The Somaliland Red Crescent Society (SRCS), also known as Bisha Cas, is seeking a qualified and experienced Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Counsellor to join its health and nutrition team at Habasha Clinic in the Badhan Sub-Branch Office, Sanaag Region. This position plays a key role in strengthening maternal and child nutrition by promoting proper infant feeding practices and providing counselling support to mothers and caregivers.
The primary responsibility of the IYCF Counsellor is to provide technical assistance and guidance on infant and young child feeding practices, ensuring that mothers and caregivers receive accurate, consistent, and culturally appropriate nutrition information. The counsellor will support efforts to improve child nutrition and survival by promoting optimal breastfeeding practices and proper complementary feeding.
The position requires the counsellor to lead group education sessions for mothers and caregivers of children under two years old, focusing on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, maternal nutrition, and child health. The counsellor will also provide one-to-one breastfeeding counselling for mothers experiencing challenges with breastfeeding, including assisting with relactation support where necessary.
In addition, the IYCF Counsellor will facilitate mother support groups and father support groups, encouraging family involvement in promoting healthy feeding practices. The role includes assessing mothers and children to identify specific feeding support needs and providing practical advice on correct breastfeeding techniques such as proper positioning and attachment.
The counsellor will educate pregnant women about the importance of early initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, the benefits of colostrum feeding, and the importance of preventing harmful practices such as pre-lacteal feeding or bottle feeding. Mothers will also receive guidance on the appropriate timing for introducing complementary foods, the quality and frequency of feeding, and the continuation of breastfeeding up to two years of age.
Additional responsibilities include discouraging bottle feeding and mixed feeding practices, promoting safer feeding alternatives such as the use of cups and spoons, and educating mothers about the importance of maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. The counsellor will also conduct home visits to follow up with mothers and caregivers who have received counselling services.
The IYCF Counsellor will work closely with TSFP/OTP nurses, PLW Auxiliary Nurses, and ANC/PNC staff to ensure integrated nutrition support services. The role includes maintaining accurate records of mothers and children attending counselling sessions and keeping proper registers of IYCF activities at the clinic.
The counsellor will also be responsible for collecting, compiling, and submitting weekly and monthly IYCF reportsto the head nurse and ensuring that all activities are implemented effectively at the clinic level.
This position is offered on a one-year contract with the possibility of extension, depending on program needs and funding availability. The successful candidate must demonstrate flexibility, teamwork, and dedication to improving maternal and child nutrition outcomes in the Sanaag region.
