Nutrition Counselor for MHTs

Bakhter Development Network (BDN) was established and registered in 2001 with the Ministry of Economics in Afghanistan as an Afghan, non-political, non-profit, and non-governmental organization. BDN operates in line with its constitution in three sectors: education, health, and agriculture and livestock. With its current focus on public health and nutrition services, BDN's mission is to assist communities in the achievement of their own development goals, while its vision is a world of enabled communities working toward a brighter future.

Currently, BDN is involved in implementing different health projects across multiple provinces of Afghanistan, such as BPHS-EPHS projects in Balkh and vertical projects like CBNI, TSFP, PHNS, FSAC, GC7, S-WIFS, and RMNCAH/SRH and PSS services in provinces such as Balkh, Badakhshan, Baghlan, Faryab, Sar-e-Pol, Jawzjan, Samangan, Takhar, Kapisa, Ghazni, Kunduz, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, Kabul, Parwan, Panjshir, and Maidan Wardak.

BDN, in more than 20 years of its operation, has made impressive contributions in promoting access to quality healthcare and has developed a reputable track record in the effective implementation of numerous projects within the country. BDN adheres to the policy of equal employment opportunities, and its hiring process is based on evaluation by knowledge, skill, work experience, and ability, without regard to age, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, or physical status.

The nutrition counselor will play a vital role in promoting and supporting the nutritional well-being of individuals and families as part of the project. This position involves providing nutrition counseling, education, and guidance to improve dietary practices and overall health.

The nutrition counselor is responsible for:

• Register and undertake Growth Monitoring and promotion (GMP), including measuring weight, height, age, and checking edema of all children under two years of age
• Conduct GMP-based counseling of mothers/caregivers of all children under two years of age on appropriate Maternal Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) practices and infection Prevention
• If the child is normal, encourage and counsel the mother to reinforce and promote age-appropriate MIYCN practices
• If a child is suffering from acute malnutrition, refer to the doctor of the health center for adequate treatment and counseling.
• Counsel Mothers/caregivers to bring under-two children for the continued monthly GMP visit
• Check whether the child has received Vitamin A supplementation during the previous NID; if not, then refer to the doctor of the health center in order to obtain vitamin A.
• Providing health education to mothers in health centers on a daily basis.
• Conduct complementary feeding demonstrations once per month.

Counseling on Maternal Nutrition

• Provide individual Nutrition counseling on appropriate practices, based on the BMI and MUAC findings
• Check whether lactating mothers receive adequate IF tablets for three months after
• delivery.
• If apparently the mother's health and nutrition are not suitable, refer to the doctor of the health center for diagnosis and treatment.

At the community level:

• Work and coordinate with Community Health Supervisors (CHSs) and Community Health Workers (CHWs) during the CHW monthly meetings to
• Share the GMP defaulter cases list with CHW and follow up
• Ensure that the PM sessions are conducted in the community by CHWs regularly.
• Mentoring CHWs on topics such as GMP, counseling skills, proper home visit

Recording and Reporting:

• Maintain regular reports to monitor and track delivery of nutrition services.
• Using the MCH handbook in those provinces where the MCH handbook is applied.
• Identify beneficiaries who require follow-up visits and share information with CHSS/CHWs.

• Graduated from the 12^th grade, or at least she must have completed grade 9.
• Proven experience in nutrition counseling and education. (If any)
• Knowledge of nutritional guidelines and dietary practices. (If any)
• Excellent communication and counseling skills.
• Empathy and the ability to build rapport with clients.
• Familiarity with Afghan nutrition programs and community engagement is a plus.
• Knowledge of local languages is essential.