Nutrition Specialist (M&E) - UNICEF (Apply by: 18 April 2014)

Nutrition Specialist (Monitoring & Evaluation)

Location: New Delhi

Temporary Appointment – 364 Days

Closing date: 18 April 2014

If you are a passionate and committed professional and want to make a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you.

UNICEF, the world’s leading children’s rights organization working for the rights of children, seeks a temporary appointment for a Nutrition Specialist.

Purpose of the Post
Under the supervision of the Nutrition Specialist and overall guidance of Chief Child Development and Nutrition, the Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist is responsible for guiding the design, implementation, monitoring, and dissemination of the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey which will be carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MHFW). UNICEF has committed to support the MHFW to plan, design and implement a nationwide survey of children and adolescents to assess their nutritional status and educational outcomes.

The incumbent will lead the coordination of all stakeholders and partners that are engaged in the project, providing timely and relevant information to various project stakeholders, and liaise with the MHFW.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Ensure the effective implementation of the nationwide survey in accordance with the approved protocol. This includes i) Guiding and supervising organizations that are sub-contacted to implement the survey; ii) Coordinating and assisting the refresher training of data collectors and other project staff that are engaged in the survey implementation; iii) Collecting, compiling, and analyzing reports prepared by implementing partners and preparing consolidated progress reports; iv) Paying field visits to monitor the performance of data collectors and other project staff for a quality-control purpose and takes corrective action as necessary.

2. Provide technical support to the MHFW and other implementing partners to plan and design the nationwide survey with quality. This includes i) Developing the survey questionnaires and tools based on inputs received from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and concerned experts in relevant field; ii) Coordinating and assisting the cascade training of data collectors and other project staff that are engaged in the survey; iii) Providing advice and assistance to the procurement of various assessment tools; iv) Drawing up the TOR for the implementing partners and assist in identifying the most suitable agencies and institutions for collaboration.

3. Assist in developing the survey protocol which employs state of the art data collect methodologies. This includes i) Assisting in identifying the key indicators for assessment and interview; ii) Designing appropriate data collection methodologies; iii) Coordinating a series of TAG meetings.

4. Coordinating and maintaining close communication with all stakeholders and partners involved in the project including the MHFW and other relevant government bodies, representatives from the TAG, representatives from primary stakeholder groups, external consultants and field staff when appropriate.

5. Assist in disseminating relevant statistical information/results at national, regional, provincial, and local levels. Also prepares presentations and other documents as required.

6. Coordinates the effective and efficient use of UNICEF’s resources allocated to the project, including proper and timely disbursements and accounting of funds as per UNICEF financial procedures.

Qualifications, Skills and Attributes

a) Education

Master’s degree in any of the following: Statistics, Epidemiology, Demography, Nutrition, Public Health, Public Health Nutrition, Social Science.

b) Work Experience 

Minimum five years progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and international levels in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating large-scale population surveys, handling databases and analysis of data using statistical software such as STATA and SPSS.

c) Languages 

Fluency in English required. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station is an asset. 

d) Competency Profile 

i) Core Values (Required)
• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

ii) Core Competencies (Required)

• Communication [II]
• Working with People [II]
• Drive for Results [II]

iii) Functional Competencies (Required)

• Leading and Supervising [I]
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [II]
• Analyzing [III]
• Relating and Networking [II]
• Deciding and Initiating Action [II]
• Applying Technical Expertise [III]

e) Technical Knowledge

Specific Technical Knowledge Required 

• Advanced knowledge of one or more of the technical areas of UNICEF programmes.
• Advanced Technical Knowledge of theories, principles and methods in one of the following areas:
• Professional technical knowledge and expertise in Large-scale Population based Survey Design, Survey Implementation, Data Collection, Evaluation Process Management, Programme Monitoring and Evaluation
• Nutritional Epidemiology, Nutrition Research, Biostatistics, Biochemistry, Socio-medical Sciences,
• Health & Nutrition Education, Health & Nutrition Promotion and Disease Prevention, Educational Interventions in Health & Nutritional Care
• Public Health & Nutrition, International Health & Nutrition, Public Health & Nutrition Policy and Management, Population and Family Health & Nutrition, Public Health Preparedness, Health Emergency Preparedness

Common Technical Knowledge Required 

• Professional technical knowledge/expertise in demography, statistics, and data management.
• Methodology of M&E, theories, standards and models, quantitative/qualitative/mixed methods, validity/reliability testing of data, data analysis and interpretation, and statistical inference methods.
• Professional technical knowledge/expertise in Activity Monitoring & Evaluation, Evaluation Design, data analysis, and reporting.
• Gender equality and diversity awareness

Knowledge of theories and practices in:

• Child and Maternal Nutrition and Health • Nutrition and Health Promotion and Disease Prevention
• Public Health and Nutrition • Educational Interventions in Health and Nutrition Care
• Environmental Health and Nutrition • Health and Nutrition Education
• Knowledge Management
• Computer software application, including word processing, spreadsheet and corporate software packages

General knowledge of:

• Methodology of programme/project management
• Programmatic goals, visions, positions, policies and strategies in Nutrition
• Policies and strategy to address national and global health and nutrition issues, particularly relating to conflicts, natural disasters, and recovery.
• Government development plans and policies
• UNICEF Board endorsed policy papers and agency-wide programmes impacting on nutrition results, e.g. Ending Child Hunger and Under-nutrition, UNICEF Joint Health and Nutrition Strategy
• Office work plan

Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced 

• Knowledge/expertise of best practices, lessons learned and communication.
• Understanding of UNICEF’s policies and procedures for programming, monitoring and evaluation guidelines.
• Latest programme monitoring and evaluation theory, methodology, technology and tools.
• Understanding of UN Mission and system; and International Code of Conduct.
• Understanding of UNICEF Mission Statement and observance of UNICEF Guiding Principles

Other skills and attributes:

• Strong statistical and analytical, quantitative and qualitative research skills, preferably in social sectors.
• Knowledge of standard computer softwares, internet navigation and various office applications.
• Specialized training in statistics.
• Ability to organize and implement training.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Good analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Experience with and understanding of how government data collection systems work will be an asset
• In depth understanding and knowledge of the Public Health Nutrition / Child and Maternal Nutrition Sector.
• Current knowledge of Child and Maternal Nutrition issues, development strategies and programming policies and procedures in development cooperation.
• Drive for results.
• Understanding of the importance and role of partnerships.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas, as well as to impart knowledge and teach skills.
• Analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
• Report writing

Applications consisting of a cover letter, an up-to-date CV and P11 – Personal History form should be sent to nonprofitjobs@abcconsultants.net by close of business 18 April 2014. To download the P11 – Personal History form, visit the UNICEF India website at www.unicef.in and click on “Careers at UNICEF” at the bottom of the page. In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly mention the title and location of the post in the subject line of your e-mail/application. Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged. This vacancy is open to Indian Nationals only.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organizations.

UNICEF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process including application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training etc. UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment.