Background:
The International Potato Center (CIP) is seeking a field coordinator for a UKAid-funded project that aims to improve nutritional security and vitamin A intakes by women and young children in Western Kenya. The field coordinator will coordinate research and development activities between CIP and the department of nutrition and public health within the ministry of health. He/she will work closely with strategic collaborators to integrate activities aimed at using orange fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) to reduce vitamin A deficiency within the existing MOH protocols. This position will be based in Kisumu.
Specific responsibilities:
- Coordinate with the Nutrition Officer and the Community Strategy Focal Persons in conducting capacity building of Community Health Workers and Community Health Extension workers particularly in nutrition education during pregnancy and lactation period;
- Work with the Nutrition Officer, the Community Strategy Focal Persons and relevant key stakeholders to enhance infant and young child feeding practices using OFSP as the entry point;
- Coordinate with partners to enhance integration of OFSP in complementary feeding as well as family diets;
- Coordinate with implementing partners to document lessons learned in integrating agriculture and nutrition while using a vegetatively propagated crop-OFSP;
- Develop and implement monthly work plans with Sub-County Nutritionist to improve nutrition education at community level through forums such as mother-to-mother support groups;
- Organize periodic feedback meetings with implementing partners to ensure all partners get the support needed to achieve targets;
- Contribute to periodic project reports;
- Contribute to monitoring and evaluation activities.
Selection criteria
- A university degree in community nutrition, public health, biological sciences or a related discipline. An advanced degree is an advantage;
- Experience working within the community strategies that exist in Migori, Homa Bay, Nyamira, Kisumu, and/or Siaya counties;
- Specific experience in extension approaches aimed at improving maternal, infant and young child feeding practices are critical in this position;
- Specific experience working with OFSP or bio- fortified crops within the context of agriculture and nutrition is an added advantage;
- Experience with participatory research and development approaches is an advantage;
- Demonstrated contribution to dissemination of project results in various pathways including scientific articles is highly desirable.
Terms of Appointment: This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based on an initial contract of 2 years with the possibility of renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants should apply online through CIP’s Job Opportunities website (http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/), including a letter of motivation, a full C.V with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin on March 4th, 2016 and will continue until the post is filled. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org.
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women are particularly encouraged to apply.
