Florence Oluoch

An accomplished Health and Nutrition project management professional with more than ten years of professional experience designing and implementing programs in development, conflict-affected, crisis, and transition environments. Program expertise in policy development as relates to health, nutrition, food security, and livelihood initiatives for non-governmental organizations and international agencies. Have worked on both short- and medium-term assignments, and my efforts are aimed at the effective and strategic use of donor and local resources for communities and organizations having complex or chronic needs.

CAREER OBJECTIVES

1. Develop programs that promote food and nutrition security through nutrition-specific and sensitive Interventions.
2. Design projects that promote, protect breastfeeding and support optimal feeding practices in the first 1000 days of life.
3. Design lifesaving interventions that align with universal health coverage principles and country-specific essential packages of health care to improve the health and well-being of the most vulnerable population. 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

HEALTH AND NUTRITION PROGRAM MANAGER - DEH SOMALIA November 2021- To date 

• Provides Health and Nutrition sectoral leadership and technical support to program teams; oversees and coordinates the development of Nutrition activity detailed implementation plans, Recruitment of technical staff and consultants, making budget forecasts, and technically managing Nutrition field teams to ensure timely achievement of high-quality deliverables as planned.
• Responsible for Health and Nutrition Programs design; Concept notes and Proposal development (ECHO, WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, SHF among other donors)
•  Ensures that technical quality and standards are upheld during project implementation; assesses and analyzes Health and Nutrition activity progress continuously through lessons learned on Community Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) and infant and young child feeding in emergencies (IYCF-E), Essential Packages of Health Services (EPHS) and Primary Health Care (PHC)
• Coordinates with other sectoral leads to ensure multi-sectoral programs are integrated and cross-cutting (e.g. gender, protection, climate, and sustainability within all Nutrition interventions).
•  Implements and maintain reporting systems to monitor and evaluate the Nutrition objectives, indicators, and outcomes of the projects.
• Conducts needs assessment and other Health and nutrition Assessment, rapid needs assessments, and provide prioritized recommendations for nutrition activities in DEH-operated and new areas.
•  Represent the DEH, coordinating with other agencies, local government, donors, clusters, and other partners.

HEALTH AND NUTRITION COORDINATOR- SAADO SOUTH SUDAN October 2019- October 2021

 

• Ensured quality and timely field-level implementation of the Nutrition program (OTP and TSFP), against set objectives, targets, and work plans. 
• Conducted field assessments, identified potential needs, and designed, and implemented response plans. 
• Mentored and coached the nutrition teams in treatment protocols, conducted supportive supervision, and provide refresher training on CMAM. 
• Coordinated with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager on training and implementation for Nutrition Surveys (e.g., SMART, SQUEAC, KAP) 
• Supported regular nutrition program evaluations, rapid assessments identifying needs, and making practical recommendations.
• Coordinated with the Referral Program officer to establish a mechanism for tracking referrals. 
• Enhanced integration of nutrition activities with other key health programs and coordinated with the health communications officer on establishing strong BCC and outreach activities. 
• Facilitated the conducting of focus group discussions with relevant communities for feedback on program activities and Project management. 
• Led the nutrition team and worked with the Nutrition team to supervise nutrition program implementation. 
• Oversaw nutrition job description reviews, recruitment, orientation, and performance reviews for the nutrition team.
• Developed nutrition activity work plans based on the program's annual work plan and implement activities on time.
• Ensured that the implementation of nutrition activities is well coordinated with ICCM activities. 
• Coordinated with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager in compiling monthly nutrition reports quarterly analysis trends and how to improve the quality of reporting. 
• Coordinated with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager to review nutrition reporting indicators and reporting tools. 
• Coordinated with the Logistics Manager to improve supply chain management and accountability for nutrition supplies.
• Consulted with technical leads, and contribute to the development of nutrition project proposals and project budgets.
• Participated in relevant coordination meetings, collaborate, and build strong relationships with other implementing partners. 
• Supported local program supervision visits from donors, MOH or authorities, or any other relevant parties as assigned by the Program Director.

SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER- GRANTS ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT, WORLD VISION IRAQ March 2019- October 2019

