Job Description

29th September ,2025

Invitation for Application for Vacancy Reference NO: MUSA/SOM/575/Dhusmareeb Field Office/September/2025 for HR#575

About the organization
Mercy-USA for Aid and Development (Mercy-USA) is a Non-Profit making organization, dedicated to alleviating human suffering and supporting individuals and their communities in their efforts to become more self-sufficient. Incorporated in the State of Michigan in 1988, Mercy-USA’s projects focus on improving health, nutrition and access to safe water and as well as promoting economic and educational growth around the world.
Mercy-USA Somalia Program has been implementing Health, Nutrition, Education and wash among other projects funded by it is HQ and Donors since 1994 in Somalia
Mercy-USA Somalia program hereby invites qualified and interested female applicants to submit applications for the position of Health & Nutrition/IYCF Assistant to be based in Dhusamareeb District, Galmudug state-Somalia
NATURE AND SCOPE:
The persistent nutrition crisis in Somalia has severely impacted the health, economic potential, and overall development of the population. Immediate causes of malnutrition include high disease prevalence, poor dietary diversity, inadequate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, food insecurity, and limited
access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. Addressing these challenges requires an integrated and community-centered approach.
The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Assistant, will play a critical role in promoting optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among mothers and caregivers of children under two years old. She/he will lead education sessions, provide one-on-one counseling, train community volunteers, and ensure vulnerable infants and young children receive the nutritional support they need to survive and thrive.
Job description
Community Engagement & Beneficiary Identification
• Conduct community surveys to identify pregnant women, lactating mothers, and caregivers of children aged 0-23 months.
• Organize and facilitate group education sessions on optimal IYCF practices.

• Mobilize and train community volunteers to disseminate consistent IYCF messaging.
Counseling & Support Services
• Provide skilled breastfeeding counseling, including support for re-lactation and management of breastfeeding difficulties.
• Assess mothers and children to identify specific feeding challenges and deliver tailored guidance.
• Safely guide caregivers in artificial feeding (when medically necessary) until infants reach six months.
• Refer severely malnourished children or medical cases to specialized care facilities. Capacity Building & Supervision
• Train community health workers, volunteers, and peer educators on IYCF best practices.
• Supervise volunteers to ensure accurate and consistent messaging.
• Identify and mentor mothers to become peer educators in their communities.
Monitoring, Reporting & Advocacy
• Maintain detailed records of beneficiaries, sessions conducted, and referrals made.
• Submit monthly activity reports to the Health and Nutrition coordinator.
• Advocate for improved IYCF practices among local stakeholders and humanitarian partners

Experiences and Qualifications

JOB SPECIFICATION AND REQUIRIMENTS
QUALIFICATIONS ESSENTIAL DESIRED
Academic • Diploma in Nursing, Midwifery or auxiliary midwifery
• Strong Knowledge of IYCF best practices
• Professional qualification will be an added advantage

Degree in the specified field will be an added advantage

Gender & Position category

• Preference Female candidates
• Position category is a local position at state level
Experience • 3 years’ direct experience on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) on health and nutrition projects
• Experience in community health, nutrition, or maternal and child health programs
• Experience working in Somalia

• Personal experience with breastfeeding and childcare.
• Previous experience in humanitarian or emergency nutrition programs.

• Languages: - Somali and English
• Added advantage Experience of implementing UNICEF funded projects
Work related skills • Good organizational skills
• Good time management skills
• Strong communication skills, counseling, and training skills.
• Ability to work in harsh conditions Cultural sensitivity and willingness to work in challenging and unpredictable environments
• Ability to work independently, develop work plans, and meet deadlines.
• Aggressive and Result Oriented
• Able to identify program challenges and plan and communicate alternatives for smooth program implementation

Courses or skills related to infant and young child feeding (IYCF) will be considered

Personal attributes

• Ability to work under pressure
• Trustworthy
• Team player
• Responsiveness
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Integrity

Working Conditions

• This position requires working in remote, high-risk areas with limited infrastructure.
• Frequent travel to Health facility locations within the assigned region.
• Commitment to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, and accountability.

We Offer:
Contract Duration:

6-month contract with possibility of extension depending on operational need

Salary/benefits: According to Mercy-USA salary scale and terms and conditions
Work location: Dhusmareeb District
Start date: From 25th October 2025
Reporting to: Health & Nutrition Coordinator

Skills Required

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