Chief Health and Nutrition Full-Time

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,

UNICEF Mozambique is mid to large (and growing) UNICEF Country Office (CO) In ESAR with an exciting and innovative programme for championing child rights in the country. The CO has an annual programme budget of approximately US$ 100 million and over 160 staff members. Following the L3 emergency in 2019, the regular programme augmented with additional funding for recovery in affected areas. The 2017-2021 country programme has a broad portfolio in Health, HIV/AIDS, Nutrition, WASH, Education, Child Protection and Social Policy & Research. The programme is transitioning into more integrated and convergent programming hence requiring innovative and collaborative programming skills especially for early childhood development and adolescent development and protection.

How can you make a difference?

Under the supervision of the Deputy Representative for Porgrammes, the Chief, Child Health and Nutrition (CHN) is responsible for managing and supervising all stages of health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS and health systems programmes/projects within the country programme, from strategic planning and formulation to delivery of results. S/he leads and manages the CHN team including establishing plans of action to achieve concrete and sustainable results according to plans, allocation of resources, results based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), as well as UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance and accountability framework, and does so in consultation with the Regional Health, Nutrition and HIV Advisers. Within the country office, the Chief CHN co-leads office wide engagements for reduction of stunting (with WASH) and incremental advancement of early childhood development (with Education). Priority is also given to gender equality programming, especially through enhanced adolescent/2nd decade programming.

The Chief CHN sets strategic directions in areas where UNICEF has primary responsibility or comparative advantage such as interrelated areas of maternal, new-born, and child health and nutrition to accelerate the progress towards the SDGs in an integrated way. This through strategic partnerships with the Government across sectors and partners, especially UN sister AFP, bilateral and other multilateral partners, civil society organisations and increasingly the private sector. In addition, the Chief CHN works closely, in Humanitarian Action, with the Nutrition and Health clusters within the inter-agency standing committee (IASC).

Key end-Results

Timely and quality sectoral analysis, input, support and coordination contribute to the Situation Analysis, its periodic update, and all programme documents to formulate effective Health & Nutrition goals, strategy, and project planning and development, in partnerships with key stakeholders and with contribution of knowledge institutions.

1. Integrated Health & Nutrition strategies, methodologies and new approaches are developed and implemented based on results-based approach within Human Rights framework by broad participation and collaboration with internal and external partnership. Partnerships with global funds, multilateral and bilateral agencies and development banks, as well as relations with the private sector enhanced and exploited efficiently, in order to formulate common advocacy position and influence allocation of resources, as well as investment decisions on behalf of Health and Nutrition;
2. Technical support is provided to government and non-government organizations at all stages of the programme cooperation, including capacity building of government personnel and beneficiaries, including through back-up partnerships with specialists Health and Nutrition organizations as appropriate;
3. Monitoring and evaluation of programme performance is properly undertaken for adjustment acceleration and improvement of program delivery, capitalizing on joint global monitoring and evaluation frameworks such as the Child Health Epidemiology Reference Group for child health and nutrition, and with WFP in the areas of food and nutrition;
4. Work plan and objectives are effectively established, performance is managed, and planned results are timely delivered through exercise of strong programme management leadership; partnership frameworks that pool competencies and resources developed;
5. The capacities of Country Office staff are strengthened through effective capacity building programme which also build on technical partnerships with collaborating agencies to provide state-of-the-art technical information to staff – in the development, implementation and management of the Health & Nutrition programme;
6. UNICEF and Government and implementing partners accountability is ensured for supply and non-supply assistance and disbursement of programme funds for the sector; and Government counterparts and implementing partners are orientated and trained in UNICEF supply and non-supply assistance policies and procedures;
7. Effective partnership and collaboration are achieved and maintained for advocacy, technical cooperation, programme coordination, information sharing and knowledge networking;
8. The most relevant and strategic information is provided including in cooperation with knowledge institutions to support the Health & Nutrition Programme by the effective implementation of integrated programme monitoring system;
9. All required programme reports are timely prepared and shared with concerned partners in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures;
10. Emergency preparedness is maintained, and in emergencies, emergency responses witheffective coordination are provided; and in line with the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs) in Humanitarian Action, partnerships with the Health and Nutrition humanitarian actors strengthened within the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC);
11. Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively accomplished.

Timely and quality sectoral analysis, input, support and coordination contribute to the Situation Analysis, its periodic update, and all programme documents to formulate effective Health & Nutrition goals, strategy, and project planning and development.

