The Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) is a neutral, independent, and non-political humanitarian organization that is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. SRCS is committed to providing lifesaving health, nutrition, and humanitarian services to vulnerable populations across Somalia, with a focus on improving maternal and child health outcomes.
SRCS is currently seeking a qualified and compassionate IYCF (Infant and Young Child Feeding) Counsellor to be based in Afgoye. This position plays a critical role in promoting optimal feeding practices for infants and young children, ensuring that mothers and caregivers receive accurate, consistent, and practical guidance to improve child nutrition and health outcomes.
The IYCF Counsellor will work closely with health and nutrition teams to deliver counselling, education, and support services to mothers, pregnant women, and caregivers at nutrition service sites.
Key Responsibilities:
• Conduct group education sessions for mothers and caregivers of children under two years old
• Provide one-on-one breastfeeding counselling, including support for mothers facing challenges such as re-lactation
• Facilitate mother and father support groups to encourage best feeding practices
• Assess mothers and children to identify feeding challenges and provide tailored support
• Deliver counselling to pregnant women on early initiation of breastfeeding and colostrum feeding
• Educate caregivers on proper breastfeeding techniques, including positioning and attachment
• Promote timely and appropriate complementary feeding practices
• Advise on the quality, quantity, and frequency of complementary feeding to ensure proper child growth
• Discourage harmful practices such as bottle feeding and mixed feeding before six months
• Provide guidance on maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation
• Conduct follow-ups and home visits for continued support where necessary
• Maintain accurate records of counselling sessions and beneficiary data
• Compile and submit weekly and monthly IYCF reports to the Head Nurse
• Collaborate closely with TSFP/OTP nurses and other health staff to ensure integrated service delivery
Qualifications and Requirements:
• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Midwifery, Public Health, Nutrition, or a related field
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in maternal and child health programs
• Experience in CMAM (Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition) and IYCF programming
• Strong understanding of infant and young child feeding practices
• Ability to maintain accurate records and produce timely reports
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Understanding of local language and cultural context is essential
• Experience in breastfeeding support is highly desirable
Additional Competencies:
• Compassionate and empathetic approach when working with mothers and children
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and ethical standards
