Chief Child Survival & Development, Temporary Appointment, P4, Post # 124980, Windhoek, Namibia (For Internationals only)
Job no: 562510
Position type: Temporary Appointment
Location: Namibia Division/Equivalent: Nairobi Regn’l(ESARO)
School/Unit: Namibia
Department/Office: Windhoek, Namibia
Categories: Health and Nutrition
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, good health
Strategic Office Context:
UNICEF’s current objectives in that particular office/division; and
UNICEF Namibia’s Child Survival and Development (CSD) programme will focus on the achievement of the SDGs (particularly 2,4,6, but interlinked with all others) as well as the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda and (quality) Education for All. The strengthening of health, education, ECD and child protection systems will accelerate the achievement of CSD in Namibia.
The Chief Child Survival and Development (CSD) post focuses on the first decade, and particularly on (1) strengthening multisectoral service delivery systems and building national capacity, (2) promoting maternal, neonatal and child health, WASH and nutrition, (3) preventing violence against child, (4) improving access to, and quality of, early learning, early childhood development, and (5) ensuring that investments in the first decade are sustained during the second decade to be implemented by the Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) programme component.
The specific role of the position’s section in contributing to their achievement
The CSD post is responsible for the management of the entire CSD programme, with a strong focus on nutrition (60%). The post is technically authoritative in providing programmatic advisory services, as well as for overall contribution to innovation and knowledge management.
How can you make a difference?
In light of the particular challenges in the area of Nutrition in the country, the Chief CSD will simultaneously act as the Manager of the Nutrition pillar of the CSD programme, which will constitute 60% of the nutrition function and responsible for developing, preparing and managing complex, key and integrated nutrition programmes.
The CSD Nutrition post will provides authoritative technical guidance and management support throughout the nutrition programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results in maternal, infant and child nutrition programmes/projects.
Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
- Managerial leadership
- Programme/project Planning, Development and Management on CSD with a strong emphasis on nutrition
- Innovation, Knowledge Management and capacity building
- Rights-Based Programme with Results-Based Approach
- Sectoral Work Plan Development, Implementation, Monitoring and delivery of results
- Programme Management, Delivery, Evaluation and Reporting
- Promotion of UNICEF’s Global Goals
- UNICEF and Government Accountability
- Technical support, Advocacy, Communication, Collaboration, Networking and Partnership building.
Managerial leadership
- Establish the section’s annual work plan with the Child Survival and Development team, and set priorities and targets. Monitor work progress and ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
- Establish clear individual performance objectives, goals and timelines; and provide timely guidance to enable the team to perform their duties responsibly and efficiently. Plan and ensure timely performance management and assessment of the team.
- Supervise team members by providing them with clear objectives and goals, direction and guidance to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
Programme/project Planning, Development and Management on CSD with a strong emphasis on nutrition
- Enhance effective programme, sectoral or inter-sectoral, planning, development and management by leading, guiding, coordinating and supporting the timely completion of the Situational Analysis and its periodic update in the area of child survival and development in the first decade with a particular emphasis on nutrition, addressing gender and determinants of inequalities through accurate and complete monitoring and analysis, and the timely preparation or finalization of sectoral input. Provide technical support and guidance on the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for the nutrition sector/s to ensure comprehensive and current data on maternal and child nutrition is available to guide policy development as well as design and management of nutrition programmes/projects.
- Ensure inclusion, coordination and delivery on sectoral leadership responsibilities and participation to the Maternal, neonatal, child health including PMTCT of HIV, WASH, Early Childhood Development [pre-primary and primary education up to grade 5] and child protection [within the first decade], immunization and community based health care) program, with a strong emphasis on improving nutrition indicators.
- Prepare, coordinate and/or supervise the formulation of Child Survival and Development program recommendations and related documentations, in particular in light of improving nutrition status in the country, as a component of the Country Programme, establishing clear program goals, objectives, strategies, and results based on results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM).
- Evaluate program recommendation for CSD with a strong focus on nutrition to ensure alignment of the sectoral program with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, Country Programme, UN Partnership Framework (UNPAF), regional strategies as well as national priorities, plans and competencies.
- Consult and collaborate with colleagues and partners to provide technical and operational support on programs planning, management and implementation, and to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of programs/projects with other UNICEF sectors throughout all stages of programming processes for CSD with a strong focus on nutrition.
Innovation, Knowledge Management and capacity building
- Promote knowledge management by exchange of knowledge, information, situation analysis, experience or lessons learned; promote knowledge sharing and technical input or recommendations on major CSD programme directions, with a strong emphasis on nutrition and on introduction of new initiatives in the country.
- Promote lessons learned in addressing inequalities and gender inequalities.
- Advise the Representative / Deputy Representative on appropriate training and professional development opportunities for Child Survival and Development section staff.
- Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best and cutting-edge practices in health management and information systems. Institutionalize and share best practices and knowledge learned.
- Contribute to the development of policies and procedures and introduce innovation and best practices to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable CSD programs and projects, with a strong emphasis on nutrition.
- Lead, plan and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of stakeholders to promote sustainable results on health and nutrition related program/projects.
Rights-Based Programme with Results-Based Approach
- Promote the quality of rights-based Child Survival and Development programme, with a strong emphasis on nutrition through participation in the formulation of programme/project goals, strategies and approaches.
- Bring coherence, synergy and added value to programme management processes using a results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Sectoral Work Plan Development, Implementation, and Monitoring
- Takes primary responsibility for the development of the sectoral work plan and technical decisions as well as for project management, implementation and monitoring of nutrition activity, in compliance with the defined project strategies and approaches, with an emphasis on promoting approaches to reducing gender inequalities and achieving gender mainstreaming.
