UNV Especialista de 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. Its mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential without discrimination. UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, focusing on the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. In Venezuela, UNICEF has been active since 1967, progressively expanding its support and establishing a formal office in the country in 199

• The organization collaborates with national and subnational authorities, civil society, academia, and the private sector to implement its programs effectively.

Job Overview:
The UNV Specialist in Health and Nutrition will play a crucial role in supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of integrated health and nutrition interventions in municipalities affected by a humanitarian emergency in Yaracuy. This position requires a proactive approach to ensure that UNICEF's emergency responses are effectively coordinated with local authorities and implementing partners. The specialist will conduct regular visits to affected municipalities to assess needs, analyze service delivery gaps, and propose corrective actions. The role emphasizes the importance of restoring essential services, preventing malnutrition, and ensuring continuity of maternal and child health care in the context of displacement. The specialist will also focus on strengthening the capacities of local health authorities and community actors through training and technical support in emergency health and nutrition.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of integrated health and nutrition interventions in emergency-affected municipalities.
• Ensure coordinated emergency responses in health and nutrition by UNICEF in prioritized municipalities, including collaboration with local authorities and implementing partners.
• Conduct regular visits to affected municipalities to identify needs, analyze service delivery gaps, and monitor interventions.
• Identify and analyze gaps in coverage, quality, and access to health and nutrition services, proposing priority actions to strengthen the response.
• Support the establishment, reactivation, and/or strengthening of health service delivery points in affected areas.
• Enhance the capacities of health authorities, health personnel, implementing partners, and community actors through training and technical support activities.
• Promote adequate conditions for maternal and child health care in service points and community spaces, including support for breastfeeding.
• Contribute to the restoration and strengthening of essential primary health care services, focusing on maternal, neonatal, and child health.
• Implement the integrated package of health and nutrition interventions in emergencies, including immunization, management of common childhood illnesses, obstetric and neonatal care, nutritional screening, and support for breastfeeding practices. 1
• Coordinate with local authorities and humanitarian actors to ensure effective implementation of interventions on the ground. 1
• Continuously monitor the implementation of health and nutrition activities, including service coverage and quality. 1
• Support the collection, consolidation, transmission, and analysis of health and nutrition data, ensuring quality for decision-making. 1
• Prepare periodic technical reports and situation updates for the Health section and other relevant areas. 1
• Maintain continuous communication with health and nutrition authorities at state and municipal levels to facilitate information flow and needs detection.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in health and nutrition programming, particularly in emergency contexts.
• Strong analytical skills to identify gaps in service delivery and propose effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing operational conditions.
• Knowledge of UNICEF's policies and procedures related to health and nutrition is an asset.
• Familiarity with the local context and challenges in health and nutrition in Venezuela is preferred.

Educational Background:
A degree in public health, nutrition, medicine, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may enhance the candidate's competitiveness for the position.

Experience:
A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in health and nutrition programming, with a focus on emergency response and humanitarian settings. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the UN system, is an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory. Knowledge of English or other local languages is considered an asset and may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a national assignment with UN Volunteers, and the selected volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation and essential living conditions. The assignment will require regular presence in shelters, temporary housing, and affected communities. Operational conditions may change rapidly, including service interruptions and limited infrastructure. The selected individual must strictly adhere to UN and UNICEF security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security guidelines and participate in mandatory inductions. Benefits include a monthly subsistence allowance of USD 1,299.58, medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as annual leave accrued at a rate of 2.5 days per month.