Nutrition Nurse

1. Background

Health, Disability and Development Organization (HDDO) is non-Profit, non-governmental and non-political National Organization established in January 2020 under Reg: No:4886 with Ministry of Economic, HDDO is also registered with MoPH by the registration number of 662. HDDO is register with the Ministry of Refuges HDDO is member of the Ministry of Public Health Disability and Rehabilitation working group and the member of Community Based Rehabilitation network. HDDO provided quality services so far in 9 provinces as a professional Organization and as agent of change for Victims of war/ conflicts and Person with Disabilities. HDDO is active member of the Health cluster and reproductive health working group as well. HDDO implements humanitarian and development interventions in areas including primary healthcare, nutrition, physical rehabilitation, disability inclusion, psychosocial support, WASH, community engagement and emergency response.

Health, Disability and Development Organization (HDDO), with funding from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), is implementing the project “Strengthening Life-Saving Integrated Health and Nutrition Response for Conflict- and Disaster-Affected Communities in Daykundi Province.” The project aims to improve access to essential integrated health and nutrition services for vulnerable and conflict- and disaster-affected communities through Static Health Centers (SHCs), Mobile Health and Nutrition Teams (MHNTs), and community-based activities.

The six MHNTs will provide integrated primary healthcare and nutrition services to underserved communities and populations with limited access to fixed health facilities. Female Nutrition Nurses will be assigned to each MHNT to ensure that women, mothers, and children have appropriate access to nutrition counselling, screening, follow-up, referral, and related health services.

The position requires regular field travel as part of the MHNT outreach schedule. The Nutrition Nurse will work closely with doctors, midwives, nurses, vaccinators, community health workers, and other team members to ensure integrated and quality service delivery.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Nutrition Nurse will provide integrated nutrition and basic nursing support through the assigned MHNT, with a particular focus on women, children, caregivers, and other vulnerable beneficiaries.

The position will support:

• Nutrition screening and assessment;
• Identification and appropriate management of acute malnutrition within the approved scope of practice;
• Nutrition counselling and IYCF promotion;
• Maternal and child health support;
• Community-level nutrition education;
• Follow-up of beneficiaries receiving nutrition services;
• Referral of complicated and high-risk cases;
• Accurate health and nutrition documentation; and
• Integration of nutrition services with primary healthcare.

The Nutrition Nurse will work within the scope of her professional qualifications and approved national/project protocols and will refer complicated cases to qualified clinical or specialized nutrition services.

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1 Nutrition Screening and Assessment

The Nutrition Nurse will:

• Conduct nutrition screening of eligible children and other beneficiaries according to approved procedures.
• Conduct appropriate anthropometric measurements within the scope of training and assigned responsibilities.
• Identify children who may be at risk of malnutrition.
• Assess nutritional status using approved tools and procedures.
• Identify cases requiring further assessment, treatment, or referral.
• Ensure that nutrition screening equipment is used correctly.
• Maintain accurate records of screening and assessment results.
• Refer complicated or high-risk cases to the appropriate health or nutrition service.

4. Identification and Management of Acute Malnutrition

Within the scope of professional training and approved protocols, the Nutrition Nurse will:

• Support identification of children with acute malnutrition.
• Support management and follow-up of eligible uncomplicated cases according to applicable nutrition protocols.
• Provide appropriate counselling to caregivers of children receiving nutrition services.
• Monitor treatment progress and attendance.
• Identify warning signs, deterioration, complications, or non-response to treatment.
• Refer complicated cases promptly to appropriate specialized services.
• Follow up on referred beneficiaries where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate treatment and follow-up records.
• Coordinate with the MHNT doctor and other qualified health personnel regarding cases requiring clinical attention.

The Nutrition Nurse shall not independently manage complicated cases outside her professional scope and shall ensure timely referral.

5. Nutrition Counselling and IYCF

The Nutrition Nurse will provide counselling to mothers and caregivers on:

• Appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices.
• Exclusive breastfeeding according to applicable national guidance.
• Timely introduction of complementary foods.
• Appropriate feeding frequency, quantity, consistency, and diversity.
• Continued breastfeeding during illness and recovery.
• Appropriate feeding practices for children recovering from illness or malnutrition.
• Dietary diversity using locally available and appropriate foods.
• Safe preparation and storage of food.
• Hygiene practices related to child feeding.
• Recognition of nutrition-related warning signs.
• Appropriate care-seeking and referral.

Counselling should be practical, culturally appropriate, respectful, and adapted to the individual needs of caregivers.

