UNICEF seeks to recruit a nutrition specialist (Emergencies), P-3 – TA, Goma/Beni, DRC

For every child, make a difference :

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in its 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, 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 UNICEF’s 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.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children’s rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

 

For every child, save lives :

Democratic Republic of Congo :

In spite of its vast physical size and limitless natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 176th out of 188 countries in the 2015 human development report. Child poverty is widespread, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to reach areas. According to a recent UNICEF study, 80 percent of children aged zero to 15 years old experience at least two major child rights deprivations. Despite sustained growth in recent years, the size of DRC’s economy remains far too small to provide enough government revenue to meet the basic needs of the population, children in particular. Since 2016, political instability, the persistence of conflicts in Eastern DRC and a sharp fall in global commodity prices have been aggravating factors.

DRC is one of the over 190 countries and territories around the World where UNICEF works to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo declared on August 2, 2018 an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, the tenths in the Country since 1976. As of December, 4 2018, a total of 458 cases have been reported, of which 410 are confirmed and 48 are probable; including 276 total deaths. 14 health zones across the two provinces are current affected.

Of the 133 confirmed cases in Beni and Butembo between 20 Sept and 2 November, 45 confirmed cases (34%) were among children aged less than 17; of which 16 were children under the age of 2 years.

To face this situation the government and partners including UNICEF are supporting the implementation of the National Joint Response Plan to the Ebola outbreak under the leadership of the Ministry of Health. As part of the response, a Joint Nutrition and food assistance strategy was developed by the Government and UN agencies (WHO, UNICEF, WFP). The strategy is accompanied by three guidelines i.e. (1) the National Nutritional and Food Strategy Guidelines for the EVD Response, (sector), and (2) the Nutritional Care Protocol for Ebola Treatment Centre, with the simplified algorithm for nutritional care for Ebola affected population (reviewed by HQ and adopted by MoH in Beni) and (3) the Infants and Young children feeding (IYCF) in community guidelines (still to be validated) developed in partnership with other partners that include WFP, WHO, MSF, ALIMA, and the National Nutrition Program- PRONANUT.

 

How can you make a difference to UNICEF in DRC?

Purpose of the job :

The Nutrition Specialist (Emergencies) will be accountable for planning, coordination and providing strategic guidelines of nutrition response/strategy in EVD context in North Kivu and Ituri.

Under the overall direction of UNICEF EVD response coordinator, under the technical supervision of the Chief of Nutrition Section and coordination with National Nutrition Cluster Coordinator, the Nutrition Specialist (Emergencies) will ensure a more effective nutrition response capacity by mobilizing agencies, organizations and NGOs to coordinate and ensuring the mainstream of nutrition response in the global response.

 

Your Expected Key Results :

Specific Responsibilities, Duties and Tasks :

The incumbent’s responsibilities/deliverables in support to the Nutrition Sector and national coordination (Commission de prise en charge de malades EVD, commission d’appui psychosocial, Commision de prevention, Comission de surveillance, Comission de communication and PRONANUT, programme national de nutrition) will be focused on coordination and providing technical assistance on the response implementation including (but not limited to) :

• Liaise with country nutrition cluster and UNICEF nutrition section to ensure coordination, documentation of practices and lessons learnt, and mobilisation of partners and funding ;
• Serve as a liaison for nutrition and other partners in the field, participate actively in coordination meetings :
  • Participate in the coordination meetings of commissions and global coordination meetings ;
  • Exchange with other sectors for the promotion of multi-sectoral activities linked to nutrition/IYCF- Infant and Young Child feeding Practice.
• Ensure the oversight of the nutrition sector response (build capacities and availability of nutrition/IYCF inputs and supplies) ;
• nutritional care provided by nutritionists in the ETC ;
• nutritional care for the orphans and separated children in collaboration with the nutritionists of the ETC and the agents in psychosocial support ;
• monitoring and supervision of outreach activities on IYCF-E ;
• treatment of SAM cases ;
• Managing availability and analysis of information ;
• Improve monitoring and quality insurance system: propose tools and SOP for a quality nutrition response ;
• Ensure reporting of activities on daily (or other frequency) basis ;
• Analyse and report/disseminate information critical to decision making.

 

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

• Advanced university degree from an accredited academic institution in a subject area related to nutrition and public health. A Bachelor-level degree combined with additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree ;
• Minimum of five years of professional experience, including experience in the emergency humanitarian operations ;
• Experience in Clinical nutrition and IYCF in emergencies is a must ;
• Good understanding and respect of data protection guidelines ;
• Knowledge of UN System, NGO humanitarian community and familiarity with cluster approach ;
• Fluency in French and another UN language preferred.

 

For every child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

 

Remarks :

* The successful candidate for this emergency recruitment MUST be available to commence work within 31 days of receiving an offer.

* Employment is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required, the grant of a visa, and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service.