Health Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is a global organization dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of children. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, working tirelessly to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them realize their potential from early childhood through adolescence. The organization focuses on various areas including child survival, nutrition, education, child protection, and social policy. In Niger, UNICEF is committed to addressing the challenges faced by children and women, particularly in the context of poverty and health disparities. The organization has a strong presence in the capital, Niamey, and in several regional offices, including a recently opened office in Diffa. UNICEF is known for its supportive work culture, offering staff opportunities for personal and professional development, competitive compensation, and attractive benefits. The mission of UNICEF in Niger is to ensure the full realization of children's rights and to reduce disparities, with a focus on equity and inclusion in all its programs.

Job Overview:
The Health Officer position at UNICEF involves providing technical and operational support for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of maternal, neonatal, and child health activities. The role is crucial in ensuring that health interventions are aligned with the strategic priorities of the Ministry of Health. The Health Officer will work closely with colleagues and partners to collect and analyze data, support community engagement, and ensure the quality of health services. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance health outcomes for mothers and children. The Health Officer will also be involved in advocacy, networking, and partnership building to strengthen community health initiatives and promote resilience among populations. The role emphasizes innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building among local partners and government entities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of maternal, neonatal, and child health activities, focusing on strategic planning and execution at both central and regional levels.
• Collaborate with field colleagues and partners to gather, analyze, and disseminate information related to health program implementation, proposing solutions to optimize outcomes.
• Ensure that partners adopt inclusive approaches and community participation in health initiatives.
• Prepare necessary documents and reports for planning and monitoring maternal and child health initiatives.
• Conduct field visits to assess progress and provide technical support, referring issues to relevant authorities for resolution.
• Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts and NGOs regarding UNICEF health policies, strategies, and best practices.
• Contribute to mapping community initiatives to leverage local strengths and identify collaboration opportunities.
• Encourage synergies among existing partners to enhance nutritional interventions and community resilience.
• Support capacity building of government partners and local actors through community engagement tools and methods. 1
• Document best practices and innovations in maternal and neonatal health interventions. 1
• Collaborate with sector colleagues to collect and analyze information for program improvement and maintain a centralized database for monitoring purposes. 1
• Participate in reviews and evaluations with government actors and partners to assess progress and define necessary actions for achieving expected results. 1
• Engage in volunteerism activities and promote the use of online volunteer services where feasible. 1
• Perform any other tasks as requested by the section chief and health manager.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong technical knowledge in maternal, neonatal, and child health, with a demonstrated ability to implement health programs effectively. They should have excellent analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to promoting community engagement. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for preparing reports and advocating for health initiatives. The ideal candidate should also have a solid understanding of UNICEF's policies and practices in health and development, as well as experience in capacity building and partnership development.

Educational Background:
A degree in public health, medicine, nursing, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in maternal and child health, public health policy, or health program management are highly desirable. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their understanding of health systems and community health dynamics.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in public health, particularly in maternal, neonatal, and child health programs. Experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or government health departments is preferred. Familiarity with health data analysis and program monitoring and evaluation is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, as it is the working language in Niger. Proficiency in English is an asset and would be considered a valuable addition to the candidate's profile. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Niger would also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The Health Officer position is based in Niamey, Niger. Given the current security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security situation, it is crucial for all UN Volunteers to familiarize themselves with security guidelines and the local context. Volunteers may be exposed to tropical diseases, and vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, and tetanus are mandatory for entry into Niger. UN Volunteers have 24/7 access to medical services. The position may involve travel to various regions within Niger, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges associated with working in a developing country.