Senior expert en Nutrición

Organizational Context

The UNV in Bolivia collaborates with the government and UNICEF on the Country Programme 2018-2022, aiming to reduce inequality and promote sustainable development for children and adolescents. The program aligns with national development plans, UN frameworks, and the Sustainable Development Goals. A key focus is improving national health and well-being through nutrition, addressing the dual burden of malnutrition (chronic malnutrition, anemia, overweight/obesity) prevalent in rural and urban areas. UNICEF supports the Ministry of Health in strengthening primary healthcare services, with a focus on maternal, neonatal, child health, and nutrition.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF's Country Cooperation Programme 2023-2027 in Bolivia, specifically Outcome 1, which aims to improve access to quality primary healthcare and promote healthy behaviors for children, adolescents, pregnant women, and mothers. The position will provide technical assistance to national and subnational entities, including the Ministry of Health, SEDES, and Health Networks. The objective is to strengthen integrated nutrition care and address malnutrition issues through multi-sectoral approaches and community participation. The role is crucial for achieving program results by enhancing technical capacity in child nutrition, public health policies, rural health strategies, and program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will map actors in nutrition and maternal-child health, analyze the health and nutrition situation in prioritized areas, and monitor government projects and programs. Responsibilities include establishing coordination mechanisms at departmental and municipal levels for UNICEF projects, identifying needs, and advocating for health and nutrition interventions. The volunteer will provide technical assistance for planning, monitoring, and evaluating nutrition actions, manage the child-focused approach in coordination spaces, and participate in health and nutrition emergency coordination. The role involves identifying and formulating proposals for unmet needs, developing capacities in managing malnutrition, and supporting the Ministry of Health in implementing specific actions like updating healthy eating laws and promoting breastfeeding. Facilitating coordination for malnutrition prevention, documenting results, and preparing donor reports are also key tasks. The volunteer is also expected to promote volunteerism within their assignment.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in public health at national and/or international levels is required. This includes at least 10 years specifically in nutrition. Additionally, over 7 years of experience implementing health strategies, particularly in comprehensive child and adolescent nutrition, is necessary. At least 3 years of experience working within the national health system (SEDES, Health Networks) on maternal-child programs and nutrition management is also required, along with 3 years of experience in developing strategies to address overweight/obesity and the double burden of malnutrition.

Skills

Core competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organization, professionalism, and self-management. Technical expertise is expected in development programs, health, and education. Fluency in Spanish is required, and proficiency in English is desirable.

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