Health Specialist, NO-3, Fixed Term, (1 Year), Kabul, Afghanistan, #00062769

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them achieve their full potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering purpose while serving children and communities globally.

Job Purpose

The Health Specialist contributes significantly to UNICEF's mission by supporting the development, planning, and management of health-related programmes, with a strong focus on Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH). This involves conducting thorough situation analyses, strategic planning, and ensuring programme alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, the Country Programme, and national priorities. The specialist provides essential technical and operational support throughout all programming stages, ensuring integration, coherence, and harmonization of MNCH programmes with other UNICEF sectors. A core purpose is to drive the achievement of concrete and sustainable results for children's health, enhancing programme efficiency and delivery. This role is pivotal in making a tangible difference in the lives and well-being of children, ultimately contributing to the realization of every child's right to health in Afghanistan.

Responsibilities

The Health Specialist supports programme development and planning by contributing to situation analyses for MNCH health programmes, staying abreast of development trends, and supporting work plan revisions using EQUIST analyses. They participate in strategic discussions, formulate programme proposals aligned with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan and national priorities, and establish specific goals using results-based planning. Collaboration with colleagues and partners is essential to determine national priorities and ensure sustainable results. Technical and operational support is provided throughout programming to ensure integration and coherence of MNCH programmes. For programme management, monitoring, and delivery, the specialist collaborates on establishing MNCH monitoring benchmarks and performance indicators. They oversee programme implementation, ensuring timely delivery and objective achievement. Participation in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews, and annual sectoral reviews with government counterparts is key. The role involves preparing and assessing M&E reports to identify gaps, strengths, and lessons learned, using this knowledge for development planning. Coordination of the MNCH implementation plan with Zonal health teams, managing the MNCH database for data quality, and conducting routine analysis to inform projections are also critical. Active monitoring through field visits and information exchange helps assess progress and resolve bottlenecks.

Work Experience

Information not available.

Skills

Programme Development, Strategic Planning, Results-Based Management (RBM), Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), Data Analysis, Partnership Building, Technical Support, Operational Support, Knowledge Management, Capacity Building, Situation Analysis, MNCH Programme Management

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