Health Specialist (MNCH/HIV)

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 its mission, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, and providing attractive compensation and benefits packages.

Job Overview:
The Health Specialist (MNCH/HIV) plays a crucial role in leading, providing technical expertise, and managing support for the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of integrated maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and HIV/AIDS programs within the country program. This position is pivotal in driving innovation, promoting systems strengthening, and ensuring that interventions are rights-based, equity-focused, gender-responsive, and resilient to shocks. The Specialist is responsible for managing and reporting on program progress, providing technical guidance, and operational support throughout the programming process to ensure the delivery of sustainable results according to approved plans and performance standards. The role requires a proactive approach to program development and planning, effective management of resources, and the ability to build partnerships and networks to enhance program impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development and planning of MNCH and HIV/AIDS programs, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan and global best practices.
• Manage the implementation of programs, monitoring progress, and ensuring the delivery of results according to established performance standards.
• Provide technical and operational support to program implementation, facilitating capacity building and knowledge management among stakeholders.
• Build and maintain partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance program effectiveness and sustainability.
• Drive innovation in design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation, promoting evidence-based practices and approaches.
• Conduct regular evaluations and assessments of program impact, making recommendations for improvements and adjustments as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with UNICEF’s accountability framework and reporting requirements, maintaining transparency and integrity in all program activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public health/nutrition, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology, or a relevant technical field. A minimum of five years of professional experience in public health/nutrition planning and management, maternal and neonatal health, or HIV/AIDS care is required. Experience in health emergency/humanitarian preparedness is also essential. Relevant experience within a UN system agency or organization is considered an asset, as is experience working in a developing country.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in one of the following fields is required: public health/nutrition, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and the specific needs of maternal, newborn, and child health as well as HIV/AIDS programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in relevant fields such as public health/nutrition planning and management, maternal and neonatal health, or HIV/AIDS care. Experience in health emergency/humanitarian preparedness is also valuable. Candidates with experience in a developing country or within a UN agency will have an advantage, as this experience provides insight into the challenges and dynamics of health programs in resource-limited settings.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, along with a working knowledge of English. Knowledge of a local language is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to UNICEF's policies and procedures, including medical clearance and background checks. Candidates must adhere to UNICEF's zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the organization's aims and objectives. The role may require candidates to be inoculated against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid) or to receive a medical exemption. UNICEF promotes an inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, particularly women and individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.