6. Maternal and Child Health Support

The Female Nutrition Nurse will support integrated maternal and child health services through the MHNT by:

• Supporting routine child health services.
• Providing health and nutrition education to mothers and caregivers.
• Identifying women and children requiring further health assessment.
• Supporting appropriate referrals to the MHNT doctor, midwife, or other qualified health personnel.
• Promoting maternal nutrition and appropriate care practices.
• Supporting identification of nutrition risks among pregnant and lactating women.
• Providing appropriate nutrition counselling to pregnant and lactating women within the scope of training.
• Supporting maternal and child health follow-up.
• Promoting timely access to essential healthcare services.

The Nutrition Nurse will coordinate closely with the MHNT midwife and doctor for clinical cases requiring specialized assessment or treatment.

7. Community-Level Nutrition Education

During MHNT outreach activities, the Nutrition Nurse will:

• Conduct nutrition awareness sessions for mothers, caregivers, and community members.
• Promote IYCF and appropriate feeding practices.
• Raise awareness about signs and prevention of malnutrition.
• Promote dietary diversity.
• Promote hygiene and safe food preparation.
• Encourage timely care-seeking for sick or malnourished children.
• Provide information about available health and nutrition services.
• Address common misconceptions regarding child feeding and nutrition.
• Work with Community Health Workers and Community Mobilizers to strengthen community nutrition awareness.

8. Community Follow-Up

The Nutrition Nurse will support community-level follow-up by:

• Following up with eligible beneficiaries according to approved project procedures.
• Supporting follow-up of children receiving nutrition services.
• Identifying beneficiaries who miss scheduled follow-up visits where community follow-up is appropriate.
• Coordinating with Community Health Workers regarding follow-up activities.
• Identifying barriers to accessing nutrition services.
• Providing appropriate information to caregivers regarding follow-up schedules.
• Supporting continuity of nutrition care between communities and MHNT services.

9. Referral and Counter-Referral

The Nutrition Nurse will:

• Identify beneficiaries requiring referral to higher-level or specialized services.
• Provide timely referrals for complicated malnutrition cases.
• Refer beneficiaries requiring clinical assessment to the MHNT doctor or appropriate health facility.
• Explain referral procedures to caregivers and beneficiaries.
• Coordinate with the MHNT team regarding referred cases.
• Maintain referral documentation.
• Follow up on referrals where appropriate.
• Support counter-referral and continuity of care when information is available.

10. Integrated MHNT Service Delivery

As a member of the MHNT, the Nutrition Nurse will:

• Participate in regular outreach activities according to the approved monthly schedule.
• Work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Coordinate with the MHNT doctor, midwife, nurse, vaccinator, and community health workers.
• Integrate nutrition services with primary healthcare activities.
• Support identification of health conditions affecting nutrition status.
• Refer health cases requiring clinical assessment.
• Participate in health and nutrition awareness sessions.
• Contribute to community mobilization and service uptake.
• Support delivery of client-centered services.

11. Patient and Nutrition Records

The Nutrition Nurse will:

• Maintain accurate and complete patient and nutrition records.
• Record screening and assessment results.
• Document nutrition counselling and services provided.
• Maintain treatment and follow-up records where applicable.
• Record referrals and referral outcomes where available.
• Ensure that records are completed according to approved formats.
• Submit required data to the MHNT team and M&E staff.
• Participate in data verification and quality checks.
• Maintain confidentiality of beneficiary information.

12. Monitoring Treatment Progress

The Nutrition Nurse will:

• Monitor progress of beneficiaries receiving nutrition services.
• Assess attendance and follow-up according to applicable procedures.
• Identify children who are not responding appropriately to treatment.
• Identify missed appointments and support appropriate follow-up.
• Communicate concerns to the MHNT doctor or relevant technical supervisor.
• Ensure timely referral when complications or deterioration are identified.
• Document treatment progress and follow-up actions.

13. Infection Prevention and Control

The Nutrition Nurse will:

• Follow applicable infection prevention and control procedures.
• Maintain appropriate hygiene during client interaction and service delivery.
• Follow safe practices for equipment use and cleaning.
• Support safe disposal of relevant waste according to health facility/MHNT procedures.
• Promote hand hygiene among staff, beneficiaries, and caregivers.
• Report infection prevention and control concerns to the team supervisor.

14. Quality Assurance and Compliance

The Nutrition Nurse will:

• Deliver services in accordance with relevant Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) guidance and applicable BPHS and nutrition protocols.
• Follow approved HDDO and project procedures.
• Participate in technical supervision and supportive monitoring.
• Attend relevant training and refresher sessions.
• Implement recommendations from technical supervision.
• Maintain professional standards of care.
• Ensure that nutrition services are provided within the limits of professional qualifications and approved protocols.
• Report service delivery gaps and technical concerns to the supervisor.

15. Coordination and Teamwork

The Nutrition Nurse will work closely with:

• Project Health and Nutrition Officer
• MHNT Doctor
• MHNT Midwife
• MHNT Nurse
• MHNT Vaccinator
• Community Health Workers
• Nutrition Counsellors
• Community Mobilizers
• M&E/MEAL team
• Facility In-Charge and other relevant project personnel

Effective teamwork and information sharing are essential for ensuring integrated and continuous health and nutrition services.

