National UNV in Nutrition Data Analytics, Research and Knowledge Management

Volunteering Medical & Health Communications & PR IT & Telecom

Overview

Provide technical support in nutrition data analytics and knowledge management.

You have:

• An advanced university degree in nutrition epidemiology, biostatistics/population sciences/public health/economics/public policy.
• A minimum of three years of post-master relevant experience in South Asian Countries.
• Proven work experience in data management and advanced quantitative and/or qualitative analysis skills using software packages (STATA and/or R) or spatial visualization tools.
• At least three peer-reviewed publications in academic journals as first or second author.
• Experience in undertaking literature reviews and systematic reviews.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Affinity with or interest in Nutrition in South Asia and UNICEF's approach.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UNICEF’s Regional Office for South Asia (ROSA), through effective support to country offices and strategic engagement with regional partners, contributes to winning support for the cause of children from decision-makers and the wider public, particularly on key priority issues in South Asia. This includes providing technical assistance, capacity building and thought leadership for enhancing results for adolescent girls, women and young children less than two years in development and humanitarian crises.

South Asia region has made significant progress in reducing child undernutrition. However, progress is currently too slow to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) nutrition targets and the progress is not shared equally among and within countries in the region. The region remains home to 36 per cent of the global burden of stunted children under five; more than half of all wasted children under five. This is affecting the survival, optimal growth, and development of children, hampering attempts to accelerate human capital formation in the region.

The evolving face of child malnutrition in the South Asia region demands a multi-faceted response that supports nutritious diets, essential nutrition services and positive nutrition practices for children, adolescents, and women. UNICEF ROSA has prioritised the nutrition programme area as one of the eight Areas for Acceleration in its 2022 – 2025 Regional Office Management Plan (ROMP). The UNICEF ROSA ‘Nourishing South Asia @2030 framework’ renews focus on improving adolescent girls and women’s nutrition; access to nutritious foods for young children; early detection and care for nutritionally vulnerable infants and young children under the age of two years. The framework lays out five key strategic action areas to galvanise regional action to accelerate progress on nutrition.

One of the strategic actions seeks to leverage the power of evidence, data and knowledge as a key enabler of nutrition results for children and women in South Asia. This includes generation, customization, sharing and communication of knowledge and data and strengthening its use to drive advocacy, policy and programme action and to track progress on maternal, adolescent and child nutrition in the region. Actions that UNICEF ROSA will take entail analyses of quantitative and qualitative data sets, systematic reviews, documentation of case studies, drafting of technical reports, preparation of peer review journal manuscripts as well as supporting country offices in the design and implementation of research and evidence generation activities including harmonization of research protocols and tools across country offices engaged in implementation research

The National UNV in Nutrition Data Analytics, Research and Knowledge Management position will provide technical support and contribute to regional efforts to strengthen evidence generation, data analysis and use, knowledge management, evidence-based advocacy and partnerships for the Nutrition Area of Acceleration Nourishing South Asia @2030 agenda.

Within the delegated authority and under the day-to-day supervision of [Nutrition specialist] or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV [Nutrition Data Analytics, Research and Knowledge Management] will:

