Chief of Nutrition

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Nutrition position at UNICEF Somalia is pivotal in addressing the complex humanitarian and development challenges faced by the region, particularly high levels of malnutrition and food insecurity. The Chief will lead the nutrition program, ensuring its alignment with national priorities and global standards. This role involves strategic planning, managing the nutrition team, and ensuring the delivery of sustainable results in maternal, infant, and child nutrition. The Chief will report to the Representative or Deputy Representative and will be responsible for overseeing all stages of the nutrition program, from planning to implementation and evaluation. The position requires a strong focus on results-based management and accountability, ensuring that the program meets its objectives effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management: Oversee the nutrition section’s work plan, set priorities, manage staff performance, and promote accountability within the team.
• Programme Design & Planning: Lead situation analyses and develop programs that align with results-based management principles and national/UNICEF strategic frameworks.
• Implementation & Monitoring: Ensure high-quality implementation of nutrition programs, monitor progress, manage resources effectively, and oversee donor reporting and evaluation processes.
• Technical Advisory Support: Provide expert guidance to government counterparts and partners on nutrition policies, strategies, and emergency responses.
• Partnerships & Advocacy: Strengthen partnerships with government, donors, UN agencies, and academia; advocate for child nutrition and mobilize resources to support initiatives.
• Innovation & Capacity Building: Promote evidence-based practices and innovations in nutrition; lead capacity building and knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance service delivery.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in nutrition, public health, nutritional epidemiology, global/international health and nutrition, health/nutrition research, policy and/or management, health sciences, or another health-related science field.
• A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience in a developing country in areas such as nutrition, public health, nutrition planning and management, or maternal, infant, and child health/nutrition care.
• Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of another UN language or a local language is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated skills in leading innovative approaches to mitigate aid diversion and enhance accountability in service delivery.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in relevant fields such as nutrition, public health, or health sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of nutrition programs and their implementation in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of professional experience in nutrition or public health, particularly in developing countries. Candidates should have a strong background in nutrition planning and management, as well as experience in maternal, infant, and child health/nutrition care. Experience in health/nutrition program/project development and management within a UN system agency or organization is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Mogadishu, Somalia, and is part of UNICEF's commitment to humanitarian action. The role may require mobility and deployment to support humanitarian responses. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates should be aware of UNICEF's zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and the rigorous background checks that will be conducted for selected candidates.