Fresh Jobs at UNICEF

How can you make a difference? 

• Supervised by the Nutrition Manager (Diets & Practices), the Nutrition Officer will support the implementation of the SBCC strategy and the strengthening of systems (health, food and social protection) to ensure that mothers and children consume optimal diets.
• The Nutrition Officer will provide technical guidance throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
• This will be carried out according to plans, allocation, results-based-management approaches and methodology (RBM), as well as UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, standards of performance, and accountability framework. 

Key function, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks:

Support to programme development and planning

• Contribute to and support the implementation of a robust gender transformative behaviour change communication strategy and system strengthening strategies (health, food and social protection) and activities to improve maternal, infant, and young child nutrition.
• Participate in strategic programme discussions on gender-sensitive nutrition programmes/ projects, on behavior change communication and systems strengthening (health, food and social protection), with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Formulate, design, and contribute to the development of high-quality nutrition programme proposals, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plans, Country Programme, and coherence/ integration with the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), regional strategies, as well as national priorities, plans and competencies.
• Establish specific goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans based on resultsbased planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare high-quality documentation for programme review and approval.
• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss gender and nutrition transformative strategies and methodologies and to determine national priorities/ competencies to ensure the achievement of concrete and sustainable results.
• Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes to ensure integration, coherence, and harmonization of programmes/ projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated. 

Programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results

• Plan and/ or collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to establish gender transformative monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators, and UNICEF/ UN system indicators and measurements, to assess and strengthen performance accountability, coherence, and delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the assigned sector in nutrition programmes.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with government and other stakeholders to assess progress and to determine required action and interventions to achieve results.
• Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management. Identify lessons learned and use the knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Actively monitor programmes and projects through field visits, surveys and/ or exchange of information with partners and stakeholders to assess progress. Identify bottlenecks and potential problems and take timely decisions to resolve issues and/ or refer to relevant officials for timely resolution.
• Monitor and verify the optimum and appropriate use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative, and other assets) confirming compliance with organizational rules, regulations, procedures, donor commitments, and standards of accountability. Ensure timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Prepare regular high-quality programme/ project reports and databases for management, donors, and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.

Technical and operational support to programme implementation.

• Oversee implementation of gender transformative behaviour change communication strategies for nutrition, working in partnership with government, development partners and the private sector.
• Support implementation of high impact nutrition interventions across the health, food and social protection systems, including supporting procurement of commodities.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support to government counterparts, NGO partners, UN system partners and other country office partners/ donors on the interpretation, application and understanding of UNICEF policies, strategies, processes, best practices, and behaviour change communication approaches on nutrition and related issues to support programme development planning, management, implementation, and delivery of results.
• Participate in discussions with national and sub-national stakeholders to promote nutrition and development issues.
• Draft policy papers, briefs, and other strategic programme materials for management use, information and/ or consideration.

Networking and partnership-building

• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with nutrition sector government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge.
• Represent UNICEF in external meetings as appropriate.
• Facilitate programme implementation and build the capacity of stakeholders to achieve programme goals on maternal and child rights as well as social justice and equity.
• Prepare high-quality communication and information materials for Country Office programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/ alliances and support fundraising for nutrition programmes (maternal, newborn and child survival and development).
• Participate and/ or represent UNICEF in inter-agency discussions, ensuring that UNICEF’s position, interests, and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF development planning and agenda setting. 

Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building.

• Apply and introduce innovative approaches and good practices to build the capacity of partners and stakeholders, and to support the implementation and delivery of normative change.
• Keep abreast, research, benchmark, and implement best and cutting-edge practices in nutrition management and information systems. Assess, institutionalize, and share best practices and knowledge learned.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure optimum efficiency and efficacy of sustainable programmes and projects.
• Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients and stakeholders to promote sustainable results on nutrition related programmes and projects.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education: 

• 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.
• An advanced university degree in the social/ behavioural sciences (Communication, Sociology, Media, Nutrition, Health Education) with proven experience in SBCC strategy and plan development for specific programmes is an asset.

Work Experience: 

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in a developing country in one or more of the following areas is required: nutrition, public health, nutrition planning and management, or maternal, infant and child health/nutrition care.
• Experience in health/ nutrition programme/ project development in a UN system agency or organization is an asset. Prior experience developing SBCC strategies and costed operational plans.
• Knowledge and prior experience working on MIYCN/IYCF is a plus. Experience in conducting qualitative interviews with stakeholders.

Language Requirements: 

• Nigerian National, fluency in English. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

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How can you make a difference? 

• Under the direct supervision and guidance of the P4 Construction Manager (Supply Section), the incumbent coordinate UNICEF’s various construction contracts, verify works, certify payments, and liaise with all stakeholders to ensure all functional project/program requirements are met. S/he will be accountable for effective planning, contract management, technical documentation, quality assurance and project monitoring of UNICEF’s construction works, in support of operations and program objectives. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Below is a summary of key functions and accountabilities.

Preparation of construction annual workplan.

