Health Specialist

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.

Under the general supervision of the Deputy Representative, the International UN Volunteer Health Specialist will strengthen the country office capacity to deliver on Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Health programme. She/He will provide professional technical assistance and support to design, plan, implement, monitor, and evaluate UNICEF ECD & health interventions in Algeria, to achieve planned outcome and output in line with the Algeria Country Programme Document (CPD). The specialist will provide technical contribution to the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the health and nutrition interventions aimed at building the capacity Government of Algeria so that advance the survival and well-being of children and mothers in Algeria, focusing in the most disadvantaged area and communities.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the UNICEF Deputy Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the international UN Volunteer Health Specialist will:

• Contribute to Situation Analysis and its periodic update for effective planning, development, and management, like assisting compiling, analyzing and evaluating information and participating in providing technical input and support to Health interventions and its periodic update. • Exercises technical and programme management leadership for the development and implementation of the results-based sectoral work plan and objectives as well as for administration and monitoring of sectoral project activities, consistent with the defined project strategic priorities and approaches. • Undertakes field visits to support monitoring of programmes, as well as participate in periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners. And provide support to identify necessary action for programme adjustments. • Contribute to the provision of technical advice and support to government officials and implementing partners in planning and management of the Health interventions to ensure their sustainability. • Assist the provision of technical support to government and other partners in planning, development, implementation, and evaluation stages of the programmes/projects. • Other duties as assigned 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 UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: Results/Outputs can be modified as appropriate; should not entirely mirror the task description but serve as a basis for workplan and deliverables] • The capacities of the health system are strengthened in terms of planning, financing, implementation and monitoring-evaluation to ensure equitable access to quality health services for the target populations, including in health emergencies; • The capacities of the health structures are strengthened to offer quality immunization services in order to increase immunization coverage and prevent preventable diseases; • Families and health workers have the appropriate knowledge to promote healthy feeding practices, particularly for infants and young children • 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.

• 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; • Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain; • Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

the national and/or international level in planning, programming, implementation monitoring, and evaluation of technical cooperation programmes related to Health, or other relevant programmes; • Professional work experience in a managerial position, or a technical expert position in maternal and child health is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Background/familiarity with Emergency and gender mainstreaming desirable. • Experience of working in MENA region, and knowledge of the health system in the region is an asset.

The position will be based in the capital, Algiers, where basic living needs, including
accom-modation, banking facilities, medical facilities and telecommunications/internet services are readily available. All staple foods can be found in the markets, e.g.: rice, meat, vegetables, fruit, cooking oil, salt, etc. Many imported goods are available in Algiers and other places throughout Algeria. Algiers has many good restaurants with good health standards and most guesthouses provide food. In Algeria the most used means of transportation are taxi or local bus. Mobile phone is the most dependable tool to be in-touch with colleagues and friends. Internet service is readily available and affordable at most apartment complexes.