Leads, guides and coordinates to ensure the timely preparation and completion of the relevant components (e.g., Health, Nutrition, HIV/AIDS) of the Situational Analysis and its periodic update through accurate monitoring and analysis, and timely preparation and finalization of sectoral input. Ensures effective project, sectoral or inter-sectoral planning, development and management. Conducts regular consultation and coordinates with key partners at all levels.

Establishes sectoral programme goals, objectives, and strategies. Supervises preparation of the sectoral inputs to the Country Programme Document and related documents, ensuring coherence of the sectoral programme with National priorities and policies and with United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF); and coordinates with other major players in Health and Nutrition including the World Bank, WHO, UNFPA and other UN Agencies – to accelerate progress in achieving the SDGs.

Integrated Health & Nutrition strategies, methodologies and innovative approaches are developed and implemented based on results-based approach and Human Rights framework by broad participation and collaboration with internal and external partnership.

As part of the senior management team, ensures the integration of the sectoral programme with other UNICEF sectors in all stages of the programming process. Builds on intersectoral experience and establishes partnerships to promote innovative approaches to address immediate and underlying determinants of maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition, recognizing that health and nutrition outcomes are not the results of action in the health and nutrition sectors alone; hence maintains close working relationships with other UNICEF sectors, particularly Education, WASH, Child Protection and programme communication to ensure integration of the Health & Nutrition programme with other sectors.

Provides leadership, guidance and direction for the formulation and development of Health & Nutrition goals, strategies and approaches for the UNICEF plan of cooperation, in consultation with strategic partners.

Participates with UNICEF, government, donors and other partners in the development of integrated strategies, methodologies and identification of innovative approaches for improving programme delivery, with emphasis on advocacy, community participation and social mobilization based on the Human Rights framework and cross sector approach to Programming and Community Capacity Development.

Brings coherence, synergy and added value to sectoral or project management processes using a results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Exploits efficiently the strategic partnerships as well as selective partnerships on specific issues with global funds, multilateral and bilateral agencies and development banks and enhance relations with the private sector in order to: formulate common advocacy position, propose new financing mechanisms, and influence investment decisions such as on goods most needed by poor families and new supply solutions.

Monitors latest Health & Nutrition developments at the international, regional and national levels; identifies/develops new methodologies and approaches for managing and improving programme effectiveness and efficiency of delivery; and expands collaboration with allies, focusing on traditional and nontraditional partnership frameworks which address specific needs and have potential to leverage resources and scale up programmes.

Reviews and evaluates the technical, institutional and financial feasibility and constraints of programmes/ projects in coordination and collaboration with government and other partners.

Establishes active and participatory partnerships with key stakeholders (Government, other UN agencies, CSOs, bilateral and multilateral agencies, national and international academic institutions as well as the private sector) and works with them at various stages of Health & Nutrition programme design and implementation.

Technical support is provided to government and non-government organizations at all stages of the programme cooperation, including capacity building of government personnel and beneficiaries. Provides guidance and support to government and non-government organizations at the national and provincial levels in the planning, development and implementation stages of the programmes/projects. Plans, organizes and oversees training and orientation activities for government personnel and beneficiaries and other relevant partners, for the purpose of institutional capacity building and expansion of coverage of services.

Monitoring and evaluation of programme performance is systematically undertaken for adjustment, acceleration and improvement of program delivery.

In collaboration with other colleagues, establishes effective information and reporting systems to monitor and evaluate the impact of the Health & Nutrition programme and achievement of targeted goals.

Monitor and evaluate project implementation in the field. Participates in major review and planning meetings with government partners and key stakeholders on the country programme to assess and evaluate programme effectiveness, identifying problems and adopting remedial measures to accelerate/improve programme delivery.

Work plan and objectives are effectively established, performance is managed, and planned results are timely delivered through exercise of strong programme management leadership.

As head of a large section, Chief Health & Nutrition takes primary responsibility for the development of the results-based sectoral work plan as well as for managerial oversight and implementation of sectoral project activity, consistent with the defined project strategies and approaches. Establishes partnership frameworks that pool competencies and resources.

Ensures that objectives and targets are timely met and achieved, by providing advice, guidance oversight, coordination, and support to professional and support staff.

The team is working in a motivating and inspiring workplace and their capacities are strengthened through effective capacity building programme in the development, implementation and management of Health & Nutrition programme.

The Chief provides leadership and motivates the team to achieve strategic results for children. He/She guides and coordinates a staff training/development programme with Regional and HQ Advisers to upgrade the capacity of UNICEF Country Office staff enabling them to progressively engage in and lead in the programme development, implementation and management of the Health & Nutrition programme. Oversees relevant orientation, workshop, training and staff learning/development activities, including relying on technical partnership with collaborating agencies to provide state –of the –art -technical information to staff.

