Health and Nutrition Officer

Position Description

Here you’ll make a difference

Save the Children is the world’s largest independent child rights development organisation, making a difference to children’s lives in more than 100 countries. From emergency relief to long-term development, Save the Children secures a child’s right to health, education, and protection. At Save the Children, we attract bright and big-hearted people who are inspired to make a difference. Together, we are fearless in our pursuit of making lasting change for the children and communities who need it most. In Papua New Guinea, Save the Children currently implement programs in the sectors of health, education, child protection, child rights governance and livelihoods. The Child Nutrition and Social Protection Project is an 18-month project implemented from March 2025 to December 2026 in the provinces of East New Britain and Simbu.

Here your skills will be valued

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Deputy Team Leader - Technical, the Health and Nutrition Officer will support the implementation of evidence-based nutrition and health interventions aimed at improving child nutrition outcomes and strengthening social protection systems in Simbu and East New Britain Provinces of Papua New Guinea. The Health and Nutrition Officer will provide technical expertise, coordinate field activities between both Simbu and ENB provinces and ensure all training and capacity building activities are implemented in a timely and quality manner.

Key Areas of Accountability

Technical Support & Implementation

• Support the implementation of health and nutrition activities in the assigned district, including beneficiary registration, sensitization, nutrition and financial literacy training.
• Coordinate with Community Development Workers (CDWs) to ensure timely and quality implementation of project activities, including Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) activities for Village Health Assistants (VHA) and CDWs.
• Work with the Deputy Team Leader – Technical and the Senior Health and Nutrition Program Manager to design and implement community-based nutrition programs targeting children under five (5) and pregnant/lactating women.
• Support integration of nutrition services into primary health care and social protection platforms.
• Provide technical guidance on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), micronutrient supplementation, and growth monitoring.
• Assist in the rollout of nutrition-sensitive social protection interventions (e.g., conditional cash transfers linked to health visits).
• Train and mentor health workers, community volunteers, and social protection staff on nutrition protocols and practices.
• Work with relevant staff to develop culturally appropriate IEC (Information, Education, Communication) materials for nutrition awareness campaigns.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Assessment, and Learning (MEAL)

• Work with the MEAL team to collect and analyze nutrition-related data to track progress and inform decision-making.
• Contribute to project reports, donor updates, and learning briefs.
• Support baseline and endline surveys, post distribution monitoring (PDM), and ensure inclusion. of nutrition sensitive indicators within all data-collection tools and protocols.
• Ensure data quality and ethical standards are met for nutrition sensitive indicators.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with government agencies (e.g., National Department of Health), Provincial Health Authorities, NGOs, and community leaders.
• Represent Save the Children in technical working groups and coordination forums at the provincial level.
• Advocate for nutrition-sensitive policies and practices at local and national levels.

General

• Comply with Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Embody the Save the Children values in practice of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity. Work according to Save the Children’s mandate and child focus.
• Work according to any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Child protection and safeguarding requirements

• Maintain a child safe environment at the workplace and safeguard children’s rights, acting in the best interests of children at all times.
• Maintain compliance with Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and PSEAH policies and reporting processes among staff and volunteers.
• Act as a role model by demonstrating highest standards of behaviour towards children in private and professional life.
• Never abuse the position of trust that comes with being a part of the Save the Children family.
• Maintain a safe and positive relationship at all times when working with children and young people.
• Respond to any concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child in a program in accordance with internal reporting processes.

Health, safety, security and risk management

• Be a role model for safety and security and comply with all workplace safety policy, procedure, work instructions and training.
• Act safely at all times.
• Report all incidents, injuries and potential hazards in a timely manner.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Be aware of, and consider, the risks associated with one’s daily work and apply appropriate mitigation measures in line with Save the Children’s policies and procedures.

All roles at Save the Children contribute to our impact for children.

At Save the Children, every role, whether in our programs or support services, plays a vital part in our impact for children. We are committed to creating a positive impact on the lives of children and their communities, and we value the contributions of every team member in achieving this vision.

Person Specification

It takes all types of people to do the challenging work we do. Here are some of the specific skills and experiences you’ll bring in this role:

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Nutrition, or related field (Master’s is an advantage).
• Minimum 3 (three) years of experience in nutrition programming, preferably in low-resource settings
• Familiarity with World Bank or donor-funded project environments.
• Strong understanding of PNG’s health system and cultural context.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., DHIS2, Excel, KoboToolbox).
• Knowledge of Tok Pisin or local languages; fluency in English is an advantage.
• Passion for improving child health and nutrition outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel to remote areas and adapt to challenging environment.

Additional Information

• Any offer of employment at Save the Children Australia will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check
• Employees must sign on to Save the Children Australia’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.
• Ongoing performance and employment will be measured against Key Performance Indicators, values, and demonstrated behaviours outlined above.
• Save the Children in PNG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We are actively seeking talented individuals to join our organization on various positions at different location within our organisation. If you are passionate about Children’s rights and have the drive to contribute to a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply."

Save the Children is no ordinary not-for-profit.

We’re ambitious, creative and outspoken. We stand up for children’s rights. We want all children to be educated, healthy and live a life free from violence. We’ve been supporting communities in Papua New Guinea for 40 years and are committed to be a platform for transformative and lasting change for children their families, and their communities.