• Established resources and staff in the Program unit to meet response needs and determine program organizational structure and staffing plan with P&C.
• Facilitated program planning process to ensure alignment with context, humanitarian needs, response strategy as well as operational feasibility and technical quality and developed response plan that aligned with funding allocations and the response strategy.
• Supported finance in the allocation and tracking of response funding and ensured strategic priorities are funded & effective leveraging available funding supporting mapping of all funding sources with Finance. Supported funding allocation process (Private Non-Sponsorship & grant opportunities) in coordination with Finance, Response Manager, and Operations to reflect response strategic priorities, and operational realities and ensure compliance with relevant funding regulations.
• Liaised with donors and advocated for resource operations plan to address humanitarian needs Monitor and analyzed donor opportunities to ensure they align with operational intent and Collaborated with Advocacy to influence donor funding strategies.
• Developed and submitted project proposals to donors to resource operations, advocacy, finance, and relevant Support functions and ensure stakeholders have the opportunity to review proposals and raise issues before submission to donors. Ensured that proposals were aligned with the operational plan, sector DADDs, and standards as well as accountability standards and basic DME requirements 
• Supported finance to establish a grant management system and ensured the fulfillment of donor requirements such as conducting grant orientation or grant start-up workshops for relevant staff and managed donor reports.
• Planned, implemented, analyzed, and shared findings from assessments and Program monitoring Plan the initial rapid assessment process and managed the data collection (including primary, and secondary data, observational data, and community feedback)
• Developed Program design based on response strategy, context, and humanitarian needs Review NO Strategy, context analysis, and assessment findings for design recommendations that incorporate international humanitarian standards and WV guidance and standards (i.e. Sphere, DADDs, CWBOs, PAF, etc) •
• Designed and supported the implementation of the Program monitoring system Developed and implement the Program. Collaborated with Information Management and Humanitarian Accountability (HA) and provided summaries of community-based data and share them with Operations and management.
• Planned and managed baselines, evaluations, reviews, and learning events for continuous improvement Conducted real-time evaluation (RTE) during the first phase of the response and developed Plans of Action that address evaluation, review recommendations, and monitor implementation.
• Lead pre-teaming of local and international partners and approached donor funding complementing each other strengths.

 NUTRITION PROGRAM MANAGER- CONCERN WORLDWIDE SOUTH SUDAN. Jan 2017 to March 2018 

• Directly provided oversight in emergency nutrition program management and technical Supervision of emergency nutrition program in Bentiu POC and Beyond Bentiu Responses.
• Lead the Bentiu POC nutrition program to achieve optimal health and nutrition-seeking behavior and increased coverage of the CMAM program across Bentiu POC sites OTPs and TSFPs in greater unity state following national CMAM guidelines and other relevant protocols. 
• Prepared emergency contingency plans and activities plan for the nutrition program, in line with donor commitments and program objectives. 

•  Prepared procurement plans for the purchase of materials and equipment for the nutrition team, in line with donor funding.
• Managed the nutrition program budget, including preparing budgets, tracking expenditures against approved budgets, and proactively addressing over or underspends. 
•  Ensured a strong monitoring system is in place and that program data on key nutrition indicators, and admission trends, including program coverage, community participation, health and nutrition knowledge, and practice, are regularly collected, analyzed, reviewed, and responded to on an ongoing basis, including through program and country-wide reviews. 
•  Develop an M&E framework and work plan based on the country's strategic health & nutrition plan. 
•  Ensured the organization of RUTF and RUSF distributions (including timely prepositioning of stock in coordination with the Nutrition cluster), screening of 6-24 months old, referrals of malnourished children, and health messaging during distributions. 
• Provided technical supervision at targeted locations and compiled distribution reports. 
•  Adapted and improved the existing program on an ongoing basis, based on a careful review of monitoring and evaluation findings and discussion with the Area Coordinator and Emergency Program Director. 
•  Planned and clearly outlined the quantities and specifications for all required nutrition materials well in advance and liaise with the logistics department to ensure details and timelines are well understood. 
• Provided technical assistance and support to any nutrition consultants, including those conducting nutrition surveys. 
•  Manage the nutrition program staff, ensuring that work plans are set and adhered to, identifying training and capacity-building opportunities, and ensuring effective training and mentoring.
• Supported in the recruitment of additional staff as needed and trained, mentored, and supervised new and existing staff to ensure quality community mobilization, and behavioral change through a variety of nutrition program activities, based on the assessment of training needs and including sensitization on Concern P4 policy Representation and Coordination.
• Represented Concern and coordinated with the MOH and other nutrition stakeholders at national, state, and county levels on nutrition. 
•  Actively participated in appropriate national and state meetings/workshops and remain up to date on key nutrition developments in South Sudan. 
• Provided input into nutrition policy/protocols at the national level, Grants Management, and Reporting 
•  Regularly reported on program outcomes, activities, processes, and lessons learned in the form of internal as well as donor and head office reports. 
• In collaboration with the Grants Unit, developed nutrition program proposals, budgets, and concept notes as needed, particularly building on lessons learned from previous program experience and contributing to multisector program proposals.

ERT NUTRITION PROGRAM MANAGER- MEDAIR SOUTH SUDAN. June 2015 to Dec 2016.

