Nutrition Data, Analytics and Evidence
Support strengthening of Nutrition Information Systems in Nigeria.
Overview
Support strengthening of Nutrition Information Systems in Nigeria.
You have:
- Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Data Science or a related field.
- 2 years of relevant experience in data analysis and nutrition programs.
- Proficient in data visualization using GIS softwares such as ArcGIS and PowerBi.
- Experience with nutrition data methodologies including DHIS2, SMART and coverage methodologies.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to conduct field visits for monitoring data quality.
Contract
This is a UNV National Youth contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Youth contracts.
UNICEF Nigeria seeks a national UN Volunteer for Nutrition Data to support strengthening of Nutrition Information Systems in Nigeria. UNICEF promotes the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, 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. UNICEF strives 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.
In Nigeria, children are deprived of a range of rights, including the right to good nutrition, resulting in all forms of malnutrition. The First 1,000 Days of Life, from conception to two years of age, have been identified as a critical window for nutrition and child development and deprivations during this critical period result in irreversible consequences. Ensuring that women and children have access to the optimal diets, services and practices is the focus of UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Programme Strategy (2023-2027). The strategy is focused on ensuring that Nigeria, currently off-track to attain the Sustainable Development Goal Nutrition Targets by 2020, is supported to change the current trajectory.
To enable the above to occur, the use of data, analytics and evidence is a core part of the strategy. The near real time monitoring of the nutrition situation of children and women, analyses and reporting of program performance to internal and external stakeholders is critical in influencing decisions on policy, programme effectiveness and resource allocations. Nigeria is data-rich both in terms of routine data (e.g. DHIS-2, programme data etc.) and survey data such as the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, Nutrition SMART survey, Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2021, the National Food Consumption and Micronutrient Survey 2021, etc. This data need to be analyzed, reported and used to inform programming. The UNV will provide technical support within Enugu field office
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of a designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Nutrition Data will:
Provide technical support in nutrition programme planning, data collection, analysis and reporting. The data will include routine programme data (programme reports and DHIS2), population level survey data and specific research activities as applicable.
Support Data visualization using GIS softwares such as ArcgGis, PowerBi and produce maps and dashboards etc.
Support management of nutrition databases using applicable tools such as excel and other internal softwares.
Develop programme appropriate information products based on audience needs, data availability and refine the ideas in consultation with UNICEF team before embarking on the actual design of the products.
Conduct field visits to programme locations to monitor the quality of data collection and reporting and provide supportive supervision as and when needed.
Support nutrition situation analysis, internal and external reporting needs.
Participate in nutrition data capacity building activities
Perform other 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 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.
Builds and maintains partnerships
- Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
- Drive to achieve results for impact
- Innovates and embraces change
- Manages ambiguity and complexity
- Thinks and acts strategically
- Works collaboratively with others
-Data analysis and visualization tools – Excel, GIS, PowerBi, SMART, PowerPoint etc - Experience with nutrition data methodologies – DHIS2, SMART, coverage methodologies, IPC acute Malnutrition analysis, research, evaluations etc.
Location of the workplace: Duty station is in Abuja, with frequent travel across the country as required. UN Department of Safety and Security graded Abuja’s security level as “moderate”.
UN House is located in the central business district by the embassy row (geo coordinate: 9.0359673,7.4626037). Since the office is 10-30min away from the residential areas, most of the staff members commute either by a personal car or Uber/Bolt. Uber/Bolt is readily available and is affordable ($1-3 per trip). Housing: 1, 2 or 3-bedroom houses and some serviced apartments are available. Average monthly rent: USD$1000 to $3000. The house will be inspected and cleared by UNICEF Security before a move-in. For maximum security, international staff are recommended to select their houses in the following areas: Garki/ Maitama/ Wuse/ Asokoro/ Jabi. Cost of Living: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Abuja provides a fairly good estimate of the cost of living in Abuja. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.
Potential interview questions
| Describe your experience with data analysis in nutrition programs. | This question assesses your practical experience related to the job. | Share specific examples of data analysis projects you've worked on. |
| How have you used GIS software in your previous work? | The interviewer wants to understand your technical abilities with GIS. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies would you employ to ensure high quality in data collection? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you provide an example of a time when your data analysis influenced program decisions? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you approach capacity building for data-related tasks? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What challenges have you faced in nutrition program planning, and how did you overcome them? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you stay updated on the latest nutrition data methodologies? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Why is volunteerism important in the context of UNICEF's mission? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |