Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations.

Location:- Erebti Woreda, Afar Region

Program Summary

Mercy Corps Ethiopia currently secured USAID/BHA funded multisectoral response program entitled ‘Humanitarian Assistance for Conflict-Affected Populations (HACAP)” in Oromia and Afar regions. The goal of the proposed program is to increase access to Life-saving Services for Conflict-affected IDPs, Returnees, and Vulnerable Populations through provision of integrated Multi-Sectoral Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Promotion (WASH), Nutrition and Protection support and, Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) in five Woredas of Oromia and Afar regions.

General Position Summary

The CMAM Officer is responsible for treating children with severe acute malnutrition who cannot access services from government health facilities. The role involves preventing further deterioration of the nutrition situation through timely treatment and care, nutrition awareness creation, capacity building, and technical support to the Woreda Health Office in managing severe acute malnutrition. This role requires daily documentation, capacity building, and reporting to ensure the success and sustainability of the project.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Collaborate with other team members for effective integration of services like nutrition and health.
• Work with local authorities and partners to harmonize efforts for better impact and sustainability.
• Continuously learn and update knowledge to adapt to changing situations and contexts.

Program Management

• Plan and organize mobile nutrition services, including screening, treating SAM children, and referring cases with medical complications.
• Prepare action plans for effective Mobile OTP services in consultation with the Health and Nutrition Specialist.
• Provide feedback to the CMAM Coordinator on treatment supplies, ensuring they meet quality standards.
• Work closely with health workers and HEWs to ensure accurate measurement and adherence to admission, discharge, and transfer protocols.
• Ensure comprehensive health checks and treatment according to protocols.
• Review forms completed by health workers and HEWs for accuracy and coherence.
• Document hygiene promotion activities, assessments, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Ensure health workers and HEWs follow national protocols and maintain adequate medical and food supplies.
• Collaborate with SFP staff to ensure program understanding and appropriate referrals.
• Report progress and problems timely.
• Ensure cases not meeting admission criteria return home promptly with caretakers understanding why.
• Provide effective follow-up of cases, especially for children who are absent, sick, long-stay, not gaining weight, or with social problems.
• Support CMAM Coordinator in organizing CMAM training for health workers and HEWs on health and education messages.
• Compile statistical data with health workers and HEWs.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local authorities and community leaders.
• Conduct duties professionally, adhering to humanitarian standards and Mercy Corps’ rules and regulations.

Team Management

• Support and liaise with health center staff, providing on-the-job training and capacity building.
• Ensure health staff are adequately trained to provide TFP services and treat SAM children as per national protocol.
• Work closely with IYCF/TSFP officers, community mobilizers, and nutrition field workers to ensure continuity of care and prevent relapse.
• Compile statistical data with HEWs.
• Maintain good relationships with local authorities and community leaders.
• Provide technical support to Woreda Health Office staff as needed.

 Influence & Representation

• Train and support HEWs and community volunteers to convey messages clearly to the community.
• Organize community meetings to promote the program and encourage support.
• Ensure TFP services at mobile clinics and health facilities adhere to national protocols.
• Propose solutions or improvements for better project performance.
• Maintain relationships with local health authorities and integrate IYCF program smoothly with existing health structures.
• Represent Mercy Corps positively and always uphold its values.
• Identify kebeles without health facilities and link with local health workers

GEDSI (Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion)

• Understand and contribute to the GDI-related priorities of the country office.
• Promote a gender-equal and inclusive workplace culture.

Security

• Ensure compliance with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
• Proactively ensure team members operate in a secure environment and are aware of policies.

Organizational Learning

• Commit 5% of time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps and personal development.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Support efforts toward accountability, specifically to beneficiaries and international standards guiding relief and development work.
• Engage beneficiary communities as equal partners in project design, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Conduct yourself professionally and respect local laws, customs, and Mercy Corps’ policies and values.

Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• BSc in Nutrition, Public Health, or Nursing with over 3 years of practical experience in emergency nutrition, including more than 1 year of NGO experience as a CMAM Officer.
• Experience with mobile nutrition services for treating severe acute malnutrition at outreach sites or mobile clinics.
• Excellent spoken and written skills in the local language.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently to villages and reside in rural areas.
• Flexibility and adaptability in difficult and frustrating working conditions, such as long-distance travel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working closely with Zonal and Woreda Health offices.
• Ability to prepare program reports and maintain good human relations.
• Proficiency in Afarigna language is a plus.

Success Factors

• Willingness to travel frequently to villages and reside in rural areas.
• Flexibility and adaptability in challenging working conditions.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience working closely with regional and Woreda Health offices, health centers, and health posts.
• Strong belief in teamwork and gender equality.