Nutrition Officer

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, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition Officer plays a crucial role in providing professional technical, operational, and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for nutrition programs/projects within the Country Programme. This position focuses on preventing malnutrition through a multi-sectoral system strengthening approach. The Nutrition Officer is responsible for implementing various technical and administrative tasks to facilitate program development, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of results. The role operates under a matrix management model, reporting to both the Nutrition Specialist and the Nutrition Manager, depending on the program pillar supported. The Nutrition Officer's work is vital in addressing the pressing issues of child nutrition and development in Niger, where malnutrition and food poverty are significant challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support to programme development and planning: Conduct situation analyses for the programme sector(s), research development trends, contribute to the establishment of sectoral programme goals, and provide technical support throughout programming processes.
• Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results: Collaborate with colleagues and partners, monitor and report on programme resources, and prepare regular reports for management and stakeholders.
• Technical and operational support to programme implementation: Conduct field visits, provide technical support to government counterparts and partners, and report on critical issues.
• Networking and partnership building: Build effective partnerships with government counterparts and stakeholders, draft communication materials for advocacy, and participate in inter-agency meetings.
• Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building: Identify and share lessons learned, apply innovative approaches, and participate in capacity building initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
A university degree 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 is required. A minimum of two years of professional experience in nutrition, public health, or maternal, infant, and child health/nutrition care is required. Experience in health/nutrition programme/project development in a UN system agency is an asset. Fluency in French and a working knowledge of English are required, with local languages being an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in relevant fields such as nutrition, public health, or health sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of nutrition-related issues and for effectively contributing to UNICEF's mission.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in a developing country, specifically in areas related to nutrition, public health, or maternal and child health/nutrition care. Experience in programme/project development within a UN agency is considered an asset, highlighting the importance of familiarity with international standards and practices in nutrition.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of English. Proficiency in local languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve international recruitment. UNICEF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements. UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals from diverse backgrounds.