Position Summary
- The “IYCF counselor” will be responsible for rapid/detailed assessment of infant and Young Child feeding practices in mothers/care givers at Basic Health Units (BHUs) and at community level.
- Counseling the pregnant women for the preparation of Breastfeeding and colostrum feeding. One to One tailored IYCF counseling sessions to all mothers with children under 24 months.
Specific Responsibilities:
- Perform appropriate assessments of IYCF needs and malpractices and do analysis and come up with clear recommendations
- Develop action plan to improve IYCF practice as per national guideline and give technical guidance for the nutrition teams (Nutrition Assistant/Lady Health Visitor/Lady Health Worker/Community Resource Person)
- Build the capacity of Outreach supervisor and Community Resource Persons on the community IYCF counseling techniques and ensure that the appropriate techniques are applied all the time
- Ensure formation of the mother support group at the community level(in each village) and community IYCF counseling conducted for the group members on regular basis
- Identify model mothers and explore their best experience and replicate the best experience in order to improve IYCF practice within the community
- Ensure setting up of breast feeding corners at each OTP/SFP sites established at Health facilities.
- Provide appropriate counseling and awareness sessions for PLWs, care takers of OTP/SFP beneficiaries and mother groups on breast feeding ,complementary feeding and maternal and child nutrition
- Identify/develop appropriate IEC materials and flash cards in local language and ensure that the materials are used during each counseling
- Develop weekly and monthly plan towards accomplishment of the AWP and monitor the plan accordingly
- Document case studies regularly and share to the team member and to Nutrition Officer
- Produce monthly report regarding IYCF activities and submit to project manager on time
- Good computer skills – ability to write weekly and monthly reports and data analysis.
- Any other relevant task assigned by line supervisor
Qualifications / Experience
Bachelor degree in social sciences/trained LHV or Nurse qualified from a recognized institute.
Desired Skills and Experience
- 2 years previous experience of CMAM and IYCF project management.
- Educated with fluency in Urdu & Pashto
- Proven experience working as IYCF counselor or related counseling activities
- Excellent behavior change communication and counseling skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills