Global Nutrition Cluster

Human resources

© UNICEF/UGDA2010-00012/Hyun

This page provides Nutrition in Emergencies Competency Framework as well as some generic job descriptions and examples for posts within Nutrition Clusters. If you wish to submit an example of TOR to be posted on the web-site please send an e-mail to gnc@unicef.org.

NiE Competency Framework

The Nutrition in Emergencies Competency Framework [zip file] is a tool ready for piloting that aids in Professional Development of staff working in nutrition in emergencies. The NIE competency framework could prove to be a valuable tool in creating standards within the sector and promoting effective capacity strengthening and professionalization. It could also help to build a range of competencies amongst national and international staff needed for emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities in emergency prone and high burden countries. This tool was developed by UCL/ICH, a GNC partner.

Generic Job Descriptions

Generic Job Description for Nutrition Cluster Coordinator [PDF]
The Nutrition Cluster Coordinators main objective is to facilitate a timely and effective nutrition response in a country of assignment and ensure that the capacity of national and local institutions is strengthened to respond to and coordinate emergency nutrition interventions that demonstrate results and impact achieved.

Generic Job Description for sub-national CC [MS Word]
With the support of the Global Nutrition Cluster, the Sub-National Nutrition Cluster Coordinator is responsible for leading the Nutrition Cluster at the Sub-National level in defined sub-national location on a rotational basis. 
Example of ToR for the Nutrition Cluster sub-national CC in Pakistan [MS Word].

Generic Job Description for Information Management Officer (IMO) [MS Word]
The Information Manager is responsible to facilitate and guide the cluster and cluster lead agency towards a reliable and predictable response through the provision of evidence based strategic and operational information. The IM compiles inventories of needs and response that lead to a repeatable situational analysis of service gaps. The IM facilitates partner/partner coordination, information sharing, and reduces duplication through technical standards.

Technical Job Descriptions

• CMAM/Assessment and Monitoring Coordinator [MS Word]
• Nutrition Surveillance Specialist [MS Word]

List of technical resource experts

The list of technical resource candidates [xls] was developed by the GNC Coordination Team for Nutrition Clusters at country level to consult if additional technical expertise is required in the following areas:

1. Training in NiE, including surveys
2. Guideline development
3. Assessment/surveys
4. Infant and young child feeding
5. Implementation and management of Nutrition in emergencies programmes
6. Monitoring and evaluation

The information provided in the list is not a guarantee of an expertise and candidates' availability for immediate employment, but a starting point for normal recruitment procedure.

• If you wish to get password to the list, please send an enquiry to gnc@unicef.org (attn. Anna Ziolkovska).
• If you wish to be included in the list, please submit the form [xls] (further instructions are available in the form), your up-to-date CV (3 pages maximum) and a short covering letter explaining your background in the chosen area (you may choose more than one area) for our consideration to the following e-mail: gnc@unicef.org (attn. Anna Ziolkovska).
• If you wish to be removed from the list please send a request to the following e-mail: gnc@unicef.org (attn. Anna Ziolkovska).

Strategic Advisory Group (SAG)

This group is responsible for leadership on Nutrition Cluster strategy, as well as engagement in areas of work in the Strategic Plan outcome area of stakeholder recognition and provision of nutrition in emergencies, in particular guidance and engagement on advocacy including on funding for nutrition interventions, and support in planning and facilitating global meetings with a view to increasing partner participation.

Should the Cluster decide it wants a SAG-type management mechanism, Terms of Reference should be agreed by the entire membership as one of the first actions of the Cluster. These TORs should ideally contain:

• Agree SAG composition and way of working, including Terms of Reference;
• Draw up and agree Terms of Reference for Cluster Partners;
• Formulate and agree the Cluster's 'Strategic Operational Framework' (SOF); ensure formal ratification by Government; ensure complementarity with government policies and plans at local level; update regularly according to evolving needs; and hold partners to account against this framework
• Formulate and agree the Cluster workplan; and provide strategic oversight of its application by Cluster partners;
• Establish 'Technical Working Groups' (TWIGs) as required and hold such groups accountable to Terms of Reference agreed by the SAG; ensure proper representation within such groups; ensure timely output; ensure transparent reporting; and close such groups;
• Formulate and agree advocacy positions on behalf of the Cluster partners;
• Provide strategic planning oversight for effective and efficient allocation of resources by Cluster partners;
• Provide strategic oversight on integration of cross-Cluster planning and inclusion of cross-cutting issues (in close cooperation with the OCHA Cluster Coordinator);
• Agree performance indicators, and method by which these will be measured;
• Ensure appropriate technical standards are agreed and consistently applied;
• Support the Cluster Lead Coordinator in setting up dedicated mechanisms and systems for transparent and equitable allocation and monitoring of 'pooled' funds available to the Cluster;
• Oversight technical, financial, and functional capacities of Cluster partners
• Oversight quality assurance, market price fluctuations, and quantities available from local and/or national markets;
• Ensure coherence of public messaging
• Ensure the Cluster Lead upholds its responsibilities by applying both Cluster and Cluster partner Terms of Reference
• It is the responsibility of the Cluster Coordinator to ensure that outputs from SAG meetings are brought to the attention of, and followed up with relevant authorities, promulgated in plenary coordination meetings, reflected in Situation Reports (which provide the working 'frame-of-reference' for the Cluster membership and beyond), and posted to the relevant web-site.

Example of SAG TOR from South Sudan [MS Word]

Technical Advisory Group (TAG)

The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) advises the Nutrition Cluster on key technical issues and research related to nutrition in emergencies.