Nutrition Specialist ( Retainer) , Multiple positions
9/11/2017 UNOPS Jobs | Vacancy – Nutrition Specialist ( Retainer)
Job categories: Programme Management
Vacancy code : VA/2017/B5506/13059
Level : ICS-10
Department/office: AR, MMOC, Myanmar
Duty station : Home based
Contract type: International ICA
Contract level: IICA-2
Duration: 1 year (not exceeding 100 working days)
Application period : 11-Sep-2017 to 24-Sep-2017
Background Information – Myanmar Myanmar is one of UNOPS leading offices in Asia, acting as fund manager for three of the largest development programmes in the country, namely the Three Millennium Development Goal Fund (3MDG), the Livelihood and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) and the Joint Peace Fund (JPF). In addition, UNOPS Myanmar is Principal Recipient for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Myanmar and Cambodia, and for the Global Fund¹s Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative targeting drug resistant malaria in the Greater Mekong sub-region. UNOPS provides procurement, infrastructure and project management services to a wide range of organizations in the country, including the Government of Myanmar, international development partners, other UN agencies, NGOs and INGOs. UNOPS Myanmar plays a critical role in ensuring that the quality of services provided to its partners meets stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Background Information – Job-specific
UNOPS is the Fund Manager (FMO) for the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) in Myanmar. LIFT is a multi-donor fund (2010 – 2019) to address food insecurity and income poverty in Myanmar. The donors to LIFT are Australia, Denmark, the European Union, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. From the private sector, the Mitsubishi Corporation is also a donor.
The overall goal of LIFT is to sustainably reduce the number of people living in poverty and hunger. LIFT’s purpose is to increase the incomes and nutrition status of poor rural people by means of interventions that increase income, food availability, utilization and stability of access to food. Its designated outcomes are income, resilience, nutrition, and pro-poor policy developments.
LIFT works with and through support to implementing partners (IPs) such as international NGOs, national NGOs, United Nations agencies, international organisations (CGIAR, IFIs), academic and research institutions and the Government of Myanmar. LIFT is currently funding projects at Union level and in Ayeyarwaddy Delta, Dry Zone and Chin, Kachin, Shan, and Rakhine states.
The Fund Management Office, which is based at UNOPS in Yangon, has delegated authority for the management of LIFT under the rules and regulations of UNOPS, and in accordance with the strategy approved by the Fund Board. Read more about LIFT on www.lift-fund.org.
Nutrition has and will continue to have an increasing significance in LIFT’s work. LIFT requires strategic and ad hoc support advising on nutrition related topics for strategic planning, implementation and monitoring of LIFT nutrition – related programmes and projects.
Under the direct supervision of the International Policy Specialist, and in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the post holder shall work on the following tasks:
A. Strategic direction and planning
- Support the strategic planning for LIFT’s work in nutrition, under the overall guidance of the Fund Board and Fund Director;
- Develop documents for and input to planning processes, including briefings;
- Liaise closely with the 3MDG Fund to maximise synergy and coherence across donors’ and UNOPS’ work on nutrition;
- Provide on request an update to the FMO and FB on nutrition related trends.
B. Policy engagement, research and advocacy
- Contribute to the development and implementation of LIFT’s nutrition-related policy engagement in Myanmar;
- Contribute to the development, implementation, and/or review of LIFT-supported research on nutrition;
- Support the development and dissemination of key nutrition-related lessons for key stakeholders based on LIFT’s portfolio of nutrition projects.
C. Support the quality and effectiveness of LIFT-supported interventions
- Support the preparation of appraisals of nutrition-related proposals to LIFT;
- Support LIFT’s implementing partners to address nutrition in the preparation, implementation and evaluation phases of projects;
- Support LIFT-funded projects to integrate nutrition into monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning plans;
- Provide advice and training as required to LIFT staff and partners.
Methodology and Deliverables
The retainer will receive a task note each time a requirement is identified. The Task note will specify the dates, duration and deliverables.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- A Master’s degree in nutrition or a subject relevant to the ToR is required. Additional two years of similar experience with a Bachelor’s Degree is considered as equivalent.
Work Experience
- A minimum of 5 years professional experience in nutrition is required.
- Proven track record of producing high quality written reports and other materials pertaining to nutrition-related activities is required.
- Demonstrated ability to work with and influence policy development is an asset, preferably in nutrition and food security.
- Professional experience and an understanding of nutrition issues in Myanmar is preferred.
- Experience in nutrition policy analysis and engagement is preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience of nutrition programme development and implementation is preferred.
- Experience working with government partners, donor agencies and local partners is preferred.
Language
- Excellent skills in both written and spoken English are essential. Knowledge of Myanmar language is an advantage.
- Professionalism – Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, analyze options and recommend solutions. Ability to work systematically, accurately and under pressure.
- Planning and organizing – Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan in relation to other stakeholders and actors in the evaluations.
- Analytical skills – Strong skills in methodology and analysis.
- Self-reliance: Ability to act independently with a minimum of supervision.
- Technological awareness – Excellent computer skills and ability to use software tools to present data clearly and concisely.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: IICA 2 (Retainer)
Contract duration: One year (not exceeding 100 working days)
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-of…
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
*It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks. *
*Applicants are requested to:*** Include the names and contact details of three recent, professional referees.
- Indicate your daily fee expectations in USD.
- Note that this is a home-based contract with more than 30 % of mission travel to Myanmar needed. Reimbursement of travel and payment of Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) will be paid according to UN rules and regulations.
Background Information – UNOPS
UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

















