UNICEF Position of Nutrition Officer

Apply for the UNICEF position of Nutrition Officer in Lahore! Open to Pakistani nationals. Deadline: Nov 14, 2024. Salary: PKR 240,000-480,000.

UNICEF Position of Nutrition Officer

UNICEF Position of Nutrition Officer

UNICEF Position of Nutrition Officer: An Opportunity for Impactful Work in Pakistan

The UNICEF position of Nutrition Officer is an incredible opportunity for Pakistani nationals who aspire to make a significant impact on public health and nutrition, especially for vulnerable children and mothers. Located in Lahore, this position within UNICEF is specifically designed to advance the organization's mission of safeguarding children's health, providing vital nutrition, and building sustainable health infrastructure across Pakistan. Working in the non-governmental organization (NGO) and social service industry, this role is crucial to UNICEF's efforts to combat malnutrition and improve overall health outcomes in underserved communities.

As the world's leading organization focused on children’s welfare, UNICEF has consistently led programs aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of children across the globe. The UNICEF position of Nutrition Officer offers professionals a chance to contribute directly to UNICEF’s goal of reducing child malnutrition, enhancing food security, and building partnerships to support Pakistan’s public health framework.

Position Overview

The UNICEF position of Nutrition Officer in Lahore is open exclusively to Pakistani nationals, making it a unique role that allows local professionals to contribute to the welfare of their communities. This position has been designated as a Grade NOB post within UNICEF’s structure, and it carries a fixed-term contract. The estimated salary for this position ranges between PKR 240,000 to PKR 480,000 per month. However, it should be noted that this salary is an estimate, as the final amount may vary based on the candidate's qualifications, UNICEF’s internal policies, and the specific donor's standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The last date to apply for this UNICEF position of Nutrition Officer is November 14, 2024. Interested candidates should carefully review the qualifications and competencies required to determine their eligibility for this impactful role.

Key Qualifications

To be considered for the Nutrition Officer position, applicants must meet several educational and professional experience requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the qualifications needed for this role:

1. Educational Background:

   • Candidates must hold at least a university degree (Bachelor's) in a relevant field. Acceptable fields of study include:
     • Nutrition
     • Public Health
     • Nutritional Epidemiology
     • Global/International Health and Nutrition
     • Health Sciences
     • Health/Nutrition Research, Policy, or Management
   • An advanced degree is often considered a plus in similar UNICEF roles, as it reflects a deeper understanding of the complex challenges surrounding nutrition and public health.

2. Professional Experience:

   • A minimum of two years of experience working in a developing country within one or more relevant areas, such as:
     • Nutrition and Public Health
     • Nutrition Planning and Management
     • Maternal, Infant, and Child Health/Nutrition
   • This experience should ideally include direct involvement in program development, policy planning, and hands-on management of health/nutrition initiatives. Candidates who have previously worked in emergency settings or in collaboration with UN agencies are especially encouraged to apply.

3. Language Proficiency:

   • Fluency in English is a mandatory requirement for this role, as it facilitates effective communication with international teams and stakeholders.
   • Knowledge of additional UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered a valuable asset.

4. Additional Desirable Skills:

   • Experience in developing and implementing health or nutrition projects within the UN system or similar organizations.
   • Familiarity with emergency nutrition programs in developing countries, which may include working in regions affected by food insecurity, conflict, or natural disasters.

Core Competencies and Skills

UNICEF has a specific set of competencies that it seeks in its employees, particularly for roles involving fieldwork and program implementation:

1. Building and Maintaining Partnerships: The Nutrition Officer must demonstrate the ability to establish and nurture strong partnerships with government agencies, local organizations, and international partners to drive sustainable health outcomes.

2. Self-awareness and Ethical Awareness: Working in public health and nutrition requires a strong ethical foundation and self-awareness, especially when dealing with sensitive issues affecting vulnerable communities.

3. Drive for Results and Impact: UNICEF values a results-oriented approach. The Nutrition Officer is expected to set and achieve measurable goals, focusing on tangible improvements in nutrition and health for children and mothers.

4. Innovation and Adaptability: The position requires someone who can think creatively and embrace change, particularly in a field that constantly evolves based on new research and changing socio-economic conditions.

5. Strategic Thinking: Being able to understand and align UNICEF’s programs with broader health policies and strategies is essential for the success of nutrition initiatives.

6. Collaboration: A spirit of teamwork and collaboration is key, as the Nutrition Officer will work closely with local and international colleagues to implement UNICEF’s programs effectively.

Responsibilities of the Nutrition Officer

The Nutrition Officer plays a critical role in supporting UNICEF's nutrition strategy and ensuring that the organization's health objectives align with national policies. Key responsibilities include:

1. Project Development and Management:

   • Designing, implementing, and monitoring nutrition programs tailored to the needs of children and mothers.
   • Ensuring that projects align with UNICEF’s global framework and are responsive to the local context in Pakistan.

2. Data Collection and Analysis:

   • Gathering and analyzing health data to identify trends and assess the effectiveness of nutrition interventions.
   • Using evidence-based findings to refine program strategies and improve future projects.

3. Capacity Building:

   • Providing technical support and training to local partners, health workers, and government agencies.
   • Building the capacity of local stakeholders to ensure sustainable impact, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

4. Advocacy and Awareness:

   • Promoting awareness about the importance of child and maternal nutrition, and advocating for policies that support long-term health outcomes.
   • Engaging with community leaders and local organizations to increase the reach and acceptance of nutrition programs.

5. Emergency Response:

   • Preparing for and responding to nutrition-related emergencies, such as food crises, droughts, or health outbreaks.
   • Coordinating with UNICEF's emergency teams to provide timely assistance in crisis situations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates for the UNICEF position of Nutrition Officer should apply by November 14, 2024. Detailed Terms of Reference (TORs) and application submission guidelines can be accessed via UNICEF's official recruitment portal. Here are some tips to consider when applying:

1. Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure your resume and cover letter emphasize your experience in nutrition, public health, and any work you've done in emergency settings. This is particularly relevant given the responsibilities associated with this role.

2. Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather all required documents, such as degrees, certificates, and letters of recommendation, to facilitate a smooth application process.

3. Tailor Your Application to UNICEF’s Competencies: Demonstrate your competencies in partnership building, strategic thinking, and innovation. Show that you align with UNICEF's mission and have a commitment to making a difference in children’s lives.

Conclusion

The UNICEF position of Nutrition Officer in Lahore offers a unique and impactful career path for Pakistani nationals passionate about public health and nutrition. As a part of UNICEF’s Pakistan team, the Nutrition Officer will have the opportunity to influence national health policies, build local partnerships, and directly contribute to improving health outcomes for children and families. This role is vital to addressing malnutrition and ensuring that Pakistan’s children receive the nutrition they need for a healthy, productive future.

For those who qualify, this role is more than just a job—it’s a chance to drive real change and be part of a global movement for child welfare. If you meet the qualifications and are eager to make a difference, consider applying for the UNICEF position of Nutrition Officer and embark on a rewarding journey with UNICEF.

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