Action Against Hunger/Action Contre La Faim (AAH/ACF) is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that was created in France in 1979. AAH/ACF has been active in Afghanistan in the medical, nutrition, food security, and water and sanitation fields since 1995.  AAH/ACF improved access to health and nutrition services for the most vulnerable people, who live in remote areas without a local health system. In particular, the country team supported pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under five, who are at greater risk of malnutrition. Nutrition programmes rely on an integrated approach, addressing both primary and underlying causes, in order to have a lasting impact on nutritional status.  The country team worked at community level, in villages and at provincial level, strengthening the public health system. It also worked at national level to ensure reliable information about the nutritional situation reached the wider humanitarian community. Covid-19 prevention was integrated into all interventions and additional response activities were implemented, such as the disinfection of health facilities and public places, cash assistance, psychosocial support and the distribution of hygiene kits to affected populations.

Job Purpose

To support the Head of Department to ensure development and implementation of Afghanistan mission surveillance strategy, coordinate/technically support the implementation of quality nutrition surveillance programs (including; SMART, SQUEAC, SLEAC and other Assessments), supporting Assessment & Information Management Working Group (AIM-WG), structure the capacity building of all departmental staff, and represent AAH in relevant coordination bodies and forums when delegated by the Head of Department.

Mission 1: To contribute and implement AAH Nutrition Surveillance Strategy

With the support of the Head of Department, the HQ technical Advisor, and in close collaboration with the nutrition cluster, contribute to develop a comprehensive nutrition surveillance strategy for the mission.

• Based on the surveillance strategy, design projects and budgets for nutrition surveillance and support mission fund-raising efforts if needed
• Coordinate with the Health and Nutrition, WASH, FSL-DRR and MHCP-P on the mission to develop potential synergies/integrated surveillance activities
• Consolidate and analyze data from the different surveys/assessments and produce learning and other relevant documents to share with stakeholders
• Produce capitalization report including lessons learnt and recommendations for future capacity development in country based on project experience
• Actively contribute to the development of AAH Nutrition Technical advocacy in the field of national nutrition surveillance, including drafting/review of positioning papers
• Contribute to the global monitoring and analysis of the nutrition and health situation in Afghanistan and provide inputs in Afghanistan country nutrition strategy. This should be done in close link with key health and nutrition stakeholders active at national level
• Implement all work-related activities with a gender, disability and child protection lens, taking into account the different needs, concerns and ideas of our staff and beneficiaries

Mission 2: To plan and lead SMART/SQUEAC/SLEAC surveys or Rapid Nutrition Assessment (RNA-6) in partnership with nutrition/health partners Government of Afghanistan (AIM-WG, PND, HMIS, MoPH) and ACFIN HQs

• Under the supervision of the Head of Department, Liaise with the nutrition and health clusters and AIM-WG to determine target areas for conducting SMART (with mortality data), SQUEAC, and SLEAC surveys and Rapid Nutrition Assessments based on proposal criteria
• Closely coordinate with the Humanitarian Access and Security department for validation of the target location of each survey prior to deployment of the survey team.
• Liaise with the AIM-WG, HMIS, MoPH and Nutrition Cluster to define and validate the methodologies of each survey prior field data collection.
• Liaise with local health & nutrition authorities to gather validation before each survey
• Liaise with the nutrition/health program team to define the scope of partnership to conduct the surveys in the targeted areas
• Coordinate with the different actors (PND, BPHS…) and ensure having the different authorization (PND, security..) and MOU to conduct the survey.
• Closely coordinate with all support departments during the surveys implementing partners selection
• Define the implementation planning of the project
• Support the survey team on the writing of the report through quality data analysis and interpretation
• Present and disseminate the assessment/survey reports after validation by the Nutrition Assessment & Information Management Working Group (AIM-WG)
• Train internal and partner agency’s managers/supervisors (including pre and post-tests, standardization test and pre-survey) on each survey methodology
• Liaise with ACF UK and ACF Canada for technical support which may be required for some surveillance activities. Coordination is required for planning, budgeting and organizing this support, under contract framework between the AAH Afghanistan mission and AAH HQs.

Mission 3: To strengthen the technical capacity and co-chair the Nutrition Assessment Working Group (AIM-WG)

• Support the Nutrition and Health Cluster in leading the AIM – WG, including organization of monthly and ad hoc meetings, agenda setting, action planning & minutes writing
• Support in country capacity mapping for nutrition assessments and development of recommendations/actions for gap filling
• Participate as a leading facilitator in the development of a capacity building strategy for improving in-country expertise on nutrition surveillance, in close collaboration with the Cluster and other stakeholders
• Plan and facilitate technical capacity building and training sessions for the government ministries and partner NGOs/UN agencies staff/cluster members as and when required
• Ensure AWG members remain active and involved (shared responsibilities) through joint activities and action plan

Mission 4: To supervise the surveillance program team and conduct internal surveillance activities

• participate in the recruitment process and the team’s training 
• Schedule and coordinate the team’s activities 
• Appraise the team members
• Assess the capacity of the nutrition and health (surveillance) team and develop a comprehensive capacity building plan to improve in-house expertise, especially in the following area:
  • Preparedness and organization of the surveys/assessments
  • Supervision of field data collection and check on data quality
  • Analyze data and interpret findings to formulate recommendations and conclusion
  • Support, guide and validate preliminary survey report within 2 weeks (including summary of methodology, survey results and recommendations) and final report within a month (including methodology, results, analysis of results, conclusion and recommendations in terms of program implementation)
• Conduct regular monitoring during surveys and provide hands-on support to the surveillance team according to gaps identified
• Involve the relevant Survey Team members in the definition of the implementation planning and protocols for SMART / Rapid SMART / SQUEAC / SLEAC surveys / assessments.
• Produce monthly Activity Progress Report in collaboration with nutrition and health team.

