Health Specialist (Adolescent Health), NO-3, Fixed Term Position, Pretoria, South Africa #00137966

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, serving children and communities globally.

Job Purpose

Under the supervision of the Chief of Section, the Adolescent Health Specialist provides strategic leadership and technical expertise in advancing adolescent health and well-being as a core component of UNICEF’s global health agenda. The incumbent will lead efforts to strengthen systems for adolescent-responsive health services and to promote integrated, life-course approaches that address adolescents’ unique needs. This includes advancing multisectoral programming across health, nutrition, education, protection, and WASH, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health, mental health, substance use prevention, early interventions to reduce non-communicable disease risks, and HIV prevention. The role involves active engagement in local partnerships, as well as close collaboration with UNICEF Centres of Excellence to design, implement, and monitor evidence-based programmes. Key delivery platforms include primary health care, schools, communities, and digital platforms, ensuring that adolescents are reached through equitable, efficient, and context-appropriate channels. Through these contributions, the Adolescent Health Specialist will help position UNICEF as a leading partner in adolescent health, ensuring coherence across global, regional, and national levels, and advancing sustainable results for and with adolescents.

Responsibilities

Lead efforts in Capacity Development & Institutional Strengthening to build robust systems for adolescent health services. Drive Quality Improvement at Scale initiatives to enhance the reach and effectiveness of health interventions for adolescents. Advocate for Policy Reform & Systems Transformation to improve adolescent health outcomes. Generate, manage, and utilize Evidence, Data & Knowledge for Action to inform programming. Ensure Equitable Access for disadvantaged adolescents to high-quality, age-appropriate primary healthcare and nutrition services. Oversee Programme Management & Results Monitoring, ensuring effective resource utilization and achievement of objectives. Additionally, contribute to UNICEF’s global positioning by supporting the development of adolescent health strategic directions. Represent UNICEF in global partnerships and technical working groups, fostering collaboration with UN agencies, development partners, youth networks, and academic institutions. Coordinate across sectors and divisions within UNICEF to promote integrated adolescent health programming and ensure consistent approaches.

Work Experience

Not explicitly mentioned in the provided content.

Skills

Strategic leadership, Technical expertise (Adolescent Health), Programme design and implementation, Monitoring and evaluation, Partnership development, Policy advocacy, Data analysis and utilization, Capacity building, Multisectoral programming, Communication, System strengthening, Evidence-based programming

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