Lactation Specialist - Hermel, South and Nabatieh

IOCC is looking for lactation specialists in Hermel, South and Nabatieh. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are one of the basic pillars in the treatment and management of malnutrition, especially for infants under 6 months of age. The Lactation Specialist will complement the program by providing awareness and counseling to mothers affected by the Syria crisis with sub-optimal IYCF practices at various levels: community level, Primary Healthcare level and Secondary Healthcare level.  

Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• Provide support and counseling to mothers identified with difficulties in breastfeeding and/or sub-optimal infant and young child feeding practices at the community level, PHC level and hospital level.
• Assist and give one-on-one counseling sessions related to IYCF for pregnant women and mothers who have just delivered, through routine visits to targeted hospitals in the area of work.
• Conduct regular follow-up visits to all women assisted, especially mothers of children under 6 months, to ensure exclusive breastfeeding.
• Give awareness sessions to spread the knowledge among vulnerable families about optimal IYCF-E practices.
• Disseminate key messages on COVID-19 and information specific to IYCF in the context of COVID-19 (face-to-face or remotely).
• Support with the distribution of micronutrient supplements for the most vulnerable children, aged 6-59 months
• Identify formula milk donation initiatives and target them with appropriate awareness and support, in coordination with MoPH and UNICEF.
• Conduct a monthly rapid assessment on breastfeeding and infant nutrition at the community level to examine the impact of COVID-19 and the economic situation on breastfeeding, IYCF practices, and the nutrition status of PLW and children under five.
• Contribute to the training of hospital staff at targeted hospitals to support the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative if needed
• Provide continuous support and on-the-job coaching to hospital staff implementing the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative.
• Provide training on IYCF when needed
• Report daily and weekly to the senior field officer on all conducted activities, by completing the required reporting forms and databases.
• Keep the necessary files for each case visited and counseled.
• Attend IOCC staff meetings when required.
• Represent IOCC in a professional manner and wear IOCC jacket and ID at all times when on duty.
• Perform other duties as necessary.                                                  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Native Arabic speaker and fluency in English is necessary
• Strong social, interpersonal, communication and intercultural skills
• Team player
• Able to meet deadlines
• Computer literacy: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.

Experience:  

• At least 3 years work experience; or 1 year work experience with M.Sc.
• Previous experience in NGOs and humanitarian field is an advantage
• Previous experience in IYCF program implementation is an advantage

Working Conditions

• Stationed in the field with frequent visits to the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Centers IOCC is operating through. 
• Visits to Beirut office for meetings, trainings and relevant paper work.
• It is preferable that candidate resides in the area of interest
• The candidate should have his/her own car.