Mission 5: To promote AAH nutrition and health approach

• articipate in the recruitment process and the team’s training
• Schedule and coordinate the team’s activities
• Appraise the team members
• Assess the capacity of the nutrition and health (surveillance) team and develop a comprehensive capacity building plan to improve in-house expertise, especially in the following area:
• Preparedness and organization of the surveys/assessments
• Supervision of field data collection and check on data quality
• Analyze data and interpret findings to formulate recommendations and conclusion
• Support, guide and validate preliminary survey report within 2 weeks (including summary of methodology, survey results and recommendations) and final report within a month (including methodology, results, analysis of results, conclusion and recommendations in terms of program implementation)
• Conduct regular monitoring during surveys and provide hands-on support to the surveillance team according to gaps identified
• Involve the relevant Survey Team members in the definition of the implementation planning and protocols for SMART / Rapid SMART / SQUEAC / SLEAC surveys / assessments.
• Produce monthly Activity Progress Report in collaboration with nutrition and health team.

Mission 6: To manage logistic and financial resources of the project

• Participate in the recruitment process and the team’s training
• Schedule and coordinate the team’s activities
• Appraise the team members
• Assess the capacity of the nutrition and health (surveillance) team and develop a comprehensive capacity building plan to improve in-house expertise, especially in the following area:
• Preparedness and organization of the surveys/assessments
• Supervision of field data collection and check on data quality
• Analyze data and interpret findings to formulate recommendations and conclusion
• Support, guide and validate preliminary survey report within 2 weeks (including summary of methodology, survey results and recommendations) and final report within a month (including methodology, results, analysis of results, conclusion and recommendations in terms of program implementation)
• Conduct regular monitoring during surveys and provide hands-on support to the surveillance team according to gaps identified
• Involve the relevant Survey Team members in the definition of the implementation planning and protocols for SMART / Rapid SMART / SQUEAC / SLEAC surveys / assessments.
• Produce monthly Activity Progress Report in collaboration with nutrition and health team.

Mission 7: To contribute to build the technical capacity of the Nutrition Surveillance team, including monitoring projects to ensure adherence to AAH Quality Standards

• participate in the recruitment process and the team’s training
• Schedule and coordinate the team’s activities
• Appraise the team members
• Assess the capacity of the nutrition and health (surveillance) team and develop a comprehensive capacity building plan to improve in-house expertise, especially in the following area:
• Preparedness and organization of the surveys/assessments
• Supervision of field data collection and check on data quality
• Analyze data and interpret findings to formulate recommendations and conclusion
• Support, guide and validate preliminary survey report within 2 weeks (including summary of methodology, survey results and recommendations) and final report within a month (including methodology, results, analysis of results, conclusion and recommendations in terms of program implementation)
• Conduct regular monitoring during surveys and provide hands-on support to the surveillance team according to gaps identified
• Involve the relevant Survey Team members in the definition of the implementation planning and protocols for SMART / Rapid SMART / SQUEAC / SLEAC surveys / assessments.
• Produce monthly Activity Progress Report in collaboration with nutrition and health team.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCES REQUIRED FOR THE JOB

Education (if relevant) and experiences expected

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Nutrition, Medical Science, Health Statistics or relevant discipline.
• Ability to conduct and lead SMART/Nutrition surveys (essential) and SLEAC assessment (desirable)
• Certified SMART Survey Manager (essential)
• At least 2 years of experience conducting surveys. (essential)
• Strong computer skills especially data analyses software such as ENA, Epi info (essential)
• At least 5 years of working with INGO/NGOs in similar field. (desirable)
• Able to analyze and summarize complex technical and contextual information
• Fluent in English, reading writing and speaking and/or local language of the program implementation area
• Excellent computer skills (Excel)
• Excellent coordination and interpersonal skills
• Team management skills
• Good Knowledge of donor reporting
• Ability to handle stress and pressure

Technical skills

• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Has a good knowledge and understanding of the Afghanistan Health System, sectoral priorities and the context.
• Professional in written and spoken English.
• Ability to work in partnership with local implementing partners, government, and other international/national partners.

Transverse skills

• Team building and training skills.
• Independent, critical mind and pro-activity
• Strong analytical skills.

Managerial skills

• Highly developed management and leadership skills.
• Excellent knowledge of project cycle management.
• Strong flexibility is required in terms of mobility & working hours.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision

Qualified and interested candidates should submit a cover letter and full CV with three Referees indicating the vacancy announcement to the address:

Human Resources Department AAH office

or can also be emailed to:

vacancies@af-actionagainsthunger.org indicating the job tile and vacancy number of the position in the email subject line.

Eligible candidates are invited to apply by the earliest possible, until 08 Sep 2024. 

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

Do not submit academic certificates with the application. These will be requested if the candidate is selected. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the written test/interview.  

Action Against Hunger/Action Conter La Faim is an equal opportunity employer.  We strongly encourage women and people with disabilities to apply.  ACF/AAH has zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, and abuse (SEA).