Asociado en Salud y Nutrición

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children worldwide. With a mission to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential, UNICEF operates in over 150 countries. In Venezuela, UNICEF has been active since 1967, progressively expanding its support with the establishment of an office and the signing of its first cooperation agreement in 199

• The organization focuses on equity, directing resources to the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, thereby contributing to social development and sustainable growth in the country.

Job Overview:
The role of the Associate in Health and Nutrition is centered on providing technical assistance, monitoring, and evaluating key programs in field offices. The main functions include supervising maternal and child health care, strengthening the cold chain for vaccines, and managing pediatric HIV. In the nutritional aspect, the focus is on preventing and treating acute malnutrition through outpatient and community care models, addressing micronutrient deficiencies and overweight issues. The profile requires a professional specialized in pediatric or obstetric emergencies, hospital management, or clinical nutrition. The candidate must possess the ability to strengthen local staff competencies, adhere to minimum standards of maternal and child care, and coordinate with local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, and other local partners, including community-based and faith-based organizations. In addition to operational management, the specialist is expected to generate technical reports and data analyses that allow for adjustments in emergency preparedness and response strategies according to UNICEF's work plan. Ultimately, the health and nutrition specialist must ensure that interventions not only save lives immediately but also promote sustainability and long-term development, which involves rigorous follow-up in health facilities supported by UNICEF, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their maximum potential through access to comprehensive health services and adequate nutrition.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Field Office Chief and guidance from the Health and Nutrition Chief at the central level, the UN Volunteer will carry out the following tasks: - Provide technical support for research and share information with partners and stakeholders in the design and implementation of the health and nutrition strategy. - Develop and maintain close and effective working alliances with government counterparts in the health and nutrition sector and stakeholders at the national level. - Apply innovative approaches and promote best practices to support the reduction of maternal and child mortality. - Collaborate with WHO and national partners to contribute to rapid health assessments in identified emergency areas when necessary. - Ensure integrated emergency responses in health and nutrition by UNICEF in the current emergency in the coverage states, while considering support for the Ministry of Health for early recovery planning of endemic diseases and maternal and child health. - Contribute to the implementation of community activities to increase prenatal care, pediatric consultations, immunization coverage, and recovery of children who have abandoned HIV treatment, safe childbirth care, nutritional screening, management of acute malnutrition cases, nutritional screening in pregnant women, support during low-weight pregnancies, micronutrient supplementation, and counseling on infant and young child feeding. - Prepare periodic reports on the health status of children under five and women in various emergency situations, especially pregnant and lactating women, to share with the Health section and other critical areas of the Central Office. - Maintain communication with maternal and child health and nutrition care managers in the state to facilitate data collection from beneficiaries, support monitoring of funds for donor reporting, and identify needs related to the response, as well as support training activities. - Collaborate closely with the integrated health/nutrition approach and focal points in the state to facilitate data collection from beneficiaries, support monitoring of funds for donor reporting, and identify needs related to the malnutrition response, as well as support training activities. - Contribute monthly to the collection, transmission, and analysis of health and nutrition component data through 5W reports and any other required reports. - Work closely with the Supply Unit in planning health supplies and timely procurement of necessary emergency supplies; monitor and follow up periodically, paying special attention to their use, alerting of upcoming expiration dates, and availability, and reporting on the beneficiaries reached with donated supplies. - Conduct regular visits to project sites to supervise the progress of interventions; propose solutions to advance and improve collaboration among agencies and NGOs. - Participate in monthly health and nutrition team meetings of the VCO.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a professional with a background in health, nutrition, or a related field, with a strong understanding of maternal and child health issues, emergency response, and community health initiatives. The candidate should demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Proficiency in data analysis and report writing is essential, along with a commitment to UNICEF's mission and values.

Educational Background:
A degree in public health, nutrition, medicine, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in pediatric health, obstetrics, or clinical nutrition are highly desirable. Continuous professional development and training in emergency response and community health are also beneficial.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience in health and nutrition programs, particularly in emergency settings. Experience working with UN agencies, NGOs, or government health departments is an advantage. Familiarity with data collection and analysis, as well as program monitoring and evaluation, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in Venezuela. Proficiency in English is desirable, as it may be necessary for reporting and collaboration with international partners. Knowledge of indigenous languages spoken in the region could be an asset.

Additional Notes:
The assignment includes the volunteer's stay in the municipality of San Fernando, but responsibilities also include regular internal travel within the geographic area of responsibility in the state of Apure, following strict UNICEF and UNDSS security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security recommendations. Accommodation costs at the duty station are the responsibility of UNV, while UNICEF will cover internal travel costs according to internal policies and standard operating procedures. Additionally, the assignment is subject to confirmation of full vaccination status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a WHO-supported vaccine, which must be fulfilled before assuming the position. This requirement does not apply to UN Volunteers working remotely who are not expected to work or visit UNICEF facilities, program implementation sites, or interact directly with the communities UNICEF serves, nor to travel for UNICEF functions during the duration of their contracts. Benefits include a monthly living allowance of 1299 USD, a pre-assignment allowance (paid in the first payroll), an end-of-assignment allowance paid upon contract completion, provided conditions are met, medical, dental, and hospital assistance insurance, as well as life and disability insurance, among others.