Nutrition Officer (Supplies and Knowledge Management)

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.

UNICEF'S work in the Pacific includes responding to a triple burden of malnutrition, i.e., undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity. Above all, UNICEF will accelerate efforts to promote multi-system and multi-stakeholder approaches to reduce stunting and 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 importations 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 behavioral change and youth-led advocacy initiatives, engagement with private sector food producers and strengthening school nutrition programmes. This UNV assignment will support the Nutrition Specialist and the team in UNICEF nutrition programming, with special focus on multi-system and youth engagement.

Withing the delegated authority and under the supervision of 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 have up to date and accurate distribution plans, to avoid expiry of supplies

• Support relevant personnel in ensuring that the Ministry of health is supported to forecast their 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 donor and office end year reporting time-line

• 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 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 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.

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Integrity ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Working in Teams

B.A. in a relevant area, e.g. nutrition, food, public health, behavioral science, international development, or area related to social science

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, tem-ples 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 accommoda-tion to suit business travellers’ families and backpackers. There are several apartments (in-cluding 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.