UNV Especialista de Salud y Nutrición (Yaracuy)

Organizational Context

UNICEF's core mission is to promote the rights of children, focusing on equity by directing resources to disadvantaged and excluded children and families. In Venezuela since 1967, UNICEF collaborates with national and subnational authorities, civil society, academia, and the private sector. Following major earthquakes in June 2026, UNICEF is leading health, nutrition, WASH, and child protection efforts in Yaracuy state, prioritizing essential services, maternal and child health, and support for displaced populations.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF's emergency response in Yaracuy state, Venezuela, following significant earthquakes. The Specialist will contribute to integrated health and nutrition interventions, ensuring effective emergency response and early recovery, particularly for maternal and child health. The position involves assessing needs, identifying service gaps, and proposing corrective actions in affected municipalities. The goal is to restore and strengthen primary healthcare services, focusing on maternal, neonatal, and child health, and supporting nutrition programs, including breastfeeding and infant feeding practices in emergencies, while coordinating with local authorities and humanitarian partners.

Responsibilities

The UNV Health and Nutrition Specialist will support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of integrated health and nutrition interventions in earthquake-affected municipalities. Key duties include ensuring effective emergency responses, coordinating with authorities and partners for maternal and child health recovery, and conducting field visits to assess needs and service gaps. The role involves strengthening health service delivery points, building capacities of local health personnel and community actors through training, and promoting adequate maternal and child care, including breastfeeding support. The Specialist will contribute to restoring primary healthcare services, implementing integrated emergency health and nutrition packages, and coordinating with various stakeholders. Responsibilities also include continuous monitoring of activities, supporting data collection and analysis for decision-making, preparing technical reports, and maintaining communication with state and municipal health officials.

Work Experience

Requires 3 years of overall experience and 5 years of relevant experience in health and nutrition. Demonstrated ability to technically coordinate with local authorities and community actors is essential. Experience in strengthening health personnel capacities, providing technical support for maternal, neonatal, and child health services, and analyzing health data is required. Experience in emergency contexts is highly desirable. Skills in intersectoral work and problem-solving are valued.

Skills

Accountability, adaptability, collaboration, creativity, judgment, planning, professionalism, self-management, partnership building, and ethical awareness. Technical expertise in emergency preparedness, crisis response, public health, and immunization is also required.

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