UNICEF and Government accountability is ensured for supply and non-supply assistance and disbursement of programme funds for the sector.

Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities ensuring UNICEF and Government and implanting partners accountability. Approves disbursements of funds, ensuring those activities are within established plans of action and programme budget allotments; and to orientate and train Government and UNICEF implementing partners in UNICEF supply and non-supply policies and procedures. Monitors the overall allocation and disbursement of programme funds, making sure that funds are properly coordinated, monitored and liquidated. Takes appropriate actions to optimize use of programme funds.

Ensures programme efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme planning, monitoring and evaluation. Submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.

Effective partnership and collaboration are achieved and maintained in the advancement of advocacy, technical cooperation, programme coordination, information sharing and knowledge networking.

Exercises leadership for technical cooperation, programme coordination and advocacy in the areas of Health & Nutrition, ensuring knowledge networking and experience sharing with other programmes for identification of new strategies and approaches to accelerate delivery of programme results and promote effective advocacy.

Participates in establishing effective monitoring, knowledge database/network and reporting systems to ensure the availability of current and accurate programme information/data, and contributes to the development of communication materials and strategies to: support advocacy and community participation; and to widen partnership with all stakeholder at national , regional , district, community and household levels as well as with funding partners including the private sector in order to accelerate achievement of Health and Nutrition related MDGs goals.

Develops partnership and collaboration with external counterparts, including those of the UN and national partners, in order to improve the ability to collect and disseminate relevant data, exchange information on programme/project development and implementation. Ensures exchange of knowledge, information, experience and lessons learned.

The most relevant and strategic information is provided to support the Health & Nutrition Programme by the effective implementation of integrated programme monitoring system.

In collaboration with monitoring and evaluation and program communication colleagues, conducts accurate and timely monitoring and data collection, and supports an integrated programme monitoring system, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.

Provides technical support to ensure that a set of programme performance indicators is identified and adjusted as necessary. Coordinates with partners to ensure that monitoring systems are properly designed, and that data collection and analysis from field visits are coordinated and standardised across programmes to feed into to programme performance monitoring.

Participates in major evaluation exercises, programme mid-term review, annual sector review and preview meetings with Government counterparts and all other relevant partners. Analyses and evaluates data to ensure achievement of objectives and recommends corrective measures as appropriate.

Drawing on monitoring and analysis of key program performance and management indicators, provides expert input to management reports, including relevant sections of the annual reports. Provides technical advice to programme staff, government counterparts and other partners on planning and management of integrated monitoring and evaluation.

All required programme reports are timely prepared in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures.

Oversees and ensures the timely preparation of annual sector status reports in compliance with the established guidelines and procedures. Participates in the preparation of all programme reports for management, Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, and provides guidance and assistance in programme related reporting; and shares the information with relevant partners as required.

Emergency preparedness is maintained, and in emergencies, emergency responses with effective coordination are provided.

Collaborates in forming emergency preparedness plan relevant to Health & Nutrition. In case of emergency, participates in monitoring and assessing the nature and extent of the emergency in the assigned area. Coordinates and provides assistance to the Country Office in identifying where support is required in terms of immediate response as well as long-term strategy and plan. In line with the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs) in Humanitarian Action, strengthens partnerships with the Health and Nutrition humanitarian actors s within the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC).

Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively accomplished.

Assumes any other duties and responsibilities assigned as appropriate to the purpose of this post, and delivers the results as required.

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

Education

Advanced university degree in Public Health and Nutrition (preferably with specialized training in health planning, health and nutrition education, health care system management, HIV/AIDS prevention, or epidemiology), Child Development, Social Policy, Social Development, Community Development, or other relevant disciplines.

Work Experience

Ten years of professional work experience at the national and international levels in planning, programming, implementation monitoring and evaluation of health and nutrition programmes including those relevant to child survival & development. Professional work experience in a managerial position, or a technical expert position in health, nutrition, and child survival & health care.

• Developing country work experience.
• Background/familiarity with Emergency.

Language Proficiency

Fluency in English and a Latin language. Fluency in Portuguese is a strong asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The functional competencies required for this post are…

Functional Competencies (Required)

• Leading and Supervising [III] • Formulating Strategies and Concepts [III]
• Analyzing [III] • Relating and Networking [III]
• Deciding and Initiating Action [III] • Persuading and Influencing [II]

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.