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For every child, the right to good nutrition

Nutrition | UNICEF Kenya

How can you make a difference? 

The Nutrition Officer (Wasting prevention and treatment) is based in Country Office reports to Nutrition Specialist (Emergency and Resilience) who is at NOC/Level /3.

Under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Specialist (Emergency and Resilience), the Nutrition Officer provides professional technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for the nutrition programmes/projects within the Country Programme, from development planning to delivery of results. In doing so, the incumbent implements a variety of technical and administrative programme tasks to facilitate programme development, implementation, programme progress monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of results. The role focuses on support to the implementation of wasting prevention and treatment strategies in Kenya in line with global action plan on child wasting and adoption of guidelines for child wasting prevention and management. The officer will support the development of integrated care strategies and facilitate the scaling up of local production of nutrition commodities for the Joint Action to Stop Wasting (JASW) and the First Food Africa (FFA) initiative. He/She will support the Nutrition commodities forecasting and monitoring, serving as liaison between the Nutrition programme and the Supply and Logistics Section. The position also supports the Wasting programme data and evidence generation for both the regular and emergency programmes. This position aims to enhance Kenya’s capacity to effectively prevent and manage child wasting, aligning with international standards and local health and nutrition needs.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities: 

1. Support to programme development and planning
2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation
4. Networking and partnership building
5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

1. Support to programme development and planning

• Contribute to the development and establishment of program goals, objectives, strategies, and results-based planning through analysis of nutrition needs and areas for intervention. Provide recommendations for priority and goal setting.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to design and plan evidence-informed, locally tailored interventions for preventing and treating child wasting.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout all programming stages, including executing transactions, preparing documentation, and adhering to organizational processes for planning, RBM, and evaluation.
• Support the Nutrition commodities forecasting, analysis and monitoring for both the Regular programme and the Emergency preparedness and Response
• Prepare necessary documentation and materials to facilitate program review and approval processes. This includes project proposals, implementation plans, and budget estimates that align with the overall strategy and objectives.

2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results.

• Undertake field visits to monitor programs and contribute to periodic program reviews with government counterparts and other partners. Provide technical advice and assistance to government officials and partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of nutrition information systems related to wasting prevention and management.
• Coordinate with the Operations/Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities, ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and government accountability.
• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues, Supply and Logistics section (SL) and partners to discuss operational and implementation issues. Contribute to solutions, provide recommendations, and alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention or decision-making. Maintain records of reports and assessments for easy reference and to institutionalize lessons learned.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, program reviews, and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts. Assess programs/projects and report on required actions and interventions on JASW and FFA.
• Monitor and report on the use of sectoral program resources (financial, supply, administrative, and other assets). Verify compliance with approved allocations, goals, organizational rules, regulations/procedures, donor commitments, and standards of accountability and integrity. Report identified issues to management and stakeholders to ensure timely resolution. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.

3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation

• Ensure the appropriateness of financial, administrative, and supply documentation. Verify that project expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with project information and databases, supporting the implementation of the Joint action to Stop Wasting (JASW) and First Food Africa initiative (FFA).
• Provide technical and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners, and other stakeholders. Assist in the interpretation and application of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, and best practices on nutrition to support program development, planning, management, and implementation.
• Engage with national partners, clients, and stakeholders to promote nutrition and development issues, particularly in emergency preparedness and maternal, newborn, and child health.
• Draft briefs and other strategic program materials related to wasting prevention, management, and humanitarian action for management use.
• Participate in emergency preparedness initiatives for program development, contingency planning, and response to emergencies, ensuring readiness to address nutritional needs during crises.

4. Networking and partnership building

• Develop and maintain effective communication and networking with nutrition sector stakeholders, government counterparts, and national stakeholders. Actively share information, coordinate efforts, and promote knowledge sharing to facilitate program implementation and build capacity among stakeholders to achieve program goals related to maternal and child rights, social justice, and equity.
• Represent the programme in Child Wasting and Sector coordination working groups and Task-Forces.
• Collaborate with members of the development community, including NGOs, UN, and bilateral agencies, to exchange information related to the nutrition sector, aligning efforts and leveraging resources for wasting prevention and treatment initiatives.
• Facilitate program implementation and build the capacity of stakeholders to achieve program goals on maternal and child rights as well as social justice and equity. Provide technical support and training to enhance the capabilities of local partners and government officials.
• Support the preparation of communication and information materials for country office program advocacy. Promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances, and support fundraising efforts for nutrition programs focused on maternal, newborn, and child survival and development.
• Participate in and represent UNICEF in inter-agency discussions, ensuring that UNICEF’s position, interests, and priorities are fully considered and integrated into the UNDSC development planning and agenda-setting.

5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

• Contribute to the development and introduction of new approaches, methods, and practices within UNICEF and other UN agencies to enhance the prevention and management of child wasting.
• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders. Support the implementation and delivery of effective and sustainable program results.
• Compile and disseminate training and orientation materials for nutrition project implementation. Promote knowledge sharing with nutrition sector stakeholders, donors, and the media to enhance understanding and support for child wasting prevention and management.
• Analyze and disseminate Nutrition data, contrast nutrition commodities consumption and admission data and make recommendations. Support the GoK with the rollout of the interoperability between LMIS and KHIS.
• Stay updated on the latest research and benchmark best practices in nutrition management and nutrition emergencies. Assess, institutionalize, and share best practices and knowledge learned to continuously improve program effectiveness.
• Contribute to developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programs and projects aimed at preventing and managing child wasting.
• Organize and implement capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders. Promote sustainable results in nutrition-related programs and projects by ensuring that all involved parties have the necessary skills and knowledge.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education:  A university degree in one of the following fields is required:  nutrition, public health, nutritional epidemiology, global/international health and nutrition, health/nutrition research, policy and/or management, health sciences, nutritional epidemiology, or another health-related science field.
• Work Experience: At least two years of professional work experience in a developing country in one or more of the following areas is required: nutrition, public health, nutrition planning and management, or maternal, infant and child health/nutrition care. 

  Background/ familiarity in humanitarian context is desirable. Experience in health/nutrition programme/project development in a UN system agency or organization is an asset

• Language Requirements: English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Desirable:

• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

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Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.