Associate Nutrition and Food Security Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

originate from neighboring Sudan, 5% from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1% from Ethiopia, and 1% from the Central African Republic. UNHCR Representation in South Sudan currently undertakes a Biometric Information Management System to register all active refugee cases and, at the same time, gives support to field locations due to the continuous influx of new arrivals from some parts of Sudan and the need for periodic mass-verification in camp-locations. Documentation is prioritized as a key protection tool, facilitating freedom of movement for persons of concern, providing confirmation of legal status, and ensuring access to basic services. The camps have established primary healthcare facilities that are run by partners under close supervision of UNHCR. Additional measures have been introduced as per COVID-19 guidelines. Supervision, induction and duty of care of UN Volunteers.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNHCR Program Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Nutrition and Food Security Officer will:

Oversee and supervise the nutrition and food security issues, provide technical guidance to partners, monitor and evaluate the program in refugee operation in Ruweng Administrative Area. The incumbent will work very closely with UNHCR partners, other UN agencies, government counterparts and donors thus needs to demonstrate strong coordination, representational, networking and negotiation skills.

Receive direct administrative supervision from the Program Officer in JamJang Sub Office with functional linkages and technical guidance from the Senior Public health officer and Nutrition and Food security officer in Juba/regional service unit.

Responsibility Key functions include:

• Assess the nutrition and food security needs and map resources and capacities, together with partners to propose technical solutions and strategies, prioritize needs and provide the most appropriate and timely response to refugees and other persons. • Provide technical leadership, technical support, and guidance to implementing and operational partners, including on the integration of a nutrition component into the overall primary health care programmes and curative services

• Monitor and evaluate nutrition and food security programmes against UNHCR and international standards to ensure that programmes are evidence-based and implemented in a comprehensive and cost-effective manner; this will include data analysis, interpretation and monitoring of programme impact. • Coordinate field level Nutrition and Food Security programmes; and work in a coordinated approach in co-operation with governments, other UN agencies, UNHCR partners, and other humanitarian partners. • Support the formulation and submission of projects proposals including budget to respond to the assessed and prioritized needs in collaboration with partners and UNHCR programme • Work closely with UNHCR programme, field and protection staff to identify priority nutrition issues and key data requirements for programme planning and monitoring to ensure that minimum UNHCR and international standards are being met. • Assess the training needs of nutrition and / or health workers on nutrition and develop a relevant training programme targeting them. • Build the technical capacity of UNHCR partners including training and inclusion of nutrition and food security into cross cutting issues such as HIV/AIDS. • Ensure that the UNHCR responsibilities and obligations in the WFP/UNHCR `Memorandum of Understanding’, and the nutrition components of UNHCR/UNICEF Letter of Understanding are implemented. • In collaboration with the country office, WFP and partners, coordinate and provide technical support to Joint Assessment Missions (JAMs), nutrition surveys, food security assessments as well as implementation of the JAM and nutrition survey recommendations. • Ensure regular updates and share information within UNHCR as well as with relevant stakeholders on the nutritional status and needs of the Jam Jang refugee operation • In collaboration with WFP participate in the joint Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM), Food Basket Monitoring (FBM) as well as General Food Distribution (GFD). • Contribute to standard setting and monitoring of nutrition and food security programme, and maintain a sound surveillance system through the health and nutrition information system, MUAC screening and none HIS programs systems • Submit regular nutrition reports including weekly updates, monthly, mid-year, and annual reports, as well as other reports when required. • Advocate, inform, and communicate amongst stakeholders to ensure that refugee nutrition issues are addressed and that the nutritional needs and status of refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR are appropriately documented and disseminated. • Support the prioritization of the Nutrition and food assistance strategy and participate in the programming cycle to draw proposals and budgets related to nutrition and food assistance. • Perform any other duties required by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