• Contribute to the generation, collation, analyses and dissemination of data on the nutrition situation of children, adolescent girls and women in the South Asia region. • Conduct secondary quantitative and/or qualitative analyses of data sets from surveys and studies and programme implementation data. • Research and collate information, data, and research on maternal, adolescent and child nutrition and support literature reviews to fill key knowledge gaps and contribute to the existing body of literature summarizing the latest research on nutrition in South Asia. • Conduct spatial mapping and produce a visualization of sub-national disparities using appropriate digital mapping and visualization tools available. • Support drafting of technical reports and peer review journal manuscripts on thematic knowledge priorities to support the Nutrition Area of Acceleration Nourishing South Asia @2030 agenda. • Support technical copywriting and review of research papers and reports developed in-house by the ROSA nutrition section and in collaboration with development and academic partners. • Produce quality knowledge products of various types – policy papers, thematic briefs, peer-reviewed articles, reports, advocacy pieces, multi-media materials, and presentations and support their dissemination and use. • Participate and contribute to the exchange of data, analyses and information with UNICEF COs and HQ, and with development, academic and research partners. • Support knowledge dissemination and use of multiple platform types (electronic mailing lists, internet, social media, webinars, etc.) to expand the opportunities to reach target audiences with UNICEF’s knowledge and data. • Support evidence-based advocacy efforts and prepare communication and information materials to promote awareness and enhance UNICEF ROSA's influence on regional partnerships, policies, and decisions that impact maternal and child nutrition. • Support nurturing of regional data and knowledge partnerships to enhance communication, coordination, and collaboration. • Any other related tasks as may be required or 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 taking an 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 Regional Office for South Asia team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the Nutrition Section UNICEF Regional Office for South Asia in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Filling priority data and knowledge gaps identified by the Nutrition Section through technical support for quantitative and qualitative analyses of data sets from surveys and studies and programme implementation data. • An updated sub-national survey data and programme data repository providing trends, burden and projections of key nutrition indicators and its visual presentation established and updated regularly. • Technical reports and journal manuscripts on thematic knowledge priorities for Nourishing South Asia @2030 agenda. e.g. adolescent and maternal nutrition, are available.
• Strengthened networking, advocacy, partnership building and sustenance of effective close working partnerships with regional nutrition networks, academic and research institutions on evidence generation, data analysis and use, and knowledge management. • Enhanced evidence-based advocacy and communication to drive policy and programme action and to track progress on maternal, adolescent and child nutrition in the region. • Timely availability of technical review/quality assurance of documents and briefing notes to support ROSA Nutrition Section with high-level engagement with strategic partners. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

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: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to 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 implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in the area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in the 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 the ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • 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.

a) Education, qualifications, skills, experience, and areas of expertise:

• An advanced university degree in nutrition epidemiology, biostatistics/population sciences/public health/economics/public policy. • A minimum of three years of post-master relevant experience in one or more South Asian Countries required in one or more of the following areas is required: data analysis and nutrition, public health, nutrition planning and management, or maternal, infant and child health/nutrition care, food policy and food systems research. • Proven work experience and affiliation to a South Asian Country for education/work experience is a must. • Strong and proven experience with data management and advanced quantitative and/or qualitative analysis skills using software packages (STATA and/or R) and/or spatial visualization tools, power BI and/or systematic/literature reviews. • At least three peer review publications in academic journals as first or second author. Experience interpreting and communicating the results of data analysis using mind maps, spatial analyses and PowerPoints. • Experience in undertaking literature reviews, systematic reviews and electronic referencing. Fluency in written and spoken English. Strong and proven academic journal writing skills. • Close visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading. • 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; • Have affinity with or interest in Nutrition in South Asia and UNICEF’s approach to accelerating results in the region, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with the possibility of extensions subject to the availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

Travel to the duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

This is a full-time office based paid position and selected candidate is eligible for entitlement as described in Unified Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers.

Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): UN Volunteers are not provided an income nor paid remuneration for services rendered, but are provided a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which is a support mechanism to sustain them during their volunteer service and voluntary action. This allowance is considered reimbursement at the level determined to ensure the UN Volunteer’s safety, security, and sustenance, in line with United Nations standards.

Monthly Living Allowance (per month): appx. NPR 86,132.83 Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 400

Medical and life insurance: • Medical insurance: The UN Volunteer and eligible PFU dependents will receive UNV provided medical insurance coverage. Coverage for UN Volunteers begins from the Commencement of Service

• Life Insurance: UN Volunteers are covered by life insurance for the duration of the UN Volunteer assignment.

Leave entitlements: • Annual Leave: UN Volunteers accrue an entitlement to 2.5 days of Annual Leave per completed month of the UN Volunteer assignment. Unused accrued Annual Leave up to a maximum of 30 days is carried over in case of a contract extension within the same UN Volunteer assignment. Unused accrued Annual Leave may not be carried over in case of reassignment or a new assignment.

• Certified Sick Leave: Certified sick leave requires a medical certificate or report from a medical practitioner licensed to practice where the certificate or report is issued.

• Uncertified Sick Leave: UN Volunteers receive seven days of uncertified sick leave working days in a calendar year. This amount will be reset at the established interval period. Unused uncertified Sick Leave days cannot be carried over to another assignment.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org