Nutrition Specialist
Location: Bhubaneshwar
Closing Date: 16th December 2009
(Job Code – 103)
Purpose of the post:
Responsible for facilitating and influencing the State Government’s policy, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, for the Child Development and Nutrition programme within one State in India. The jobholder works at the State and District level. They also work under the daily supervision of the Chief of Field Office or Programme Manager, and take sector specific guidance from the Child Development and Nutrition Section (Technical Centre of Excellence).
Major Duties and Responsibilities:-
1. Influencing Policy
Analyses and recommends policies, systems of management, risk allocation and coordination systems around the Child Development and Nutrition programme.
2. Building Partnerships
Convenes strategic partnerships to impact on overall policies for Child Development and Nutrition, to support programmes and resources in the States
Interacts with national and international agencies, missions and commissions, on the management of the Child Development and Nutrition programme. Participates in meetings with Ministries/Departments of Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare (and others as needed), responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements.
Fosters partnerships for Child Development and Nutrition 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 Child Development and Nutrition Section (Technical Centre of Excellence), proposes designs for the Child Development and Nutrition Programme. When agreed, prepares, implements, monitors and evaluates the UNICEF assisted Child Development and Nutrition programme or specific project(s)such as 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 Child Development and Nutrition 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 the Integrated Child Development Services (Government flagship programme), accreditation systems and /or UNICEF–NGO managed programmes under the Project Co-operation Agreement.
Integrates input/advice from the Child Development and Nutrition Section (Technical Centre for Excellence) in Delhi.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
Facilitates the review of systems and capacity related to delivery of services for Child Development and Nutrition, and the interventions to improve such systems and capacities.
Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes (including cash and supply assistance), as well as conducting periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners.
Identifies and recommends necessary action for adjustments in the Child Development and Nutrition programme. Provides advice and assistance to government officials and other partners such as the World Bank, World Food Programme, 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 the Child Development and Nutrition chapter of the Analysis.
5. Work plan development
Responsible for the development of the Child Development and Nutrition work plan, 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. 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 Child Development and Nutrition programme.
Facilitates the planning and formulation of Behaviour Development/Behaviour Communication Change initiatives in state institutions, to enable more effective change in key care behaviours related to Infant and Young Child Feeding and family care practices.
Supports/undertakes research that provides tracking on social inclusion in Child Development and Nutrition 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:
• Master’s degree in any of the following: Nutrition, Child/Human Development, Social Sciences, Public Health, Public Administration, or other related fields.
• Five years progressively responsible professional work experience in social development- preferably in child development and nutrition at state level, project administration, monitoring and evaluation.
• Fluency in English required. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station an asset.
• In depth understanding and knowledge of the Child Development and Nutrition sector.
• Current knowledge of development issues, strategies, as well as programming policies and procedures in development cooperation.
• A strong familiarity as to how public administration systems affect delivery of results for children
• Understanding of social mobilization and behaviour 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.
• Report writing
• Training ability.
• 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.
Candidates meeting the above requirements may send their application consisting of a cover letter and an up-to-date CV by e-mail to nonprofitjobs@abcconsultants.net before 16th December 2009. In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly mention 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.
