Child Nutrition & Development Specialist

Organizational Context

Pakistan, a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, faces significant challenges for its children and adolescents. UNICEF collaborates with the government and various partners to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goals and uphold children's rights. The organization prioritizes vulnerable children, aiming for their survival, development, and well-being through interventions in health, nutrition, education, and protection. The Child Nutrition and Development Programme specifically targets improved nutrition services and practices for women, children, and adolescents by 2027, focusing on governance, early childhood nutrition, and adolescent/maternal nutrition.

Job Purpose

This role supports the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MoNHSR&C) in Pakistan, aligning with UNICEF's mandate to protect and promote child rights. The specialist will contribute to the Child Nutrition and Development Programme, aiming to ensure vulnerable populations have access to quality nutrition services and adopt healthy practices by 2027. The position focuses on strengthening national systems, improving early childhood and adolescent nutrition, and integrating nutrition interventions within the health sector. This UNV assignment is a cost-effective approach to provide essential support until the government can fully assume ownership of these initiatives, contributing to optimal child growth and development.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will provide technical and coordination support to the Director General Health and Director Nutrition on child nutrition and development. Key responsibilities include facilitating multisectoral collaboration, supporting the implementation of nutrition interventions in development and humanitarian contexts, and contributing to policy development and guidelines for maternal, adolescent, infant, and young child nutrition (MAIYCN). The role involves assisting cross-sectoral coordination with government counterparts and development partners, supporting Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives, and facilitating the integration of wasting treatment and behaviour change communication activities. Additionally, the UNV will support the strengthening of health and nutrition data systems (DHIS-2), enhance partnerships for service delivery, organize technical meetings, and contribute to knowledge management through documentation and research.

Work Experience

Requires 3 years of professional experience in nutrition, health, and development, with at least 1 year specifically in nutrition-specific interventions within the health sector. Previous experience working with government or development partners at senior levels is considered an asset.

Skills

Competencies include building and maintaining partnerships, demonstrating self-awareness and ethical awareness, driving for results, innovating and embracing change, managing ambiguity and complexity, strategic thinking, and collaborative work. Expertise in Nutrition is essential.

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