Nutrition Specialist (Health) NO-C

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is dedicated to promoting the rights of every child, emphasizing equity and the importance of addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. UNICEF's commitment to children's rights is reflected in its programs, advocacy, and operations, aiming to ensure that all children have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential without discrimination. The organization fosters a diverse and inclusive culture, offering staff opportunities for professional and personal development, along with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition Specialist (Health) position at UNICEF in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is focused on supporting the development and planning of nutrition programs, managing and monitoring program delivery, providing technical and operational support for program implementation, and fostering networking and partnerships. The role is crucial in ensuring that nutrition initiatives align with national priorities and UNICEF strategies, emphasizing results-based management principles. The specialist will be responsible for generating and analyzing evidence to inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and policy dialogue, advocating for nutrition priorities, and influencing decision-makers to strengthen investments in child and maternal health. This position requires a strong understanding of maternal, infant, young child, and adolescent nutrition, as well as the ability to oversee program performance and manage resources effectively. The Nutrition Specialist will also play a key role in capacity building and knowledge management within the organization and among partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Nutrition Specialist include:

• Supporting the development and planning of nutrition programs, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNICEF strategies.
• Managing and monitoring the delivery of results for nutrition programs, ensuring compliance with organizational standards.
• Providing technical and operational support for the implementation of nutrition initiatives.
• Building and maintaining effective partnerships with government institutions, development partners, donors, civil society organizations, and academia to advance nutrition outcomes.
• Generating, analyzing, and utilizing evidence from surveys, assessments, and evaluations to inform program design and resource allocation.
• Advocating for nutrition priorities and influencing decision-makers to strengthen investments for children and women.
• Overseeing program performance, managing resources effectively, and ensuring high-quality reporting and accountability for results.
• Promoting innovation and facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices among stakeholders.
• Providing technical leadership and coordinating multidisciplinary teams to achieve program objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Nutrition Specialist position include:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in nutrition, public health, nutritional epidemiology, global/international health and nutrition, health/nutrition research, policy and/or management, health sciences, or another health-related science field.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in a developing country in areas such as nutrition, public health, nutrition planning and management, or maternal, infant, and child health/nutrition care.
• Strong skills in leading the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of nutrition programs, ensuring alignment with national priorities and UNICEF strategies.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective partnerships with various stakeholders to advance nutrition outcomes.
• Ability to translate technical evidence into policy recommendations and advocate for nutrition priorities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in relevant fields such as nutrition, public health, nutritional epidemiology, global/international health and nutrition, health/nutrition research, policy and/or management, health sciences, or another health-related science field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to UNICEF's mission and objectives in nutrition and health.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in a developing country, specifically in areas related to nutrition, public health, nutrition planning and management, or maternal, infant, and child health/nutrition care. Candidates should have experience leading the design, implementation, monitoring, and management of nutrition and/or public health programs, particularly in maternal, infant, young child, and adolescent nutrition. Experience in strengthening health and nutrition systems, policies, and service delivery platforms at national or sub-national levels is also essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with senior government counterparts and development partners to advance nutrition and child development priorities.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language such as Sinhala and/or Tamil is considered desirable. Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil is particularly advantageous, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is for nationals only and is classified as a full-time role. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment process and has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance.