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, including Venezuela since 196

• The organization focuses on equity, targeting resources to the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. UNICEF's work is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizing the importance of investing in health, education, and protection for the most vulnerable citizens to foster social development and sustainable growth in nations.

Job Overview:
The role of the Associate in Health and Nutrition is pivotal in providing technical assistance, monitoring, and evaluating key programs in field offices. The primary functions include overseeing maternal and child health care, strengthening the cold chain for vaccines, and managing pediatric HIV. In the nutritional domain, the focus is on preventing and treating acute malnutrition through outpatient and community-based care, addressing micronutrient deficiencies, and managing overweight issues. The position requires a professional specialized in pediatric or obstetric emergencies, hospital management, or clinical nutrition. The candidate must possess the ability to enhance local staff competencies, adhere to minimum standards of maternal and child care, and coordinate with local authorities, NGOs, UN agencies, and community-based organizations. Additionally, the specialist is expected to generate technical reports and data analyses to adjust 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, ensuring that every child has access to comprehensive health services and adequate nutrition.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Field Office Chief and guidance from the central Health and Nutrition Chief, 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 health and nutrition strategies. - Develop and maintain effective working alliances with government counterparts in the health and nutrition sector and national stakeholders. - 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 coverage states, while also supporting the Ministry of Health in early recovery planning for endemic diseases and maternal-child health. - Contribute to 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, 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 providers 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 monitor the progress of interventions; propose solutions to advance and improve collaboration between agencies and NGOs. - Participate in monthly health and nutrition team meetings of the VCO.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a strong background in health and nutrition, with specific qualifications including a degree in public health, nutrition, or a related field. The candidate should have a solid understanding of maternal and child health issues, nutrition programs, and emergency response strategies. Additionally, the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and community organizations, is essential. Strong analytical skills and experience in data management and reporting are also required, along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage with diverse groups.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a relevant educational background, typically a bachelor's degree in public health, nutrition, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in health and nutrition, particularly in emergency contexts, are highly desirable. Continuous professional development and training in relevant areas will be beneficial for the candidate's success in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in health and nutrition, particularly in emergency settings. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or government agencies in health program implementation and monitoring is preferred. Familiarity with UNICEF's mission and operational procedures, as well as experience in data analysis and report writing, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, given the location and target population. Proficiency in English is also desirable, as it may be necessary for reporting and communication with international stakeholders. Knowledge of indigenous languages spoken in the Amazonas region would be an asset, enhancing communication with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The assignment includes the UN Volunteer being stationed in the municipality of Atures, Puerto Ayacucho, with additional responsibilities requiring regular internal travel within the geographical area of responsibility in the Amazonas state, 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 the UNV, while UNICEF will cover internal travel costs according to internal policies and standard operating procedures. In addition to specific vaccination requirements for the destination, the assignment is subject to confirmation of full vaccination status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a WHO-backed 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 served by UNICEF, nor to travel for UNICEF functions during their contract duration. BENEFITS: The basic entitlements for this assignment, according to the UN Volunteer Conditions of Service, 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 other benefits.