ECD Counsellor

Description

The ECD/IYCF Counsellor is responsible for conducting rapid and detailed assessments of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and caregiving practices among mothers and caregivers at health facilities and community levels, and for delivering integrated IYCF counselling and Early Childhood Development (ECD) parenting support. The position aims to improve breastfeeding, complementary feeding, maternal nutrition, responsive caregiving, and early stimulation practices in line with national guidelines and UNICEF’s ECD Parenting Package.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rapid and detailed assessments of IYCF and caregiving practices among caregivers at BHUs, outreach sites, ECD PlayLabs, and the community level, and analyse gaps and malpractices.
• Develop and implement action plans to improve IYCF and ECD practices in line with national guidelines and programme strategies.
• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job support to Nutrition Assistants, LHVs, LHWs, CHWs, and Community Resource Persons (CRPs) on IYCF counselling and responsive caregiving techniques.
• Build the capacity of outreach supervisors and CRPs on community-based IYCF and ECD counselling approaches, ensuring quality and consistency in service delivery.
• Ensure the formation and regular functioning of Support Groups at the community level and facilitate structured group counselling sessions on breastfeeding, complementary feeding, maternal nutrition, hygiene, and early stimulation.
• Identify model caregivers, document positive practices, and support replication of best practices within communities to improve IYCF and caregiving behaviours.
• Ensure the establishment and proper use of breastfeeding corners at health facilities and outreach sites, in coordination with facility staff.
• Conduct individual and group counselling sessions for pregnant and lactating women (PLWs), caregivers of children under five, and groups on:
  • Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding
  • Age-appropriate complementary feeding
  • Maternal nutrition and self-care
  • Responsive feeding, play, and early stimulation
• Identify, develop, and utilize appropriate IEC materials and flash cards in local languages, ensuring their consistent use during counselling and group sessions.
• Promote Family MUAC, early care-seeking, and referral of at-risk children and PBWs to Nutrition Assistants and health facilities.
• Integrate PSEAH, safeguarding, AAP, and gender-sensitive messaging into all counselling and community engagement activities, and inform communities about feedback and complaint mechanisms.
• Develop weekly and monthly activity plans aligned with the Annual Work Plan (AWP) and monitor progress accordingly.
• Document case studies, success stories, and lessons learned and share them with the District Nutrition & ECD Coordinator and project team.
• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly IYCF/ECD reports on time, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Use basic computer applications for data entry, analysis, and report writing.

• Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the line supervisor in support of programme objectives.

  Our organization maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward conduct incompatible with its values and objectives, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and abuse of authority. We adhere strictly to child-safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Additional documentation may be requested if required.

  Additional Information

  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for a test/interview.
  • Due to the nature of the project, positions may be filled on a rolling basis.

Experience

3 Years

Apply By

Dec 2, 2026

Required Skills

• Early Childhood Development Assessment
• Child Safeguarding
• Case Management
• Child Development Theories
• Counselling Techniques

Nice to Have Skills

• Communication Skills
• Report Writing
• Community Outreach