Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION – IYCF Counsellor 

Job Grade: Band 3

Department: Nutrition

Location Kismayo

Reports To: Functionally Head Nurse

Direct Reports: Technically TSFP Nurse 

Overall Job Purpose:

The role of the IYCF counselor is to provide technical assistance in infant  and  young child feeding (IYCF) awareness and ensure appropriate and consistent IYCF messages  to mothers and other caretakers at nutrition services sites.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• To lead group education sessions for mothers and caretakers of children under 2 years old.
• To provide skilled 1:1 (one-to-one counselling) breastfeeding ounselling for mothers experiencing difficulties in breastfeeding; including supporting the re-lactation.
• Facilitate and conduct father support and mother support group.
• Assess mothers and their children to identify specific feeding support needs.
• Provide Pregnant women with preparatory counselling for breastfeeding and early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour (colostrum feeding), to ensure the prevention of pre-lacteal feeds and bottle feeding
• Provide mothers with practical advice on correct attachment and positioning when breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary foods and respond to any concerns or local taboos associated with IYCF
• Advise mothers on the appropriate time to introduce complementary feeding,  promote  the continuation of Breastfeeding up to 2 years old.
• Educating the mothers on the quality, quantity, and frequency of complementary feeds to promote adequate weight gain.
• Discourage and educate mothers on the dangers of bottle feeding, and mixed feeding (by exchanging used bottles for cups and spoons, and breastfeeding before 6 months)
• Counselling the mothers on good maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation.
• Follow up with the mothers/caretakers who have already received  one-to-one  counselling and do home  visits when required.
• Closely work with the TSFP/OTP nurses, TSFP PLW Auxilliary nurse and ANC/PNC responsible person.
• Keep a register of mothers and children attending education  sessions and receiving skilled assessment and support.
• Responsible for all IYCF activities at the clinic level
• The IYCF nurse should be flexible and adaptable with  regard to the implementation of daily work/activities.
• She Collects and compiles the IYCF reports and  submits to the Head Nurse

Timely submission of weekly and Monthly IYCF reports to the head

Experiences and Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor or diploma degree in Nurse, Midwife, Public health, and nutrition

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years relevant experience in maternal and child health with significant experience in managing CMAM & IYCF programs

Competencies:

• Knowledge of  infant and young child feeding practices and a willingness to learn
• Capacity to keep accurate records of activities and report in a timely manner
• Ability to make a work plan and direct work independently
• Has own children/experience of breastfeeding
• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of the team nutrition team
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to be respectful, kind, sensitive, and empathize with children and their careers
• Understanding of local language and culture is mandatory.

Skills Required

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