UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Nutrition

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the Organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give more children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Purpose

Under the supervision of the Chief, Field Office, the Nutrition Officer will be supporting implementation of the Nutrition programme in GE Field Office focusing EES with specific accountability for providing technical contribution to Nutrition programme planning, administration, implementation, monitoring, and reporting.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
• Ensure the availability of accurate, complete, and up-to-date information required for effective Nutrition programme planning, implementation, management, including gender disaggregation of data (information).

• Enhance project efficiency and effectiveness through close collaboration with partners (government line ministries at state and county level, I/NGO, N/NGO, CSOs and FBOs, UN AFPs, UNMISS) including monitoring UNICEF inputs, maintaining updated information on local conditions and resources, and providing technical support on agreed areas of cooperation

• Lead implementation of components of Nutrition at country office and EES field office annual work plans. This includes providing technical guidance, supporting capacity development and advocacy, assisting in identification of required supplies and equipment, ensuring use of resources is consistent with UNICEF regulations, and recommending changes to intervention strategies and approaches where appropriate.

• Analyze data collected through programme monitoring and provide information for nutrition progress reports, situational reports, donor proposals and reports for EES to contribute in Country Office Annual Reports.

• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual sectoral reviews with government and other counterparts and prepare minutes/reports on results for follow up action by higher management and other stakeholders.

• Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative, and other assets), verify compliance with approved allocation, organizational rules, regulations/procedures and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity. Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management/stakeholders.

• Monitor effective use of Nutritional supplies at last mile, coordinating with Nutrition team for on time delivery of Nutrition supplies to all health facilities/nutrition sites.

• Support country office Nutrition team in identifying strategic advocacy issues and recommending evidence and strategies to support effective advocacy for EES.

• Ensure that effective communication, networking, and visibility is developed and maintained through partnership and collaboration.
o  Team with government counterparts to exchange information on Nutrition project implementation and status as well as movement and distribution of supplies.

   o Support coordination with members of the development community, including NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the exchange of information relating to the Nutrition sector. Participate in subcluster nutrition coordination meetings and represent UNICEF in other relevant forums.

   o Ensure Government and NGO partners publicly acknowledge UNICEF programmatic and supply support and maintain equal visibility on all communication, reporting, marketing, branding and IEC materials.

Humanitarian Nutrition preparedness and response

• Manage all aspects of UNICEF’s preparedness for Nutrition in emergencies.

• Ensure the coordination arrangements for humanitarian Nutrition are in place, for instant robust coordination in case of an emergency.

Expected Results

Accurate, complete, and up-to-date technical guidance provided for programme and project design, implementation, and management. Projects efficiently and effectively implemented and achieve planned results for children. Inputs provided for reports, proposals and other planning and accounting documents. Strategic advocacy on issues in the Nutrition sector contributes to policy and legislative changes specially to improve equity and quality. Effective communication and collaboration with strategic partners and donors Knowledge sharing with donors and all stakeholders promoted with an emphasis on rights and equity. Regular program monitoring under taken and minimum PMVs conducted according to planned schedule. Effective and on time delivery of humanitarian response/ Nutrition in emergencies services. Ensuring appropriate and effective use of Nutrition supplies at the last mile Maintaining and promoting UNICEF visibility for all programmatic and supply support through partners.To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

A university degree in one of the following fields is required:  nutrition, public health, nutritional epidemiology, global/international health and nutrition, health/nutrition research, policy and/or management, health sciences, nutritional epidemiology, or another health-related science field.

Work Experience:

A minimum of two years of professional experience in a developing country in one or more of the following areas is required: nutrition, public health, nutrition planning and management, or maternal, infant and child health/nutrition care. Experience in health/nutrition programme/project development in a UN system agency or organization is an asset Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.Language:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.Technical Knowledge

Specific Technical Knowledge Required [II]

Essential Technical Knowledge of theories, principles and methods in areas of:  Nutrition and integrated nutrition programming Essential technical knowledge cross-sectoral issues relevant to NutritionCommon Technical Knowledge [II]

Knowledge of theories and practices in:

Programme/project management in Nutrition Rights-based programming and planning in the context of decentralization Monitoring and Evaluation Training and capacity development in Nutrition Knowledge managementOther Requirements

Analytic skills and strong report writing ability. Good communication, teamwork skills, able to plan and organize work; Advocacy, partnership and networking skills; Awareness of and sensitivity to child rights and gender issues, and to the necessity to mainstream them in all programme activities; Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization; Self-initiated and able to work with minimal supervision, and; Passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

  Core Competencies required for this position are:

Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1) Works Collaboratively with others (1) Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1) Innovates and Embraces Change (1) Thinks and Acts Strategically (1) Drive to achieve impactful results (1) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments are also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.