Programme Management, Delivery, Evaluation and Reporting
- Establish the annual work plans with the Child Survival and Development team; set priorities/targets and performance measurement, with a strong emphasis on nutrition. Monitor work progress and ensure results are achieved according to schedule and performance standards.
- Ensure programme efficiency and delivery through a rigorous and transparent approach to evaluation. Participation in major evaluation exercises, program reviews and annual sector review meetings with government counterparts with preparation of sector reports.
- Support the Office of the Deputy Representative for adequate and transparent evaluation of emergency preparedness and response.
Promotion of UNICEF’s Global Goals
- Promote the organization goals of UNICEF through advocacy and policy dialogue through active engagement in communication, networking and participation at every opportunity inside and outside UNICEF, leveraging the strength of UNICEF mission, goals and programmes, and with reference to sectoral strategies (Maternal, newborn, child health including PMTCT of HIV, WASH, Early Childhood Development [pre-primary and primary education up to grade5] and child protection [within the first decade], immunization and community based health care), with a particular emphasis on nutrition indicators.
UNICEF and Government Accountability
- Coordinates with Operations and Supply staff on supply and non-supply assistance activities in relation to CSD program ensuring proper and timely UNICEF and Government accountability. Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to management in compliance with the regulations and guidelines.
- Advocate for due attention and support to be given to Child Survival and Development in all sectors and line ministries, with considerable attention to technical support in the area of nutrition.
Communication, Collaboration, Networking and Partnerships
- Ensure exchange of information, experience, identify new strategies and courses of action to accelerate/improve delivery of services and achieve Child Survival and Development programme requirements and objectives, in particular related to nutrition. Conduct field visits to monitor programmes and collect information. Conduct periodic programme reviews with Government counterparts and other partners.
- Collaborate with Communication 4 Development and Communication team to ensure development of effective communication materials and strategies to support advocacy and social mobilization efforts.
- Overall coordination with Regional Advisers and HQ Officers. Collaborate with other Project or Program or Humanitarian or Emergency Officers to ensure the integration of the project/sectoral program with other sectors.
- Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate inter-agency platforms such as Health Development Partners Forum (HDPF) and other UN MNCH, Nutrition and ECD forums- (UNCT) discussions and planning on CSD-related issues to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNPAF planning and preparation of Child Survival and Development program/projects, ensuring organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNPAF process in development planning and agenda setting.
- Interact with Government and other partners, NGOs, UN and bilateral agencies in the different stages of Child Survival and Development programme/project implementation to follow up on agreements and recommendations.
- Provide technical support and guidance on appropriate technical, financial and institutional capacity building measures to achieve Child Survival and Development programme goals, in particular related to nutrition indicators.
- Ensure active participation to the MNCH, Nutrition, PMTCT of HIV, ECD and Health sector coordination, whilst simultaneously ensuring delivery on the CCCs by the UNICEF Child Survival and Development programme.
Impact of Results
The efficiency and efficacy of program preparation planning and implementation of Child Survival and Development programs/projects, and in particular nutrition-related interventions, contributes to the delivery of concrete and sustainable results that directly impact the improvement of the MNCH including PMTCT of HIV, Nutrition and ECD including child protection in the first decade of life of the most marginalized and vulnerable women and children in the country. It will also accelerate the national development efforts to improve the nutritional status of mothers, infants and children. This in turn contributes to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to continue to provide program services to protect the rights of children, promote greater social equality to enable children to survive, develop and reach their full potential in society.
Competencies and level of proficiency required
Core Values
- Commitment
- Diversity and inclusion
- Integrity
Core competencies
- Communication (II)
- Working with people (II)
- Drive for results (II)
Functional Competencies:
- Leading and supervising (II)
- Formulating strategies and concepts (II)
- Analyzing (III)
- Relating and networking (II)
- Deciding and Initiating action (II)
- Applying technical expertise (III)
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Recruitment Qualifications
Education: An advanced university degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following fields is required: nutrition, public health, nutritional epidemiology, global/international health and nutrition, health/nutrition research, policy and/or management, health sciences, nutritional epidemiology, or another health-related science field.
Additional training in Health, Communication for Development (Programme Communication), ECD, or social policy an asset.
Experience:
A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in a developing country in the area of nutrition and in one or more of the following areas is required: public health, nutrition planning and management, or maternal, infant and child health/nutrition care.
Experience in ECD, WASH and social policy is an asset Experience in health/nutrition programme/project development and management in a UN system agency or organization is an asset. Experience in humanitarian contexts is an added advantage.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others and ( 8) Nurtures, leads and manages people.
During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.
UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
Remarks:
UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert diversity profile] are encouraged to apply.
[If Applicable] Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Advertised: May 30 2023 Namibia Standard Time Application close: Jun 19 2023 Namibia Standard Time
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- Closes Jun 19 2023Chief Child Survival & Development, Temporary Appointment, P4, Post # 124980, Windhoek, Namibia (For Internationals only) in Namibia
Namibia Country Office is seeking for a motivated, energetic and focused individual to join the CSD Team. The Chief Child Survival and Development (CSD) post focuses on the first decade, and particularly on (1) strengthening multi-sectoral service delivery systems and building national capacity, (2) promoting maternal, neonatal and child health, WASH and nutrition, (3) preventing violence against child, (4) improving access to, and quality of, early learning, early childhood development, and (5) ensuring that investments in the first decade are sustained during the second decade to be implemented by the Adolescent Development and Participation (ADAP) programme component.