Health Specialist, NO-3, Fixed Term, (1 Year), Kabul, Afghanistan, #00062769

The Health Specialist is accountable for providing technical support for the implementation of MNH projects, including community-based MNH. This includes technical support, managing, implementation, coordination, integration, evidence generation, monitoring, and supervision. This encompasses both direct program work with relevant stakeholders including civil society partners, and contractors as well as strengthening linkages and support to UNICEF teams working on health, nutrition, child protection, gender, water, and sanitation.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

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For every child, the right to Health

How can you make a difference?

Key function, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. Support to programme development and planning
2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results
3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation
4. Networking and partnership building
5. Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building

Support to programme development and planning

• Support and contribute to the preparation, design and updating of the situation analysis for the sector(s) to establish a strategic plan for development, design and management of MNCH  health related programmes. Keep abreast of development trends to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery.
• Support the planning process and necessary revisions of the work plan based on the need using the EQUIST analyses / model to guide actions toward achieving the targeted effective coverage .
• Participate in strategic programme discussions on the planning of MNCH health programmes. Formulate, design and prepare a sector of the health programme proposal, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, the Country Programme, as well as coherence/integration with the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF), regional strategies, and national priorities, plans and competencies.
• Establish specific programme goals, objectives, strategies, and implementation plans based on results-based planning terminology and methodology (RBM). Prepare required documentations for programme review, progress report and approval.
• Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss strategies and methodologies, and to determine national priorities and 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 MNCH programmes/projects with other UNICEF sectors and achievement of results as planned and allocated.
• Provide technical coordination support between the MNCH unit and other units in health

Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

• Plan and/or collaborate with internal and external partners to establish MNCH monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators, and other 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 health programmes.

• Oversee the implementation and monitoring of MNCH programmes, ensuring timely delivery of results and achievement of set objectives

• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews at ACO level as well as with the zonal health team.  Coordinate and facilitate annual sectoral reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess progress and to determine required action/interventions to achieve results.
• Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation and validating the reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management, identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals
• Coordinate the MNCH implementation plan with Zonal health teams by conducting and facilitating the regular reviews, documenting action points and ensuring necessary follow-ups.
•  Manage MNCH database to ensure data quality and timely availability of information for programme management and conduct routine analysis to identify gaps trends and inform projections
• Prepare and assess monitoring and evaluation reports to identify gaps, strengths and/or weaknesses in programme management, identify lessons learned and use knowledge gained for development planning and timely intervention to achieve goals.
• Actively monitor programmes/projects through field visits, surveys and/or exchange of information with partners/stakeholders to assess progress, identify bottlenecks, 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 and donor commitments, standards of accountability and integrity, ensuring timely reporting and liquidation of resources.
• Prepare regular and mandated programme/project reports for management, concept notes, presentations for donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.
• Conduct field visits to health project sites, review third party monitoring and extender reports to provide technical support to the project

Technical and operational support to programme implementation

• 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, and best practices and approaches on health-related issues to support programme development planning, management, implementation and delivery of results.

• Participate in discussions with the Government, national partners, clients and stakeholders to promote health and development issues, especially in the areas of gender, maternal and neonatal health, and child survival and development. Participate in technical meetings at the MOPH.

• Draft policy papers, briefs and other strategic programme materials for management use, information and consideration.

• Participate in emergency preparedness initiatives for programme development, contingency planning and/or to respond to emergencies in country or where designated.

• Contribute to technical discussions and provide inputs to expand MNCH services to underserved and hard-to-reach areas.

Networking and partnership building 

• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with health sector government counterparts, national stakeholders, as well as global partners, allies, donors, and academia. Through active networking, advocacy and effective communication, build capacity and exchange knowledge and expertise to facilitate the achievement of programme goals on child rights, social justice and equity.
• Prepare communication and information materials for CO programme advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances, and support fund raising for health programmes (maternal, neonatal and child survival and development).

• Participate and/or represent UNICEF in appropriate inter-agency (UNCT) discussions and planning on health-related issues to collaborate with inter-agency partners/colleagues on UNDAF planning and preparation of health programmes/projects, ensuring organizational position, interests and priorities are fully considered and integrated in the UNDAF process in development planning and agenda setting.
• Build relationships between with other sections to maintain great health in UNICEF’s inter-sectoral platforms

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 concrete and sustainable programme results.

• Keep abreast and conduct research to provide evidence for implementation of best and cutting edge practices in health.
• 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 stakeholders to promote sustainable results on health-related programmes /projects.
• Support the heath section’s effort to strengthen the use of data for decision making

Impact of Results

The efficiency and efficacy of support provided by the Health Specialist to MNCH programme preparation, planning and implementation facilitates the delivery of concrete and sustainable results that directly impact the improvement of the health of the most marginalized and vulnerable women and children in the country. This in turn contributes to maintaining and enhancing the credibility and ability of UNICEF to continue to provide programme services to protect the rights of children, and to promote greater social equality to enable them to survive, develop and reach their full potential in society.

The Health Specialist reports to the Maternal, Neonatal Health (MNCH) Manager (Level 4) for guidance and general supervision. The Health Specialist is accountable for providing technical support for the implementation of MNCH projects, including community-based MNCH. This includes technical support, managing, implementation, coordination, integration, evidence generation, monitoring, and supervision. This encompasses both direct program work with relevant stakeholders including civil society partners, and contractors as well as strengthening linkages and support to UNICEF teams working on health, nutrition, child protection, gender, water, and sanitation.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:  Updated JD - Health Specialist, NO-3, Fixed Term, (1 Year), Kabul, Afghanistan, #00062769.doc

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

Minimum requirements:

1. Education: Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Public Health, Epidemiology, public health/nutrition, pediatrics health, family health, epidemiology or any other related fields.
2. Work Experience: A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: public health/nutrition planning and management, demonstrated experience in data management, maternal neonatal and child health care. A good, demonstrated understanding of the primary health care and community-health care system in Afghanistan is required.
3. Skills: Demonstrated expertise in public health programming, epidemiology, data management, monitoring and evaluation, stakeholder coordination, maternal/neonatal health, effective communication, and MNCH Analytical skills.
4. Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.

Desirables:

1. Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
2. Previous experience in implementing large-scale MNCH projects, particularly within UN system agencies, is considered an asset.
3. Experience working with International Financing Institutions, international organizations, and public or civil society sectors is desirable.
4. Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

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

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions 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.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants' bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

Visa residence requirements: i.e. UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.