16. Field Travel and Security Responsibilities

Field travel is an essential part of this position.

The Nutrition Nurse will:

• Travel with the assigned MHNT according to the approved monthly outreach plan.
• Participate in outreach activities in assigned communities.
• Follow HDDO security procedures and instructions.
• Participate in security briefings when required.
• Report security incidents, access constraints, and operational challenges.
• Not undertake unauthorized travel or field activities.
• Respect local customs and community norms while maintaining professional and safeguarding standards.
• Ensure that all field activities are conducted according to approved plans.

17. Safeguarding, PSEA and Accountability

The Nutrition Nurse must:

• Fully comply with HDDO's Code of Conduct, PSEA policy, safeguarding procedures, and relevant organizational policies.
• Treat all beneficiaries with dignity, respect, and without discrimination.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Protect children and other vulnerable beneficiaries from harm.
• Never request or accept inappropriate payments, gifts, favors, or services.
• Maintain confidentiality of beneficiary information.
• Inform beneficiaries about available feedback and complaint mechanisms where applicable.
• Report safeguarding and protection concerns through established reporting channels.
• Ensure that services are provided in a respectful, safe, and client-centered manner.

18. Confidentiality and Data Protection

The Nutrition Nurse will have access to sensitive health and nutrition information and must maintain strict confidentiality regarding:

• Patient information
• Nutrition screening and assessment results
• Treatment information
• Referral information
• Family and household information
• Personal identification information
• Project records

Information must only be shared with authorized personnel for legitimate clinical, referral, monitoring, safeguarding, or reporting purposes in accordance with HDDO procedures.

19. Key Deliverables

The Female Nutrition Nurse is expected to contribute to:

1. Regular nutrition screening and assessment through the assigned MHNT.
2. Appropriate identification and management of uncomplicated acute malnutrition within the approved scope of practice.
3. Timely referral of complicated and high-risk cases.
4. Quality IYCF and nutrition counselling for mothers and caregivers.
5. Nutrition education and community awareness.
6. Follow-up of beneficiaries receiving nutrition services.
7. Integration of nutrition into primary healthcare services.
8. Accurate and complete patient and nutrition records.
9. Timely submission of health and nutrition data.
10. Effective coordination with other MHNT team members.
11. Compliance with MoPH, BPHS, AHF, and HDDO requirements.
12. Compliance with safeguarding, PSEA, confidentiality, and security procedures.

• Qualifications and Experience

Education

Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Nursing, Nutrition, Public Health, Midwifery, or another relevant health-related field from a recognized institution.

Relevant training in nutrition, IYCF, acute malnutrition management, CMAM/IMAM, or community nutrition is highly desirable.

Professional Experience

Minimum 2 years of relevant professional experience in nursing, nutrition, primary healthcare, community health, or humanitarian health and nutrition programming.

Experience in nutrition screening, assessment, counselling, and follow-up is highly desirable.

Experience working with children under five and caregivers is desirable.

Previous experience with MHNTs, SHCs, BPHS-supported services, or humanitarian projects is an advantage.

• Technical Skills

The successful candidate should demonstrate

Good knowledge of basic nutrition and primary healthcare.

Knowledge of IYCF principles.

Understanding of acute malnutrition screening and referral.

Ability to conduct appropriate anthropometric measurements.

Ability to provide nutrition counselling to mothers and caregivers.

Understanding of maternal and child health.

Good patient communication and counselling skills.

Ability to identify cases requiring referral.

Good documentation and reporting skills.

Basic computer and data-entry skills.

Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary MHNT.

Ability to work in challenging and underserved field environments.

• Language Requirements

Fluency in Dari and/or Pashto is required.

Ability to communicate effectively with women, children, caregivers, and local communities is essential.

Knowledge of English is an advantage for reviewing technical materials and project documentation.

• Core Competencies

The Female Nutrition Nurse should demonstrate

Professionalism and integrity

Compassion and respect for beneficiaries

Accountability

Good communication and counselling skills

Teamwork and collaboration

Cultural sensitivity

Attention to detail

Confidentiality

Flexibility and adaptability

Ability to work under pressure

Commitment to quality service delivery

Commitment to humanitarian principles

Commitment to safeguarding and PSEA

Willingness to travel regularly to field locations

Qualified Afghan applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes ASAP with a detailed application/ cover letter in one document, including a Vacancy #, contact number, Email address.

Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be given Consideration. Only those candidates will be called for interview who meets the qualification and requirement for the mentioned position.

Qualified applicant can send their CV and interest letter to: [email protected]

Submission Email: [email protected]