• Prepare and collect information required for the annual work plan on regular activities, ongoing projects and others in the pipeline.

Collaboration with UNICEF Programmes/Operations and coordination with Government counterparts.

• Provide technical backstopping and support in matter of construction project management to Programme/ Operations sections and Government counterparts; contribute with Programme sections in developing child-friendly community infrastructure development program proposals; provide information to Programme on construction related activities to include them in their AWP.
• Provide assistance to Programme /Operations sections through involvement in construction project proposals, planning, and preparation of relevant terms of reference; analyze the project context and suggest the appropriate implementation and procurement modality.
• In collaboration with the Government counterparts, develop and produce innovative cost-effective construction designs using local construction materials; compile and update list of best practices in construction and building design.
• Attend steering and technical cooperation meetings; prepare PPT presentations on projects' progress; undertake follow-up actions in relation to project implementation and monitoring.
• Provide Programme/Operations sections with information on projects' progress; undertake appropriate actions to overcome technical obstacles; draft relevant sections of project reports required for donors, management, annual reports, etc.

Preparation of design and technical documents.

• Prepare the scope of construction works based on Programme/ Operations requirements, budget and site limitations; define deliverables and payment modality.
• Assist Programme/Operations to respond to emergency construction needs, taking into account emergency response procedures.
• Apply UNICEF norms and standards (child-friendly, accessibility, MOSS, MORSS, etc.) to construction projects, taking into consideration the local environment and available materials; verify if compliance with green building standards is required in coordination with DFAM Field Support Unit.
• Check technical documents related to construction (design drawings, technical specifications and bills of quantities); verify whether they are clear, complete and compliant to programmatic and construction needs, eco-efficiency and accessibility requirements; undertake the actions required to endorse these technical documents by relevant ministries.
• Follow up with the designing firms and government entities for obtaining all permits required for construction activities prior initiating works.

Support to procurement process.

• Provide support to Supply section with preparation of LPA requests and CRC submissions with supporting documents related to construction activities.
• Conduct surveys to identify potential construction companies and engineering firms available in the local market; prepare terms of reference required for establishing local Long-Term Arrangements for engineering services (design and site supervision).
• Prepare tender documents in relation to construction works and engineering services; attend bidders' conference and present the technical components of the tender; prepare answers on technical questions raised by the bidders during the tendering.
• Support Supply section in organizing bidders' conference and site visits; conduct the evaluation of technical proposals received and prepare the evaluation report; provide support to Supply section on the analysis of financial proposals.

Monitoring of construction projects.

• Conduct the kick-off meeting of construction works with the construction company, the engineering firm and relevant government counterparts.
• Provide close monitoring on construction activities by undertaking regular site visits and conducting regular technical meetings including joint monitoring with relevant Government technical services; follow up progress for each activity per milestones and review site supervision reports to ensure work compliance with norms, standards, and timeline; verify quality and precautions on health and safety standards on ground.  
• Use effective monitoring and supervision tools to ensure easily assessment of works quality, progress, and performance of engineering firms and construction companies during the entire duration of the project; apply multi-layered approach to construction supervision and quality assurance; use documented hold and inspection points, where applicable.
• Certify payments/variations and compile supporting documents; monitor construction expenditures and progress certificates; prepare and maintain relevant table for each construction activity.
• Provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract management, amendments, variations, duration extensions, applying liquidated damages, etc. Ensure all documents/information required for contract management are available, complete and properly archived.
• Participate in the partial, substantial and final reception of works after verifying the correction of all defects during the DLP; prepare and issue relevant certificates.
• Prepare Contract Performance Evaluation; provide support to UNICEF Contract Administrator on contract close-out in VISION; prepare the final completion report with the lessons learned for submission to the Construction Unit (SD) and AMS/NYHQ as necessary.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Education:

• Advanced degree in civil engineering, construction engineering, architecture or other relevant area.
• A first level university degree with additional two-years of relevant work experience may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, at the national and/or international levels, in project management, site supervision, quality assurance and/or other directly related technical fields is required.
• Understanding of development and humanitarian work.
• Working proficiency in Microsoft tools (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint)
• Emergency experience an advantage, especially in the North East Zone of Nigeria, and a willingness to travel to such locations.
• Experience working with the UN systems in similar function is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with software tools, such as Autocad, GIS, is a plus.

Skills:

• Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations often under pressure;
• Ability to initiate and manage change in a diverse environment;
• Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form;
• The ability to allocate appropriate time and resources for successful achievement of goals, and foresee risks and allow for contingencies when planning;
• Skill in the identification of new opportunities or requirements to meet challenges in the field and propose changes;
• Strong knowledge of latest developments and technology in construction industry;
• Strong understanding of construction project cycles, from programme needs assessment, through planning, procurement and contracting, monitoring the execution of work and evaluation of project outcomes;
• Strong overall knowledge and understanding of UNICEF programmes, public procurement principles, financial and legal aspects of construction issues, ethics and risk management of construction projects.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.