• Managed the emergency nutrition project(s) to meet the project objectives and report promptly any operational concerns to the line manager and country nutrition advisor. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of activities according to Medair, donor, and other applicable time frames and formats.
• Provided strong leadership of emergency nutrition project(s), ensuring short, mid, and long-term positive impacts/outcomes for beneficiaries, local nutrition authorities, and local nutrition staff.
• Contributed to the development and implementation of an appropriate and effective nutrition strategy including quick deployment, integrated CMAM (when possible), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) in emergency, proactive, responsible exit planning in consultation with country nutrition advisor, ERT PC, and other nutrition staff.
• Set clear objectives and indicators for nutrition assessments and interventions in collaboration with the nutrition advisor, nutrition staff, PC, and other sectors when multi-sectoral responses.
• Continuously monitored and supervised emergency nutrition activities, evaluating progress with both quantitative and qualitative data, involving the nutrition team in analysis, and taking appropriate action.
• Input into the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in all aspects of the project.
• Designed new activities and new project sites and provided input regarding future project growth and changes needed, linked to the assessed needs and gaps and the Medair country strategy.
• Develop and maintain a good interagency relationship with the Nutrition Cluster coordination team, NGOs, UN agencies, and other nutrition actors to ensure good cooperation and partnerships.
• Line-managed the Nutritionist(s) and Health and Nutrition Manager(s) of the emergency nutrition team, including day-to-day management, development and training, and appraisals.
• Manage the Emergency Nutrition team budget and ensure all expenses are according to budget.
• Ensured nutrition supplies and equipment are ordered on time to ensure buffer stocks are readily available in the Juba warehouse. Work in close collaboration with ERT logistics for staff movement and to ensure items are procured, transported, stored, managed, and accounted for correctly.
• Submit timely requests to nutrition partners (UNICEF, WFP) to release core pipeline nutrition supplies and monitor supply provision.
• Liaised with teams on the ground and worked with the ERT PC to monitor the security situation, gathering information from various sources, and feeding back important information to Medair management.
• Ensured that quality observed in emergency nutrition projects is implemented in line with donor proposals and requirements and under Medair, donor, South Sudan, and international standards.
• Ensured nutrition assessments and interventions are in line with relevant national and international guidelines (MUAC sampling, CMAM, IYCF).

REGIONAL MIYCN EXPERT-DANONE BABY NUTRITION Jan2014-May2015

Role/achievements

• Oversee, monitor, and evaluate all the communications going out to the health care professionals, trade, and consumers to seeto it that they strictly adhere to the WHO CODE on breast milk substitutes in English-speaking African countries.
• Collaborated with the ministry of health of English-Speaking African countries to ensure that breast milk substitute laws were adapted according to the WHO code regulation.
• Promoted, protected, advocated, and created awareness of the importance of breast milk by acknowledging that breast milk is a gold standard that cannot be compared to infant formulas by ensuring all communications onIEC materials have a breastfeeding statement.
• Managed the development of the Africa nutrition website and derived sustainable outreach visibility of the website, generate traffic, and strengthen engagements through strategic MIYCN messaging and search engine optimization.
• Advocated for optimal infant feeding practices and influenced behavior change communication through building and maintaining social media in English Speaking African countries. (Piloted in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Ethiopia) these included developing social media strategy and managing day-to-day content and analysis through the first 1000days approach.
• Designed CSR proposals in the region and supported implementation,monitored and evaluated nutrition programs to influence positive behavior change in infant feeding.

NUTRITION PROGRAM MANAGER -ACF-GARBATULLAH June 2013-Dec2013

• Supervised and implemented nutrition interventions (OTPs, SFP) undertaken by ACF, provided specialized inputs into the planning and implementation of nutrition interventions, and trained the nutritionprogram staff to implement the interventions with the highest quality parameter. 
• Participated in the development of project designs and contributed to wider Country strategy on nutrition interventions. 
• Provided the technical management of Infant and Young child feeding projects and developed IYCF and BCC Materials based on needs assessment.
• Designed, conducted, and analyzed results of annual population-based nutrition assessment/research.
• Advised onbudget requirements and operated within the budget available, ensuring effective use of donorand community resources, and supported fundraising and managing grants
• Represented ACF with all key players in the health/nutrition/livelihood/food security sectors. 

IYCN PROGRAM OFFICER-ACF-USA INTERNATIONAL-DADAAB FEB Jan 2012 June 2013

• Promoted and protected exclusive breastfeeding among children aged 0-6 months in the refugee population.
• Promoted knowledge and skills appropriate to health workers and the refugee population in support of the protection and promotion of IYCN practices.
• Integrated IYCN behavior change activities in the health and nutrition activities at the hospitals, health posts, and community levels.
• Monitored distribution of milk donations/products in the camp and ensure the protection of the code for marketing breast milk substitutes.
• Collaborated with UNHCR and ACF-USA partner agencies for the planning, implementation, and reporting of the IYCN activities within the refugee camps.

