Batch Recruitment (2 positions): Health Specialist, (NO-3), Fixed Term, Ranchi (#68444) and Guwahati (#131718), (Open for nationals of India only)
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. At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. We offer diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a sense of purpose while serving children and communities globally.
Job Purpose
The Health Specialist reports to the Chief Field Office, supporting the development and preparation of the health programme. This role involves managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on a specific sector of the health programme, such as maternal, neonatal, or child survival, within the country programme. The specialist provides crucial technical guidance and management support throughout programming, ensuring concrete and sustainable results align with plans, results-based management approaches, organizational Strategic Plans, and accountability frameworks. A key aspect is driving UNICEF’s shift towards upstream advocacy and systems strengthening, influencing policies, financing, and institutional arrangements to improve health service design and delivery at scale, ultimately enhancing health outcomes for children and adolescents.
Responsibilities
The Health Specialist is responsible for supporting programme development and planning, applying a robust systems-strengthening approach to influence health policies, strategies, and institutional arrangements. This involves comprehensive programme management, including meticulous monitoring and evaluation, to ensure the effective delivery of concrete and sustainable results in alignment with organizational strategic plans and accountability frameworks. The role provides essential technical and operational support throughout programme implementation, addressing bottlenecks and promoting efficient service delivery, particularly in areas like maternal, neonatal, and child health. A significant focus is on networking, building strategic partnerships, and engaging in upstream advocacy to influence policy, financing decisions, planning processes, and accountability mechanisms for child and adolescent health at national and sub-national levels. Furthermore, the specialist will drive innovation, facilitate knowledge management, and contribute to capacity building initiatives, leveraging UNICEF’s 3Cs—Convene, Converge, and Catalyze—for Every Child approach to advance sustainable improvements in health systems and outcomes. This includes using evidence, analysis, and strategic communication to secure commitment and promote equitable prioritization of children and adolescents in health agendas.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of professional experience is required in one or more of the following areas: public health planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, and/or health emergency/humanitarian preparedness.
Skills
Technical expertise in public health, Focus on maternal, newborn, and child health, Programme management skills, Results-based management, Advocacy skills, Upstream advocacy, Evidence-based engagement, Policy engagement, Strategic partnerships, Systems strengthening, Convening stakeholders, Cross-sectoral convergence