Health Specialist (Immunization), NO-C, Baghdad, Iraq (six months, open to nationals of Iraq only)

Contract

This is a NO-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-3 contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, hope

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does - in Programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life - in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions - her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens - addressing inequity - not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

The Health Specialist reports to the Chief of Health and Nutrition for general guidance and supervision. S/He is accountable for professional leadership in and contribution to the development, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and administration of UNICEF’s support for Immunization activities in Iraq, in conjunction other Health and Nutrition programme components. S/He will provide technical guidance and planning, budget and operational support throughout the programme process, and facilitate the achievement of concrete and sustainable results according to the Section’s and Country Office’s plans, allocations, management approaches and methodology, and the organization’s Strategic Plan, applying UNICEF standards of performance and adhering to its accountability framework.

Key accountabilities and duties: 1. Contribute to situation analyses and provide consistent and periodic updates for effective project planning, development, monitoring, management and reporting. • Provide timely analysis, input and support for and coordination of situation analyses relevant to immunization interventions in Iraq by compiling, analyzing and evaluating information and providing technical input. Prepare input to all reports required on the immunization programme.

2. Make quality contributions to the development and implementation of immunization strategies and approaches through participation and through collaboration with internal and external partners. • Participate with UNICEF, Government, non-government organizations (NGOs) and other partners in the development of the immunization strategies and approaches. • Meet regularly with national and international agencies engaged in immunization work. Participates in meetings with ministries responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements, and integration of gender mainstreaming across sectors.

3. Contribute strategically to work plans and ensure timely delivery of planned results through exercise of strong programme and technical leadership. • As Immunization Specialist, exercise technical leadership for, and participate in, the development of the results-based sectoral work plan and technical decisions. • Ensure achievement of strategic results in line with Annual Workplan and Country Programme objectives and adopt corrective actions where required. • Contribute to the identification of new approaches for improving programme delivery with emphasis on sustainability, community participation and cross sectoral approaches.

4. Monitored and evaluate project implementation progress; assess the need for adjustment, acceleration or improvement of program delivery. • Undertake field visits to monitor programmes; participate in periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners. Provide technical advice and assistance to government officials and implementing partners on the implementation and management of immunization activities and ensure intervention sustainability. • Participate in major evaluation exercises, programme mid-term review, annual sector review and preview meetings. • Analyse and evaluate data to ensure achievement of objectives and recommend corrective measures as appropriate. • Ensure the accurate and timely input of project information in relevant monitoring systems, and issue status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes.

5. Build capacity of government personnel and beneficiaries and UNICEF staff. • Identify training needs; plan, organize and implement orientation and training activities for government personnel and beneficiaries, for the purpose of capacity building, sustainability of programme/projects and promotion/expansion of service coverage. • Plan and organize staff training/development programme as needed to upgrade the capacity of Country Office staff in the programme development, implementation and management of the immunization programme. • Conduct orientation, workshop, training and staff learning/development activities.

6. Ensure UNICEF and Government accountability for supply and non-supply assistance and disbursement of programme funds for the sector. • Coordinate with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring UNICEF and Government partner accountability. • Certify disbursement of funds, ensuring that activities are within established plans of action and programme budget allotments. • Monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly utilized and liquidated. Submit financial status reports to management in compliance with good accounting practices and UNICEF regulations and guidelines.

7. Ensure effective partnership and collaboration is maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme coordination, information sharing and knowledge networking. • Coordinate activities and exchange information and knowledge with other agencies’ programmes to contribute to achievement of overall country programme objectives. • Participates in establishing effective monitoring, knowledge database/network and reporting systems to ensure the availability of current and accurate information • Contribute to the development of communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and community participation for the Immunization Programme. • Establish partnerships and collaboration with external agencies, including UN and national partners to improve the collection and dissemination of relevant data; exchange information on programme/project development and implementation. Ensure exchange of knowledge, information, experience and lessons learned.

8. Prepare programme reports and fundraising proposals timely and in compliance with established guidelines and procedures. • Ensure the timely preparation of all programme reports as required by management, donors, budget reviews, and the Regional Office, and for programme analysis. • Participate in the development of proposals for new or extended programme funding; follow the guidance provided by UNICEF fundraising or other teams; contribute to strategic discussions on fundraising and new programme development.

9. Maintain emergency preparedness and, in emergencies, contribute to emergency responses with effective coordination as needed. • Collaborate in forming emergency preparedness and response plans relating to health in general and immunization in particular. In case of emergency, participate in monitoring and assessing the nature and extent of the emergency in the assigned area. Coordinate and provide assistance to the Country Office in identifying where support is required in terms of immediate response as well as long-term strategy and plan.

10. Effectively perform other duties and services assigned by the supervisor.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… - An advanced university degree in one of the following fields: public health/ nutrition, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology or another relevant technical field. - A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: health systems; public health/nutrition planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, or health emergency / humanitarian preparedness. - Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset. - Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Core elements required for this post i) Core Values • Care • Respect • Integrity • Trust • Accountability ii) Core Competencies - Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (2) - Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2) - Works Collaboratively with others (2) - Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2) - Innovates and Embraces Change (2) - Thinks and Acts Strategically (2) - Drive to achieve impactful results (2) - Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks • Lien on post may apply to applicants who are current UNICEF staff on Permanent, continuing and Fixed Term positions applying for this Temporary Appointment assignment • Proof of leave of absence will be required for applicants working with the government or related entities. • UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates will be be prioritized. • Renewal of the post for an additional six months may be possible • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.