Position Title: Nutrition Champion
Project: CASCADE Project
Location: Jigawa and Kebbi States
Duration: 12 months
Reports to: Case Manager
Supervises: None
1. Background
Development Exchange Centre is a Partner to CARE International in the
implementation of CAtalyzing Strengthened policy aCtion for heAlthy Diets and
resiliencE (CASCADE) Project, CASCADE Project is a Programme being implemented
by CARE International and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) with funding
from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. CASCADE is a 4.5year (2022-2026)
Programme implemented across six countries (Nigeria, Benin, Mozambique, Kenya,
Ethiopia, and Uganda). In Nigeria the Programme aims to strengthen nutrition systems
that contribute to ending malnutrition for 1.1 million women of reproductive age and
children under the age of 15 and is being implemented in the State of Bauchi, Jigawa ,
Kebbi and Nasarawa States.
2. Purpose of the Role
To promote optimal Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices, facilitate nutrition
counseling, and support community-level awareness and referrals in alignment with the
CASCADE project goals. Nutrition champions focus on educating, supporting, and
linking community members to nutrition services. Their work is vital in preventing
malnutrition, encouraging behavior change, and promoting healthy diets.
3. Key Tasks of Nutrition Champions
1. Community Led Advocacy Sensitization/Stakeholders engagement
Raise awareness about the importance of:
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
Appropriate complementary feeding after 6 months
Promoting consumption of Cascade Food value chain (Orange Fleshed
Sweet potatoes-OFSP, Gboma Sika, Soya Beans among other foods)
during pregnancy and lactation
Engaging traditional and religious leaders to champion behavioral change
in dietary practices
Support Community Led Advocacy for Nutrition services at community
level
Support community awareness on hygiene practice’s using Key
Household Hygiene Practices
Work with Community Quality Improvement team facilitators to support
hygiene improvement at household’s level.
2. Nutrition Education
Teach families about:
How to prepare nutritious meals using local foods such as Orange
Fleshed Sweet potatoes-OFSP, Gboma Sika, Soya Beans among other
foods)
Hygiene and safe food handling
The signs of malnutrition and when to seek help
Support women access Antenal Care Services at facilities/community
Nutrition Education session on practices through facilitating Radio
listening groups for SBCC
Facilitating town hall sensitizations
Supporting local women’s groups (VSLA, SILC) to drive household-level
nutrition improvements
Improve child diets quality through promoting local practices
3. Home Visits
Visit pregnant women and caregivers of young children at home to:
Reinforce key nutrition messages using IEC Materials
Encourage attendance at antenatal care or growth monitoring sessions
Provide counseling on breastfeeding, child feeding, and maternal nutrition
Assess hygiene practices and support households on improvement
practices
Complete Home visitation tools and report to the Case Mangers
Facilitate follow up groups and escalate
4. Growth Monitoring Support
Assist health workers during monthly weighing and screening sessions.
Help record children’s weight and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC)
periodic after every 6 months.
Explain results to caregivers and encourage them to take action if a child is at
risk.
Track and report facility-based Growth monitoring data and other data as
assigned
5. Organize Support Groups
Facilitate Mother-to-Mother Support Groups where women can:
Share experiences
Learn from each other
Support one another in practicing good nutrition
Grown Cascade Food value chain for consumption
Support women knowledge improvement through facilitating / delivering
IYCF messaging leveraging VSLA Meetings
6. Referral and Linkage
Identify and refer malnourished children or pregnant/lactating women with
nutritional risk to:
Health facilities
Supplementary feeding programs
Case Managers or other services
Work closely with SAA Champions to compliment behavior shift for women
7. Promote Home Gardens
Encourage households to grow their own nutritious foods (like vegetables or
fruits) to improve diet diversity.
Promote uptake and utilizations of food recipes
8. Record Keeping and Reporting
Keep simple records of:
Households visited
Referrals made
Community meetings conducted
Data reporting
Report activities to the Case Manager or Health and Nutrition Technical Officer
4. Qualifications and Experience
Minimum of SSCE/WAEC. Certificate in Community Health, Nutrition, or Social
Mobilization is an added advantage.
Previous experience as a community volunteer or health worker is highly
desirable.
Good communication and facilitation skills in the local language.
Strong knowledge of cultural practices related to maternal and child nutrition.
Passionate about community development and improving child health.
Must have previous experience in managing community health/nutrition platforms
Must be community based and known among stakeholders and community
members
Preferable a community based health practitioner, dietitians, health worker,
CHIPS etc
link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7BY4I03RYGXAsFitS45y3eiL0H7KjfBJkZR-D1IynlK3bFA/viewform