Here you’ll make a difference

Save the Children is the world’s largest independent child rights development organisation, making a difference to children’s lives in more than 100 countries. From emergency relief to long-term development, Save the Children secures a child’s right to health, education, and protection. At Save the Children, we attract bright and big-hearted people who are inspired to make a difference. Together, we are fearless in our pursuit of making lasting change for the children and communities who need it most. In Papua New Guinea, Save the Children currently implement programs in the sectors of health, education, child protection, child rights governance and livelihoods. The Child Nutrition and Social Protection Project is an 18-month project implemented from March 2025 to December 2026 in the provinces of East New Britain and Simbu. We have the following vacancies:

Health and Nutrition Officer

Role Purpose

Reporting to the Deputy Team Leader - Technical, the Health and Nutrition Officer will support the implementation of evidence-based nutrition and health interventions aimed at improving child nutrition outcomes and strengthening social protection systems in Simbu and East New Britain Provinces of Papua New Guinea. The Health and Nutrition Officer will provide technical expertise, coordinate field activities between both Simbu and ENB provinces and ensure all training and capacity building activities are implemented in a timely and quality manner.

Key Areas of Accountability

Technical Support & Implementation

• Support the implementation of health and nutrition activities in the assigned district, including beneficiary registration, sensitization, nutrition and financial literacy training.
• Coordinate with Community Development Workers (CDWs) to ensure timely and quality implementation of project activities, including Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) activities for Village Health Assistants (VHA) and CDWs.
• Work with the Deputy Team Leader – Technical and the Senior Health and Nutrition Program Manager to design and implement community-based nutrition programs targeting children under five (5) and pregnant/lactating women.
• Support integration of nutrition services into primary health care and social protection platforms.
• Provide technical guidance on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), micronutrient supplementation, and growth monitoring.
• Assist in the rollout of nutrition-sensitive social protection interventions (e.g., conditional cash transfers linked to health visits).
• Train and mentor health workers, community volunteers, and social protection staff on nutrition protocols and practices.
• Work with relevant staff to develop culturally appropriate IEC (Information, Education, Communication) materials for nutrition awareness campaigns.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Assessment, and Learning (MEAL)

• Work with the MEAL team to collect and analyze nutrition-related data to track progress and inform decision-making.
• Contribute to project reports, donor updates, and learning briefs.
• Support baseline and endline surveys, post distribution monitoring (PDM), and ensure inclusion. of nutrition sensitive indicators within all data-collection tools and protocols.
• Ensure data quality and ethical standards are met for nutrition sensitive indicators.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with government agencies (e.g., National Department of Health), Provincial Health Authorities, NGOs, and community leaders.
• Represent Save the Children in technical working groups and coordination forums at the provincial level.
• Advocate for nutrition-sensitive policies and practices at local and national levels.

General

• Comply with Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Embody the Save the Children values in practice of Accountability, Ambition, Collaboration, Creativity, and Integrity. Work according to Save the Children’s mandate and child focus.
• Work according to any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Child protection and safeguarding requirements

• Maintain a child safe environment at the workplace and safeguard children’s rights, acting in the best interests of children at all times.
• Maintain compliance with Save the Children’s Child Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and PSEAH policies and reporting processes among staff and volunteers.
• Act as a role model by demonstrating highest standards of behaviour towards children in private and professional life.
• Never abuse the position of trust that comes with being a part of the Save the Children family.
• Maintain a safe and positive relationship at all times when working with children and young people.
• Respond to any concerns for the safety or wellbeing of a child in a program in accordance with internal reporting processes.

Health, safety, security and risk management

• Be a role model for safety and security and comply with all workplace safety policy, procedure, work instructions and training.
• Act safely at all times.
• Report all incidents, injuries and potential hazards in a timely manner.
• Participate in, and contribute to, health and safety awareness and improvements.
• Be aware of, and consider, the risks associated with one’s daily work and apply appropriate mitigation measures in line with Save the Children’s policies and procedures.

All roles at Save the Children contribute to our impact for children.

• At Save the Children, every role, whether in our programs or support services, plays a vital part in our impact for children. We are committed to creating a positive impact on the lives of children and their communities, and we value the contributions of every team member in achieving this vision contribute to improving efficiency and coordination across procurement functions.

Person Specification

It takes all types of people to do the challenging work we do. Here are some of the specific skills and experiences you’ll bring in this role:

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Nutrition, or related field (Master’s is an advantage).
• Minimum 3 (three) years of experience in nutrition programming, preferably in low-resource settings
• Familiarity with World Bank or donor-funded project environments.
• Strong understanding of PNG’s health system and cultural context.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools (e.g., DHIS2, Excel, KoboToolbox).
• Knowledge of Tok Pisin or local languages; fluency in English is an advantage.
• Passion for improving child health and nutritional outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.

Willingness to travel to remote areas and adapt to challenging environment.

Additional Information

• Any offer of employment at Save the Children Australia will be subject to a satisfactory National Police Record Check and a Working with Children Check
• Employees must sign on to Save the Children Australia’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.
• Ongoing performance and employment will be measured against Key Performance Indicators, values, and demonstrated behaviours outlined above.
• Save the Children in PNG is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sounds interesting?

We’d love to hear from you. To Apply: Submit your cover letter indicating your suitable Position and your updated resume not more than 2x pages and send to: [email protected]

The Hiring Manager

Save the Children

CHM Corporate Park One Building

Level 1, Suite 6 - 7

P O Box 503, Boroko

National Capital District

Applications close on Monday 17^th November 2025, please note applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and the vacancy may close prior to the deadline. So, we encourage you to apply soon

Kindly note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.