​Nutrition Officer​

Volunteering Crisis & Emergency Response

Overview

Support UNICEF in nutrition programming with a focus on supplies and knowledge management.

You have:

• Prior work/internship experience at the national and/or international level in nutrition, health, food security, youth development, or social behavior change is an asset.
• Excellent oral and written skills with accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with partners.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in MS Office applications and database management.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision and tight deadlines.
• Have affinity with or interest in nutrition, volunteerism, and working in a multi-cultural context.

Contract

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

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 favouritism. 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 fulfil 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.

In the Pacific, UNICEF works in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu: These 14 Pacific island countries are home to 2.3 million people, including 1.2 million children and youth, living on more than 660 islands and atolls stretching across 17.2 million square kilometers of the Pacific Ocean, an area comparable to the combined size of the United States of America and Canada. Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu are classified as Fragile States according to World Bank/OECD criteria.

All 14 Pacific Island countries and territories have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, but only a third are on track with reporting obligations. Explore the different areas of our work in the link provided here www.unicef.org/pacificislands.

UNICEF’s work in the Pacific includes responding to a triple burden of malnutrition, i.e., under-nutrition, micro-nutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity through multi-system and multi-stakeholder approaches to improve the quality of foods, food environments and nutritional practices of children, adolescents and women and ensure household food security. UNICEF will support governments to strengthen the existing legislation and regulatory frameworks, or to develop new ones that support the availability and affordability of nutritious foods and regulate the importation and marketing of unhealthy foods. Given the growing prevalence of obesity in children, UNICEF will invest in multisectoral approaches to promote healthy lifestyles and dietary practices, including social and behavioural change and youth-led advocacy initiatives, engagement with private sector food producers and strengthening school nutrition programmes. This UNV assignment is to support the Nutrition Specialist and team in UNICEF nutrition programming, with special focus on multi-system and youth engagement.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of a Nutrition Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Nutrition Officer (Supplies and Knowledge Management) will:

Nutrition Supplies Management

Provide support in the management of nutrition supplies by following up on ordered nutrition supplies, ensuring that any support to dispatch and document is provided on time.

Support relevant personnel in ensuring that the Ministry of Health in various countries has up-to-date and accurate distribution plans, to avoid the expiry of supplies, and in forecasting its needs for nutrition supplies

Knowledge Management

Support monitoring of results to facilitate timely donor report, through liaising with different country teams and supporting them to consolidate reporting ahead of the donor and office end-of-year reporting timeline

Ensure that progress reports and programme data/information are well archived on the Health and Nutrition SharePoint

Support efforts in selected countries under the Pacific multi-country office to organize a nutrition information management system under the Ministry of Health

Support undertaking a scoping of available social behavior change (SBC) communication materials in use by the Ministry of Health to assist in identifying gaps, and standardization of social behavior change (SBC) communication for promotion of optimal nutrition throughout the life cycle.

Provide back-up support in engaging, mobilizing, and mentoring young people to support good nutrition.

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.

Competencies

Builds and maintains partnerships

Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

Innovates and embraces change

Drive to achieve results for impact

Manages ambiguity and complexity

Thinks and acts strategically

Works collaboratively with others

Core Values

Care

Respect

Integrity

Trust

Accountability

Sustainability

Prior work/internship experience at the national and/or international level in nutrition, health, food security and safety, youth development, social behavior change, or other relevant programs is an asset; as is experience with private sector, the UN or other international development organizations;

Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and 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 nutrition, volunteerism, and working in a multi-cultural context, as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Fiji has a tropical oceanic climate. The rainy season, from November to April, coincides with the hot and humid months and the cooler months are from May to October. Fiji sits in a cyclone area, and cyclones are most likely to occur in the summer months between November and April. Due to the heat and humidity, you may prefer loose clothing in natural fibers. In Suva, a rain jacket and umbrella are essential. There is no defined dress code, but polite official or Pacific attire is well respected in all offices in Pacific. Fiji is currently in UN Security phase 1. Like in any other country, robbery, theft and violent assault are inevitable staff members are always reminded to exercise caution. Home invasions may occur, affecting both locals and expatriates.

Suva is the capital city of the Fiji Islands (population estimated at 175,000 including the suburbs). Located on the south-eastern coast of the main island of Viti Levu, Suva is the administrative and political centre of the country. It is one of the South Pacific's largest and most sophisticated cities and home to many regional and international development organizations, including UN agencies, embassies and high commissions, the Pacific Island Form Secretariat etc. English is the official working language of the country and is widely used, with Fijian, Hindustani and Rotuman being the actual languages of the country.

Suva is a very multicultural city which is reflected by the different mosques, churches, temples and cultural centres. There are many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, nightclubs and even a large cinema complex where all the latest movies are shown. Suva has accommodation to suit business travellers’ families and backpackers. There are several apartments (including fully furnished apartments) and houses available. Rental price ranges from approx. F$2,000 to F$10,000.

Living and working in Pacific Island Countries including Fiji provides for an interesting and enriching experience, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as patience and commitment to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to appreciate the new and unique culture and environment are essential.

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Potential interview questions

Added 10 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: unv.org