Nutrition Specialist, P3 at UNICEF
Job no: 570562
Contract type: Temporary Appointment, Fixed Term Appointment
Duty Station: Dar-es-Salaam
Level: P-3
Location: United Republic of Tanzania
Categories: Nutrition
Recommended:
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, strength.
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 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. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, nutrition, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill 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.
How can you make a difference?
Under the overall direction and guidance of the Chief of Nutrition, you will manage the Nutrition Governance and Early Childhood Nutrition output of the Nutrition section. You will be responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting the programme progress of the sectors (governance and early childhood nutrition) of the nutrition programme. The Nutrition Specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results in nutrition governance (public financing, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, information systems) and early child nutrition programmes/projects (stunting prevention, severe wasting prevention and care, including social behavioral approaches). This is carried out according to plans, allocation, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), as well as UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance, and accountability framework.
Key function, accountabilities and related duties/task
Support to programme development and planning
- Contribute to and support the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for the nutrition sector(s) to ensure comprehensive and current data on maternal and child nutrition is available to guide policy development and the design and management of the earlier identified sectors of the nutrition programmes/projects.
- Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery.
- Participate in strategic programme discussions on the planning of the sectors of the nutrition programmes/projects.
- Formulate, design and prepare a sector of the nutrition programme proposal, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, Country Programme, and coherence/integration with the UN Strategic Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), regional strategies, as well as national priorities, plans and competencies.
- Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans for the nutrition sector(s) based on results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare required documentations for programme review and approval.
- Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national priorities/competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
- Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated.
Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results;
- Plan and/or collaborate with internal and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators, and UNICEF/UN system indicators and measurements, to assess and strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector in nutrition programmes.
- Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action and interventions to achieve results.
- Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management. Identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
- Actively monitor programmes and projects through field visits, surveys and/or exchange of information with partners and stakeholders to assess progress. Identify bottlenecks and potential problems, and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
- Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations, procedures, donor commitments, and standards of accountability. Ensure timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
- Prepare regular and mandated programme/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.
Technical and operational support to programme implementation
- Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office (CO) partners/donors on the interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, best practices, and approaches on nutrition and related issues to support programme development planning, management, implementation, and delivery of results.
- Participate in discussions with national partners, clients and stakeholders to promote nutrition and development issues especially in the areas of emergency preparedness and maternal, newborn and child survival and development.
- Contribute to or draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use, information and/or consideration.
- Participate in emergency preparedness initiatives for programme development, contingency planning and/or to respond to emergencies in country or where designated.
Networking and partnership building
- Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with nutrition sector government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge.
- Facilitate programme implementation and build the capacity of stakeholders to achieve programme goals on maternal and child rights as well as social justice and equity.
- Prepare communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for nutrition programmes (maternal, newborn and child survival and development).
- Participate and/or represent UNICEF in inter-agency discussions, ensuring that UNICEF’s position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNSDCF development planning and agenda setting.
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Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building
- Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable programme results.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best and cutting-edge practices in nutrition management and information systems. Assess, institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
- Contribute to developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects.
• Organize and implement capacity-building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders to promote sustainable results on nutrition-related programmes and projects.
As an advocate for every child, you will need to have the following qualifications.
- An advanced 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.
- A minimum of five years of professional experience in a developing country in one or more of the following areas is required: early childhood nutrition (stunting prevention, severe wasting prevention and care), nutrition governance (public financing, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, information systems), public health, nutrition planning and management, or maternal and child health/nutrition care.
- Experience in health/nutrition programme/project development and management in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
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
UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1), Works Collaboratively with others (1), Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1), Innovates and Embraces Change (1), Thinks and Acts Strategically (1), Drive to achieve impactful results (1), Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.
UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and
our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The
UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their
race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation,
religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal
characteristic.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental
leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons
with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible
working arrangements.
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. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and
safeguarding of all children.
Remarks:
UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert diversity profile] are encouraged to apply.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be cancelled.
All selected candidates will 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.
Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Advertised: E. Africa Standard Time
Deadline: E. Africa Standard Time
International Consultant - Review of UNICEF Technical Assistance Approach in Tanzania
Job no: 570493
Contract type: Consultant
Duty Station: Dar-es-Salaam
Level: Consultancy
Location: United Republic of Tanzania
Categories: Programme Management
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the
world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend
their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, Support.
UNICEF’s current country programme started in June 2022 and has intervention in the following sectors: Health, Nutrition, Education, HIV/AIDS, WASH, Child Protection, and Social Policy. Early Childhood and Adolescents are cross-sectoral themes that are at the core of the programme. All programmes are implemented through a mix of strategies reaching from upstream programming with focus on system strengthening to a more service delivery-oriented interventions. UNICEFs programme is largely implemented through government structures. Next to the financial support that UNICEF provides via the government financial system, technical assistance is a major component of the programme
How can you make a difference?
This assignment aims at reviewing UNICEF Technical Assistance (TA)
approach in Tanzania in a country that has moved to low-middle-income
status and strives to reach upper-middle-income country status by 2050
as outlined in the National Development Vision 2050.
In addition, the context is marked by the fact that Tanzania’s capital
city has been relocated to Dodoma (which lies in the center of the
country (about 400km from Dar es Salaam) while UNICEF Tanzania’s head
office is in Dar Es Salaam. UNICEFs programme is currently implemented
through a head office in Dar es Salaam, a liaison office in Dodoma and 2
field offices in Mainland (Mbeya (covering four regions in the southern
highlands) and Kigoma) and a field office in Zanzibar. All UN agencies
still have their main office in Dar es Salaam, where the donor community
is as well based.
