
methods to engage beneficiaries and ensure understanding.

2. Screening,
Referral, and Follow-up:

·       Conduct basic
nutrition screening for pregnant and lactating women and children (e.g., MUAC
measurements for children and pregnant women).

·       Identify
cases of malnutrition (e.g., SAM, MAM) or other health issues and refer them
promptly to appropriate health or nutrition services (e.g., CMAM programs,
health facilities).

·       Conduct
follow-up visits or calls to monitor adherence to feeding recommendations and
assess progress.

3. Community
Mobilization and Engagement:

·       Support the
formation and facilitation of Mother-to-Mother Support Groups or similar
community groups to foster peer learning and support for MIYCN practices.

·       Participate
in community sensitization activities and campaigns to raise awareness about
MIYCN.

·       Build trust
and rapport with community members, local leaders, and traditional birth
attendants.

4. Data
Collection and Reporting:

·       Maintain
accurate records of counseling sessions, attendance, referrals, and follow-up
activities.

·       Collect and
compile routine program data related to MIYCN indicators.

·       Submit
regular activity reports to the supervisor (e.g., Nutrition Officer or Project
Coordinator) detailing progress, challenges, and lessons learned.

5. Technical
Adherence and Quality Assurance:

·       Ensure all
counseling messages and practices align with national MIYCN guidelines and
international standards (e.g., WHO, UNICEF recommendations).

·       Participate
in training and refresher courses to continuously update MIYCN knowledge and
counselling skills.

·       Identify and
report any operational challenges or barriers to optimal MIYCN practices in the
community.

Qualifications and Experience:  

• Diploma or Certificate in Nutrition, Public Health, Nursing,
  Midwifery, Community Health Extension Work (CHEW), or a related
  health-focused field. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is an added
  advantage.
  
• Minimum of 1-2 years of direct experience in providing MIYCN
  counseling, health education, or community-based nutrition programs.
  
• Proven experience in conducting one-on-one and group counseling
  sessions.
  
• Familiarity with the local context and cultural feeding practices
  in Maiduguri, Borno, or similar settings.
  
• Experience in data collection and basic record-keeping.
  
• Prior experience working with vulnerable populations, pregnant and
  lactating women, and young children.
  
• Training certification in MIYCN, IYCF, or CMAM is a significant
  asset.
  
• Supports and advises colleagues.
  
• Adapt communication to the intercultural
  environment.
  
• Respect for others
  
• Aware of the community of good and bad practices, including the
  context of working and adopting oneself to the community norms.
  
• Experience in applying Behavior Change Communication models.