   Results/expected outputs

• As an active UNHCR team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNHCR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Overall: Contribution to the UNHCR Nutrition and Food security strategic plan, UNHCR South Sudan Strategic Plan, and the UNHCR Public Health Strategic Plan. Specific outcomes under this to include: o The nutrition needs of persons of concern such as children under 5, Pregnant and Lactating Women and other Persons with Specific Needs are identified and strategies put in place to address them. o Nutrition interventions established and properly managed in line with UNHCR and / or international humanitarian standards to alleviate malnutrition and maintain optimal nutrition among the refugee population. o Food Security and self-reliance activities promoted and put in place. o Establishment and use of nutrition and food security monitoring framework which includes the Health Information System(HIS) for the CMAM program, food basket, post distribution, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (IYCN), community outreach and micronutrient reduction monitoring.
o Nutrition and food assistance data is analyzed and interpreted to serve as evidence base for planning and interventions. o JAM, nutritional survey/surveillance and other assessments are properly and timely planned, conducted and implemented. o Timely reports and information sharing on the above o Collaborative and coordinated response maintained with Nutrition and Food Security Partners, other UN Agencies, government and other sectors. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

nutrition , food security , or public health-nutrition components; experience with refugee settings is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Proficiency in computer software such as MS Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, ENA, Nutval, Epinfo • Confirmed experience in nutrition and food security programme implementation, monitoring and coordination • Demonstrated experience of the latest developments and technology in Nutrition and food security (e.g. CMAM, IYCF, Use of Food supplementation products, SMART survey methodology, Cash/Voucher programming, Nutrition and other sectors (Public health, WASH, Livelihood etc.) linkages. • Demonstrated experience in organizing and conducting nutrition and food security related training activities • Proven technical expertise in the area of nutrition and food security assessments including multi-indicator surveys, rapid screenings and assessments • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in protection of refugees, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Jam Jang is classified as security level 4 non-family duty station. The general security situation is calm with conducive working environment to UN and humanitarian partners. However, due to several factors, the security environment is one of the main challenges for the staff safety and operations in the area. Therefore, like in other duty stations in South Sudan, all staff are required to undergo a SSAFE training. Staying in the compound is regulated by a curfew in effect during the night and the requirement to answer daily radio checks. There is a UN imposed curfew from 7:00 pm to 6:00 am.

The climate of Jamjang is relatively hot with heavy rains during rainy season (April to November) and hot/dusty conditions in dry season (December to March). Yet, mornings may be cool, sometimes foggy, in rainy season. Climatic conditions are harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects are present in the environment. All staff members in Sub Office Jamjang reside in the office/ Guesthouse compound where a curfew is in effect during the night. There is a system of Primary Health Care Centers in the refugee sites (Yida, Ajuong Thok and Pamir) serving refugees where basic medical attention may be obtained in case of emergency, as well as an upgraded health institution in Pariang referred to as Pariang state Hospital- all supported by UNHCR. However, medical travel to Juba may be required and authorized upon the referral in case of serious illness. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised by UNHCR Medical Service. Available commercial mobile telephone network in AOR is Zain. Staff also have access to office VSAT or internet-based voice calls such as VIBER/ WhatsApp (within the office compound where broadband Wi-Fi internet connection is available). The area has limited choice in terms of foodstuff, vegetables and fruits are mostly not available; the office has cafeteria services managed by a cafeteria committee, serving 3 meals per day. There are no operational Banks or any other form to access money in Jamjang. Staff are advised to carry enough cash to see them through to the next R&R. The staff will be accommodated at the UNHCR JamJang Guest house compound at a cost sharing basis. Relatively well-equipped Gym is available within the office/ accommodation compound. DSTV is installed in the common TV room (cafeteria space). UNHAS flight which flies three times a week is the only means of commuting between Jam-Jang and Juba. These flights may be interrupted during heavy rain or if unsafe. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

South Sudan is a unique country and Jamjang is a unique operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential

Conditions of Service

The initial contract is issued upon arrival for the period indicated above. The contract can be extended depending on continuation of mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment.

A UN Volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which is composed of a Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three).