The assignment is expected to provide recommendations and strategic
directions to UNICEF in terms of what changes / adjustments may need to
take place to remain relevant as an agency and fit for purpose in the
changing country context.
UNICEF Tanzania’s current country programme is in the second year of its
implementation and approaching the midterm. This exercise is,
therefore, particularly timely to respond to the following questions:
How has UNICEF Tanzania provided technical assistance over the past 10 years.?
What modalities were used (outsourcing, UNICEF staff, etc,)
How has this changed overtime?
What were the reasons for some of these decisions?
What were/are the advantages/disadvantages of the used business model?
How is the model aligned with UNICEFs comparative advantage in the Tanzania context?
Is the support provided meeting the expectations of the government?
How can UNICEFs TA be best delivered considering the context of decentralization and UNICEF current presence?
What ‘business’ model or combination of models should UNICEF Tanzania pursue to achieve maximum results for children?
What changes if any need to be made to make UNICEFs TA fit for purpose in the current context in Tanzania?
What should be the role of different UNICEF Offices (Dar es Salaam; Dodoma; Zanzibar; other field offices
What are the factors to be noted and steps to be taken by UNICEF
Tanzania in providing TA to the government in the low-middle-income
context? o What are the potential alternatives for TA to consider?
How best can UNICEF provide relevant TA in capital cities (Zanzibar,
Dodoma) and regions while the main office is based in Dar Es Salaam?
The consultant will conduct the exercise in close collaboration with
UNICEF staff, government counterparts at national and sub-national
levels and development partners. The consultancy is for 30 working days
over a period of 2 months.
Scope of Work:
Geographical scope: the review will cover locations where UNICEF offices
are located (Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Zanzibar and select field offices).
Chronological scope: the review will cover the programme implementation over the past 10 years.
Thematic scope: the review will cover the overall UNICEF TA approach
including strategic positioning, advocacy and resource leveraging as
well as direct technical assistance to Government MDAs and LGAs, in the
various sectors of UNICEF programme. The review will provide guidance on
how and if UNICEF’s business model is fit for purpose – to deliver
results for children in a changing country and provide recommendations
on the way forward.
The methodology will be finalized by the consultant as part of the inception report. However, the review of UNICEF TA approach in Tanzania is expected to be achieved mostly through:
Desk review of relevant documentation including the latest UNICEF TCO
Country Programme Evaluation (2016-2021), Country Programme Document,
Programme Strategy Notes and Country Programme Management Plan, Sample
TORs, for TA consultancies, Job description for specific staffing
support.
Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with o
UNICEF staff at different levels (Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Zanzibar and
Mainland field offices).
Government counterparts at both national and at sub-national levels; and
Development Partners (DPs) including UN agencies.
The consultant will be expected to travel within Tanzania to engage with
government officials and stakeholders, UNICEF staff, DPs and key
stakeholders to conduct interviews as needed.
Work Assignments Overview Deliverables/Outputs Delivery Deadline Estimated Budget
Develop an inception report for the assignment to include methodology,
workplan and deliverables (including proposed travel). Requires
in-country consultation with UNICEF.
Presentation to and validation by UNICEF TCO
Inception report + PPT 7 working days 20%
Presentation of preliminary results to UNICEF Senior management PPT 15 Working Days 25%
Develop draft report of max 40 pages (excluding Annexes) incorporating
feedback from Senior Management Draft Report 5 working days 30%
Revision of draft report and submission of final report and brief
highlighting suggested next steps Final report + brief and final PPT 3
working days. 5%
PAYMENT SCHEDULE: UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory if work/output is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines.
ASSESSMENT / SELECTION PROCESS AND METHODS: Evaluations: The
applicant should submit both technical and financial proposals which
stipulate how the work will be conducted. The Financial Proposal should
include all costs of this assignment including fees, travel costs, and
accommodation as UNICEF will not pay any DSA.
Proposals will be both technically and financially evaluated. The
technical part will carry a weight of 75%, in which the consultant will
put clear his/her technical approach to ensure the quality attainment of
each deliverable and the consultancy in totality. The financial part
will take 25% showing the proposed budget breakdown of consultancy cost
for each deliverable (fees, travel and accommodation) and eventual total
consultancy cost.
LOCATION, DURATION & LOGISTIC: The consultancy is home-based with
agreed travel to Tanzania for fieldwork in Dodoma, Zanzibar and other
regions as appropriate.
The validity of the contract will be for 2 months.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
A Master’s Degree from an accredited academic institution in,
evaluation, economics, development studies, social sciences or
equivalent.
a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience
Deep knowledge of UNICEF
Previous experience in UN programme planning, reviews and evaluations
(e.g. Mid-Term Review, Strategic Moment of Reflection, Country Programme
Document, country Programme Evaluation);
Demonstrated expertise in evaluating institutional support systems including operations and the human resource function.
A work record in East Africa
Excellent command of English, with a proven ability to prepare
high-quality reports; Swahili language skills strongly recommended.
Strong analytical skills, as well as ability to process qualitative and quantitative data;
Knowledge of the social, economic, and political context of Tanzania
Demonstrated ability to engage with Senior government officials.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).
To view our competency framework, please visit here.
UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.
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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.
Read Also:
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.
Advertised: 21 Mar 2024 E. Africa Standard Time
Deadline: 04 Apr 2024 E. Africa Standard Time
