Description
Job Description
Job Title:
Infant Feeding Assistant (2)
Work Location:
KONO
Department:
CLINICAL
Report to:
Nurse/Midwife In-Charge
Requisition Number:
4644
Line Management
NO
Position Overview
The Infant Feeding Assistant will provide essential support to the team, maternity nurses, and NICU staff to promote optimal breastfeeding and infant nutrition practices. The role focuses on supporting mothers in breastfeeding, assisting with feeding of vulnerable newborns in the NICU, ensuring safe handling of expressed breast milk (EBM), and contributing to improved newborn outcomes within the MCOE.
This is a national position
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Support for Breastfeeding Mothers (Maternity Unit)
- Provide one-on-one breastfeeding support and basic counseling to new mothers under supervision.
- Assist mothers with positioning and attachment to promote effective breastfeeding.
- Offer guidance on early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and responsive feeding.
- Support mothers experiencing breastfeeding challenges and promptly refer complex issues to the Midwife.
- Promote Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) for eligible newborns.
B. Support in NICU
- Assist with proper handling, labeling, and storage of expressed breast milk (EBM), following hospital protocols.
- Monitor and document feeding schedules for NICU babies as guided by the attending nurse.
- Assist in cup feeding, tube feeding preparation, and safe feeding techniques under supervision.
- Maintain the cleanliness and functioning of feeding-related equipment (cups, syringes, feeding tubes, breast pumps).
- Support mothers with frequent milk expression and breast pump usage.
- To assist with safe preparation and storage of formula feeds
C. Documentation & Record Keeping
- Record all feeding-related activities in NICU and maternity feeding charts.
- Maintain accurate logs of EBM collection, storage, and usage.
- Support in data collection for infant feeding indicators and quality improvement initiatives.
D. Health Education & Counseling
- Participate in group health talks on breastfeeding, safe infant feeding, KMC, and hygiene practices.
- Educate mothers on expressing breast milk, safe storage, and maintaining milk supply.
E. Infection Prevention & Safety
- Adhere to strict hand hygiene and IP protocols in all infant feeding activities.
- Ensure feeding cups, syringes, and breast pump parts are cleaned and sterilized according to NICU guidelines.
- Report any safety or clinical concerns to the supervising nurse or midwife.
F. Collaboration & Team Support
- Work closely with midwives, NICU nurses, KMC staff, and the Infant Feeding Specialist to ensure coordinated care.
- Participate in ward rounds and team meetings when required.
- Support QI initiatives related to newborn feeding and maternal nutrition.
- Other duties as delegated to you by your line manager that fall within the scope of work and role level.
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
Essential
- Minimum of Senior Secondary School Certificate or equivalent.
- Certificate in nutrition counseling, community health, or maternal and newborn care (an added advantage).
- Basic knowledge of breastfeeding and infant feeding principles.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to work flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Compassionate, respectful, and supportive attitude toward mothers and newborns.
Desirable
- Experience working in a hospital maternity or NICU setting.
- Prior training in breastfeeding support or lactation assistance.
. Competencies
- Strong empathy and ability to provide supportive care.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
- Attention to detail in documentation and hygiene practices.
- Teamwork, collaboration, and respect for confidentiality.
- Cultural sensitivity and patient-centered care attitude.
Organisation Profile
Partners In Health (PIH) is a global health and social justice organization that responds to the moral imperative to provide high-quality health care globally to those who need it most. We currently work in 11 countries, including Sierra Leone, where we strive to ease suffering by placing patients at the center of all care, bringing the benefits of modern medicine to all. In Sierra Leone, PIH is committed to strengthening long-term health system in support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), guided by public sector accompaniment, integrated and comprehensive services, and a commitment to advancing health equity. Partners In Health has built the Maternal Center of Excellence (MCOE) as an expansion of the Koidu Government Hospital in Kono district to raise the standard of care for mothers and newborns in Sierra Leone. A cutting-edge facility, the MCOE expands the campus of Koidu Government Hospital, dramatically increasing the number of beds, services, and facilities available to mothers and babies. By introducing new technology, investing in training for health care workers, and offering a preferential option for the poor, this cutting-edge facility will also prove what is possible as a model for care across the continent and beyond.
Misconduct Disclosure
Partners In Health Sierra Leone is dedicated to preventing unwanted behaviour in the workplace, including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, financial misconduct, and ensuring the welfare of those we serve. We expect all staff, consultants, contractors, vendors, and volunteers to uphold these values as outlined in our code of conduct.
The successful candidate will receive appropriate training and must adhere to the organisationโs safeguarding policies. Employment offers are contingent upon satisfactory references and screening checks, which may include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.