Chief Child Survival & Development, NO-4, FT, #00129782, Baghdad, Iraq - MENAR (Open to Iraqi nationals only)

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children’s lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling.

Job Purpose

The Chief Child Survival and Development (CSD) will report to the Deputy Representative and is responsible for spearheading UNICEF Iraq’s initiatives to enhance child survival and development outcomes. This involves strategically integrating Health, Nutrition, and WASH programming to achieve measurable improvements. The role demands overall leadership, coordination, and ensuring the technical quality of the Child Survival portfolio. Key responsibilities include setting strategic direction, designing effective programs, and ensuring the delivery of results, with a particular focus on early childhood development (ECD) and Climate Change (CC). Fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, efficient resource mobilization and utilization, and supporting system strengthening and policy dialogue are also critical aspects of this position.

Responsibilities

The Chief Child Survival and Development (CSD) is accountable for providing managerial leadership to the CSD team, ensuring effective programme development and planning aligned with UNICEF's strategic goals and country priorities. This includes leading the design of innovative and evidence-based programmes in health, nutrition, and WASH, with a focus on ECD and Climate Change. The role involves overseeing programme management, monitoring progress, and ensuring the timely delivery of results, particularly in challenging contexts. The Chief CSD will provide expert advisory services and technical support to government counterparts and partners, advocating for child rights and evidence-based interventions. Building and strengthening partnerships with government ministries, NGOs, UN agencies, and other stakeholders is crucial for programme success. The position also drives innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building within the team and among partners, ensuring lessons learned are integrated into future programming. A minimum of one year of work experience in humanitarian situations is also required.

Work Experience

A minimum of eight years of professional experience in health, nutrition, and/or WASH-related programmes in developing or middle-income countries is required. Demonstrated experience in supervising a team is essential. At least one year of work experience in humanitarian situations is also required.

Skills

Leadership, Programme Planning, Programme Delivery, Advisory Services, Partnership Development, Innovation, Health Programme Management, Nutrition Programme Management, WASH Programme Management, Early Childhood Development, Climate Change Adaptation, Team Supervision

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