ECD Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. Established with a mission to promote the rights of every child, UNICEF is committed, passionate, and proud of its work. The organization offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, reinforcing a sense of purpose while serving children and communities globally. UNICEF values diversity and inclusion, welcoming everyone who wants to belong and grow in a passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The ECD Officer reports to the Health Specialist for close guidance and supervision. This position is classified as Level 1, which is typically an entry-level professional role intended for trainees to acquire organizational knowledge of rules, regulations, and processes. The ECD Officer is responsible for providing professional technical, operational, and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for Early Childhood Development (ECD) within the health sector. This role integrates a focus on nutrition in early childhood, including growth monitoring, anemia prevention, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and early identification of malnutrition. The Officer will apply theoretical and technical skills in researching, collecting, analyzing, and presenting technical program information related to ECD and nutrition, while also learning organizational rules, regulations, and procedures to support ECD-health-nutrition program formulation under the Country Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key functions and accountabilities of the ECD Officer include: 1) Supporting ECD program development and planning; 2) Managing, monitoring, and delivering results for the program; 3) Providing technical and operational support for program implementation; 4) Building networks and partnerships; 5) Engaging in innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building. These responsibilities require a proactive approach to ensure effective program delivery and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify as an advocate for every child, candidates must meet the minimum requirements which include a university degree in public health, nutrition, child development, family studies, or another relevant technical field. Additionally, candidates should possess a minimum of one year of professional experience in early childhood development and/or nutrition-related areas, particularly in social development planning and management. Having three or more years of professional experience will be considered an asset. Experience in early childhood nutrition, including breastfeeding, complementary feeding, growth monitoring, and anemia prevention, is also advantageous. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is a plus, and familiarity with developing country work and emergency contexts is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree in one of the following fields: public health, nutrition, child development, family studies, or another relevant technical field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of early childhood development and nutrition.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of professional experience in early childhood development and/or nutrition-related areas. Candidates with three or more years of experience will be viewed favorably. Experience specifically in early childhood nutrition practices is considered an asset, as is relevant experience within a UN system agency or organization. Familiarity with developing countries and emergency contexts is also highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and proficiency in English are required for this position. Knowledge of another indigenous language of Peru, such as Quechua, Kandoshi, or Shipibo, is considered an asset. Additionally, knowledge of another UN language is desirable, enhancing communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment, including potential criminal background checks. UNICEF promotes the protection of children's rights and is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities and from diverse backgrounds. UNICEF offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The recruitment process includes rigorous reference and background checks, and selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles. Appointments are subject to medical clearance and may require compliance with vaccination requirements. UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment process.