Health and Nutrition Specialist (UNICEF Accelerate)

Organizational Context

UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child, translating commitments into practical action for disadvantaged children. This role is within UNICEF Pacific's Health and Nutrition programme in Kiribati, a Small Island Developing State vulnerable to climate shocks. The programme, part of a Multi-Country Programme (2023-2027), focuses on strengthening primary health care, improving maternal, newborn, and child health, and advancing nutrition priorities through systems strengthening and multi-sectoral integration.

Job Purpose

The Health and Nutrition Specialist will support UNICEF Pacific's Health and Nutrition programme in Kiribati, contributing to the Multi-Country Programme (2023-2027). The role involves strengthening primary health care systems, improving maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes, and advancing nutrition priorities. This requires close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, development partners, UN agencies, and civil society. The specialist will contribute to programme implementation, monitoring, partnership building, and donor engagement within a context of high vulnerability to climate-related shocks, focusing on systems strengthening and multi-sectoral integration across health, nutrition, WASH, education, and child protection.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the implementation of the Health and Nutrition workplan, conducting data analysis and situation assessments for planning, and strengthening routine monitoring through field visits and reporting. Key duties include providing technical support to primary health care services, focusing on maternal, newborn, and child health, and enhancing service delivery quality, including immunization and community-based services. The role also involves supporting the development of policies, guidelines, and data utilization for decision-making. In nutrition programming, responsibilities include supporting core interventions like Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) and undernutrition management, contributing to multi-sectoral coordination, and promoting behaviour change and community engagement. Furthermore, the volunteer will maintain partnerships with government ministries and stakeholders, support engagement with development partners, and contribute to coordination and joint programming. Documenting programme results, supporting evidence generation, and enhancing the visibility of UNICEF-supported initiatives are also key tasks.

Work Experience

A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is required, with 5 years of relevant experience being desirable. Experience in programme management, monitoring, and reporting is essential. Technical expertise in health systems strengthening and/or nutrition programming is required, along with experience in donor engagement and partnership management. Strong communication and coordination skills, and the ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder environments are necessary. Experience in small island or fragile contexts is considered an asset.

Skills

Core competencies include accountability, adaptability and flexibility, planning and organising, professionalism, judgement and decision-making, and teamwork and collaboration. Technical expertise areas include public health, immunisation, and nutrition.

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