Health & Nutrition specialist
Job Code-UNHN-01
Duty Station: Hyderabad
Closing Date: 24th June 2009
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Influencing Policy
Analyses and recommends policies, systems of management, risk allocation and coordination systems related to neonatal and young child survival, maternal care and nutrition
2. Building Partnerships
Convenes strategic partnerships to impact on overall policies for young child survival and development (YCSD), to support programmes and resources in the States Interacts with national and international agencies, missions and commissions, on the management of the National Rural Health Mission, RCH II Programme and Child Development and Nutrition programme.
Participates in meetings with Ministries/Departments of Health and Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, (and others as needed), responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements. Fosters partnerships for YCSD in the state with government, other agencies, professional bodies, technical institutions and NGO networks in the state. Assists in the development and/or introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in project management and evaluation.
3. Programme Implementation
With guidance from the Health and Nutrition Technical Centers of Excellence, designs both the Reproductive and Child Health and the Child Development and Nutrition Programmes. When agreed, prepares, implements, monitors, and evaluates the UNICEF assisted Reproductive and Child Health and Child Development and Nutrition programmes or specific project(s)such as immunization, IMNCI, maternal and newborn care, community based early child care models, interventions to address micronutrient malnutrition and ICDS systems quality improvement.
This includes the effective design, implementation and monitoring of evidence-based, high impact interventions in integrated and other intensive districts. Analyzes and evaluates data and/or takes corrective action when necessary, to meet programme/project objectives. Contributes to and enables the concurrent monitoring and reporting on performance indicators of health and nutrition aspects of the Government’s flagship programmes, accreditation systems and /or UNICEF–NGO managed programmes under the Project Co-operation Agreement. Integrates and advances input/advice from the Health and Child Development and Nutrition Technical Centers for Excellence in Delhi.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
Facilitates the review of systems and capacity related to delivery of health and nutrition services, and the interventions to improve such systems and capacities. Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes (including cash and supply assistance)aiming at increased and more equitable coverage of maternal care and YCSD strategic interventions, as well as conducting periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners. Identifies and recommends necessary action for adjustments in both the Reproductive and Child Health and Child Development and Nutrition programmes.
Provides advice and assistance to government officials and other UN agencies and partners such as the World Bank, GAVI, bilateral governments, Micronutrient Initiative in the planning and management of programme/projects. Contributes to the preparation of the Situation Analysis, led by SPME, by compiling data, analyzing and evaluating information, and writing both the Reproductive and Child Health and Child Development and Nutrition chapter of the Analysis.
5. Work plan development
Responsible for the development of the Reproductive and Child Health and Child Development and Nutrition work plans, and ensures compliance with specific assigned objectives. Provides guidance and support to subordinate staff to manage and implement projects.
6. Capacity Building and technical assistance for Government
Assists government authorities, in partnership with training institutions, to plan and organize capacity building programmes in newborn, child, and maternal survival, immunization and maternal care. Identifies training needs for the purpose of capacity building and sustainability of programme/projects. Provides technical expertise as required, facilitates learning exchanges as well as policy influencing.
7. Inter-sectoral collaboration
Proactively collaborates within the state and/or sector with programme colleagues to give and receive knowledge and assistance. Pooling resources for more effective programming. Assists in development of appropriate communication and information strategy to support and/or advocate development of the Reproductive and Child Health and Child Development and Nutrition programmes.
Facilitates the planning and formulation of Behavior Development/Behavior Communication Change initiatives in state institutions, to enable more effective change in key care behaviors related to safe delivery, obstetric complications, newborn care, Infant and Young Child Feeding and family care practices, immunization. Supports/undertakes research that provides tracking on social inclusion in YCSD interventions.
8. Supplies and Cash Assistance
Coordinates with the Operations/Supply staff/programme support on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability. Certifies disbursements of funds, as per UNICEF rules and procedures monitors and submits financial status reports to Senior Programme Officer or Representative as required.
9. Report Writing
Writes programme/project inputs for donor proposals, status reports required for management Board, donors, budget review, programme analysis, annual reports, case studies, etc.
Qualifications, Experience and Competencies required:
• M.B.B.S. with master’s degree in community medicine or public health or health administration or related technical fields.
• Minimum five years progressively responsible professional work experience in young child survival, development and nutrition, public health. Experience in monitoring and evaluation of maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition programmes mandatory.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Working knowledge of local language of the duty station an asset.
• In depth understanding and knowledge of the maternal, newborn and child health and development and nutrition sectors.
• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in development cooperation.
• Familiarity as to how public administration systems affect delivery of results for children
• Understanding of social mobilization and behavior change communication
• Understanding of the importance and role of partnerships.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills.
• Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Training and report writing skills.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Drive for result.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work harmoniously in an international and multi-cultural environment.
Only candidates meeting the above requirements may send their application consisting of a cover letter and an up-to-date CV by e-mail to devjobs@abcconsultants.net before the closing date.
In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly indicate the Job Code of the post and location in the subject line of your e-mail/application. Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged. This vacancy is open to Indian Nationals only.
UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment. Applications from qualified women are encouraged.