NUTRITION CAPACITY BUILDING SUPERVISOR-ACF USA –GARBATULLA Sept 2011 - Jan2012

• Supervised the effective implementation of the Nutrition Component of the outreach and Nutrition emergency response program including supervision of the outreach program teams.
• Facilitated the capacity building of supplementary feeding program (SFP) teams, outpatient therapeutic feeding program (OTP), and stabilization center centers (SC) nurses/nutritionists.
• Supported delivery of a comprehensive package of nutrition services.
• Linked with MOH and other partners to support health facilities to conduct outreach services offering a comprehensive package of nutrition services and implemented the training of community health workers.
• Conducted on-job Training (OJT) of health workers encompassing essential nutrition services monitoring and reporting tools.
• Involved in the Promotion of appropriate infant and young child feeding practices in the community.
• Ensured nutrition program supplies are ordered, stocked, and distributed; monitoring consumption and monthly reported onutilization.
• Participated in writing the weekly/monthly reports compilation of statistics and data including any other relevant information on food security, and WASH as may be required.
• Maintained good positive contacts with the ministry of health (MOH), partners, local authorities, and community leaders to ensure their involvement in program activities.
• Promoted Integration of infant and youngchild feeding practices with the management of acute malnutritionby dissemination of key nutrition education messages ensured compliance with the ACF Kenya nutrition protocol was online with Kenya ministry of health IMAM/IYCF guidelines and that they are strictly followed by all health facilities.
• Collaborated with nutrition capacity-building officers and community health officers and health facilities in charge of the management of SAM and MAM.

PROJECT NUTRITION OFFICER- USAID IN BARINGO KENYA Oct 2009 - Sept 2011

• Planned, coordinated, and supervised all District nutrition services in the medical services
• Developed and deployed nutritionstaff
• In liaison with nutrition, the council enforced the regulation of therapeutic feeds, supplementary feeds, and foods with health claims
• Implemented CMAM project by MOH protocol
• Responsible for promotion and quality assurance in comprehensive diabetes management.
• Coordinated all nutrition services in all the level 4 hospitals in the district.
• Oversaw the running of clinical nutrition services in faith-based organizations and private institutions.
• Compiled program reports and submitted them to the MOH and partners e.g. UNICEF, WFP, WORLD VISION, PSI, and USAID.
• Developed community-friendly teaching materials and dissemination of nutritioninformation to the community.
• Oversaw and supervise nutrition assessment, community screening, and the distribution of relief foods in the district in collaboration with key donors and stakeholders.
• Prepared and analyzed nutrition monthly reports for the district and sent them tothe provincial office.
• Monitored and evaluated nutrition projects and generated reports.

 PROJECT OFFICER- NUTRITION, HEALTH AND ADVOCACY WVK,  Dec2008-Oct 2009

• Built capacity of health care professionals on High Impact Nutrition Intervention (HINI) through sensitization meetings and On Job Training.
• Advocated and promoted Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices (IYCF) and safe motherhood
• Initiated and coordinated integration of HIV/TB services into Maternal and Child programs (PMTCT)
• Identified areas where to facilitate the implementation of nutrition programs with the MOH, Ministry of Local Government, and other main stakeholders.
• With the MOH nutrition focal points and DHMT, monitored program impact and ensure that program data is valid and relevant, and used to inform program development.
• Participated in SMART survey data collection and analysis. 
• Supervised IMAM activities- OTP andSFP programs (systematic delivery of health and nutritioneducation messages to the community)
• Planned, Monitored, and reviewed program expenditures on monthly, quarterly & annually.
• Tracked and reported on program indicators at both national and field levels to ensure that program implementation meets donor requirements (WFP, UNICEF) and WVK procedures.
• Budget management and reports writing i.e., monthly progress reports, quarterly reports, annual and other reports as they come up.
• Reviewed project documents and created project logical framework and 4D Matrix for project implementation.

NUTRITION OFFICER- UNICEF SUPPORT STAFF PROGRAM Jan 2008- Dec 2008

• Implemented TSFP and OTP intervention for internally displaced persons in camps and effectively capacity build the beneficiaries on optimal nutrition practices as well as hygiene and sanitation.
• Advocated for optimal infant feeding practices in emergencies and provided nutrition support to HIV affected/infected, home-based care individuals.
• Contributed to the formulation of Information Education and communication materials.
• Trained community health workers and hygiene promoters on the management of severe acute malnutrition.
• Compiled and routinely reported on nutrition activities to DHMT and the program manager. 

Represented my organization in stakeholder meetings within the district

2022- 2024 Master in Public Health Monitoring and Evaluation

2005- 2009 Kenyatta University- BSC Foods Nutrition and Dietetics

2001- 2005 Kenyatta University- Diploma in Nutrition & Health.