UNICEF Nutrition Specialist Job in Kenya

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Kenya Country Office

Nutrition Specialist (Systems)

Fixed-Term
Closing Date:   04 December,   2012

Applications are hereby invited from suitably-qualified candidates who are Kenyan Nationals to fill the above position of Fixed Term in the Nutrition Section of UNICEF Kenya Country Office.

Under the guidance of the Nutrition Manager, responsible for the 

• Development, planning, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of specific Nutrition components of the Child Survival and Development Programme, particularly those related to supporting the development of sustainable systems to accelerate cover and reduce disparities in access for key nutrition interventions.  
• The incumbent of the post will be an active member of inter-sectoral teams and interagency coordination on issues related to nutrition and will play a key role in supporting capacity of partners to implement sustainable interventions to improve nutrition in Kenya.  
• Contributes towards the preparation of the Situation Analysis by overseeing the compilation, analyses, evaluation and write up of information
• Designs, prepares, implements, monitors and evaluates assigned programmes related to essential nutrition services with a particular focus on Micronutrient related programmes. 
• Provides technical support and guidance to nutrition system strengthening, policy development and budgeting.   
• Analyzes and evaluates data to ensure achievement of objectives and/or takes corrective action when necessary to meet programme/project objectives. 
• Contributes to the development and/or introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in project management and evaluation both within UNICEF and within other UN agencies. 
• Assists government authorities in planning and organizing training programmes. Identifies training needs and objectives for the purpose of capacity building, programme sustainability, as well as promotion and advocacy.
  Prepares nutrition related input for the Country Programme Recommendation (CPR) and Plans of Action, Country Programme Summary Sheet, and other programme documents, as required. 
• Meets with national and international agencies covering the management of programmes.  Participates in meetings with ministries responsible for programme/project review, and follows up on implementation of recommendations and agreements.
• Participates in inter-sectoral collaboration with other programme colleagues. Assists in development of appropriate communication and information strategy to support and/or advocate programme development.
• Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes, as well as conducts periodic programme reviews with government counterparts and other partners.  
•  Proposes and/or undertakes action on operational procedures affecting project management and implementation. Provides technical advice and assistance to government officials and other partners in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programme/project(s).
  Coordinates with the Operations/Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and government accountability. 
• Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to supervisor, Section Chief or Representative, as required.
• Participates in the development of the Nutrition and Child Survival and Development work plan, ensures the achievement of specific assigned objectives. Provides guidance and support to staff in meeting project objectives.
• Ensures the accurate and timely input of project information in the computerized programme system, and issues status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
• Prepares programme/project status reports required for management, Board, donors, budget review, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.

Required Qualifications: 

Advanced university degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Public Health & Nutrition, Health Sciences, International Health & Nutrition, Family Health & Nutrition, Nutritional Epidemiology, Health & Nutrition Education, Health & Nutrition Promotion and Disease Prevention, Public Health, Health Emergency Preparedness, or other relevant discipline(s).

Training in gender and in nutrition programmes that promote gender equality an asset.

Competencies:

• Communication
• Working with People  
• Drive for Results 
• Leading and Supervising  
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts
• Analyzing  
• Relating and Networking
• Deciding and Initiating Action
• Applying Technical Expertise

Experience:    

• Five years of relevant professional work experience. Developing country work experience (for IP) or field work experience (for NO) Background/familiarity with Emergency.
• Experience in monitoring gender inequalities and in programming interventions that reduce these inequalities an asset.

Language(s):    Fluency in English and another UN working language required.  Knowledge of Kiswahili would be an asset.

Interested and suitable candidates should ensure that they forward their applications along with their curricula vitae (internal candidates should attach copies of their last two Performance Evaluation Reports), to:

The Human Resources Manager
UNICEF Kenya Country Office
Email address: kenyahrvacancies@unicef.org

Please indicate Reference No. “KCO/EDU/2012-057”in the email subject.

“qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply”
Zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse
UNICEF is a smoke-free environment