Apply as Nutrition Champion with Development Exchange Centre (DEC) in Jigawa and Kebbi

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