Health and Nutrition Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of every child, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. With a mission to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, working closely with governments and partners to improve policies, programs, and services for children and adolescents. The organization emphasizes equity, aiming to address the barriers that prevent children from realizing their rights, as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. UNICEF's work is guided by its commitment to children's rights and the equitable development of nations, focusing on health, nutrition, education, and protection.

Job Overview:
The Health and Nutrition Officer position is crucial for supporting the health and nutrition program in the Mindanao Field Office, contributing to UNICEF’s 9th Country Programme for Children (CPC 9). This role involves a balanced allocation of time between health-related programs and nutrition initiatives, ensuring effective implementation of activities in collaboration with various stakeholders. The officer will provide technical assistance and advice on health and nutrition programming to the BARMM-Nutrition Council and the BARMM Ministry of Health, focusing on achieving results as outlined in the UNICEF-MOH joint Rolling Workplan. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and evaluating health and nutrition components, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing solutions to enhance service delivery. The officer will also engage in advocacy, capacity development, and behavior change communications to promote health and nutrition initiatives effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Health and Nutrition Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Providing professional technical assistance and advice on health and nutrition programming to relevant government bodies.
• Applying core strategies to ensure results, including advocacy, capacity development, and behavior change communications.
• Monitoring the planning and implementation of health and nutrition components, working closely with the Cotabato-based Monitoring Officer for data collection.
• Updating analyses of bottlenecks and barriers to achieving planned results and proposing solutions.
• Organizing quarterly reviews of progress in implementing UNICEF-Government workplans and adjusting activities as necessary.
• Providing sound analysis and data for reporting to UNICEF and donors, including drafting reports and proposals.
• Facilitating effective partnerships for advocacy and technical cooperation.
• Identifying and sharing lessons learned for knowledge development.
• Engaging in community volunteerism and promoting the UN Volunteers’ program mandate. 1
• Performing any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Health and Nutrition Officer position should possess a strong understanding of health and nutrition programming, particularly in the context of vulnerable populations. They should demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to UNICEF's mission. The role requires excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment, and a strong commitment to gender equality. Candidates should also exhibit flexibility and adaptability to work in potentially challenging conditions, along with a genuine commitment to voluntary engagement principles.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, typically requiring a degree in public health, nutrition, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in health and nutrition programming will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of the principles and practices related to child health and nutrition, as well as familiarity with the policies and frameworks guiding UNICEF's work.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in health and nutrition programming, preferably within a humanitarian or development context. Experience working with government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successful project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as experience in capacity building and advocacy efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both spoken and written. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Philippines, particularly in the Mindanao region, is considered an advantage. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, enabling them to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and convey complex information clearly.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National UN Volunteer role, which includes a monthly living allowance, insurance coverage, and annual leave entitlements. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to work in potentially remote and challenging environments. The compensation package includes a lump sum allowance upon successful completion of the assignment. The position emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and encourages engagement with local communities.