Health & Nutrition Specialist

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 committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a large workforce dedicated to its mission, fostering a culture of belonging and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Health & Nutrition Specialist is responsible for the development, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and administration of the Health & Nutrition programme within the country programme. This role is crucial for providing effective technical and programme support to adapt UNICEF policies and strategies to achieve strategic priorities and objectives, particularly in expanding UNICEF-assisted Health & Nutrition interventions. The specialist will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals agenda by ensuring timely sectoral analysis and support for effective project planning and management. The position requires collaboration with key stakeholders, including government and NGOs, to enhance partnerships and advocate for resource allocation and investment decisions in Health and Nutrition. The specialist will also monitor and evaluate project implementation, provide technical support, and strengthen the capacities of Country Office staff through effective capacity building initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct timely sectoral analysis and provide input for effective project planning and management in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Integrated Health & Nutrition strategies through partnerships with multilateral and bilateral agencies.
• Establish strategic work plans and objectives, providing implementation support to ensure timely delivery of results.
• Monitor and evaluate project implementation progress for adjustments and improvements.
• Provide technical support to government and NGOs at various project stages, including capacity building.
• Strengthen the capacities of Country Office staff in Health & Nutrition programme management.
• Ensure accountability for supply and non-supply assistance and disbursement of programme funds.
• Maintain effective working relationships for advocacy, technical coordination, and information sharing.
• Share relevant strategic information with stakeholders to support the Health & Nutrition Programme. 1
• Prepare required programme/project reports in compliance with guidelines. 1
• Maintain emergency preparedness and provide effective coordination during emergencies. 1
• Accomplish other assigned duties and responsibilities effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum requirements include a Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Public Health, Public Administration, Social Science, Health Administration, Nutrition, Child Development, Water Sanitation, Social Development, Community Development, International Health, or related fields. At least 5 years of relevant work experience in areas such as Early Childhood Development, Health and Nutrition, Humanitarian Assistance, Programme Management, and Monitoring and Evaluation is required. Technical expertise in Child Health, Nutrition Programming, and Emergency Preparedness is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Nutrition, or Social Development. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of health and nutrition programming and for effectively contributing to UNICEF's mission.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in fields related to Health and Nutrition, including experience in humanitarian contexts and emergency response operations. Experience in partnership management and capacity building is also highly desirable, particularly in developing countries and fragile settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term role with a focus on full-time engagement. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must meet medical clearance and visa requirements, and UNICEF does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process.