Internship: Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) unit, Health Section PD, NYHQ, Requisition # 520117

The internship will contribute to the UNICEF HSS work plan in timely, completion and accuracy of the country baseline data from Global data base from various sourcces, (i.e. DHS, MICS), from civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS), and from other validated national sources including DHIS2, that will support the customization of country data base in EQUIST tool. It will contribute not only to the quantitative analysis but to the qualitative analysis, using any latest strategy planning documentation.

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, hope.

The UNICEF Internship Programme offers qualified and eligible students at both Headquarters (HQ) and Country Offices (CO) the unique opportunity to acquire direct practical experience in UNICEF's work and the United Nations system under the direct supervision of experienced UNICEF staff.

UNICEF defines Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) as actions that establish sustained improvements in the provision, utilization, quality and efficiency of services delivered through the health system, and encourage the adoption of healthy behaviours and practices. UNICEF's approach focuses on the most disadvantaged. Activities are guided by a results-based approach, featuring situation analysis, identification of priorities and resolution of bottlenecks to effective coverage of health services.

The internship will contribute to the UNICEF HSS work plan in timely, completion and accuracy of the country baseline data from Global data base from various sourcces, (i.e. DHS, MICS), from civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS), and from other validated national sources including DHIS2, that will support the customization of country data base in EQUIST tool. It will contribute not only to the quantitative analysis but to the qualitative analysis, using any latest strategy planning documentation.

 Purpose:

1. To develop skills for conducting an internet based data management including tool development, data collection, data analyses and reporting.

2. To gain practical knowledge of national and sub national—health information systems and of-UNICEF's other health-related planning and programming priorities for global maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, with an equity focus.

3. 3. To develop skills relating to data compilation and summarization of research findings.
   4. To develop skills relating to analysis, planning, programming and its documentation such as country case studies and eventually peer-review papers.
   5. To develop skills relating to knowledge sharing and community of practices (develop a blog, newsletter, quarterly webinar, social media)
   6. Gain exposure to UNICEF's organizational and working environment, including with other institutions (UN and research, academic institutions).

How can you make a difference?

1. Consolidate country data base in EQUIST tool

• Collect baseline data from global data base (DHS, MICS), from national sources (HMIS, CRVS, other local survey or tools), from any other tool from other sectors already used in the country (i.e. One Health, WASH BAT, AIM, Fam 2020)
• Verify and validate baseline data with Country stakeholders
• Contribute to the global data base update in EQUIST
• Support expansion of data in the global databases to additional areas such as Adolescent Health, HIV/AIDS and other related themes.

2. Support documentation on EQUIST application in a country or regional specific context.

• Consolidate and verify data base and qualitative review for EQUIST application given the country context (i.e. National plans, country programme etc.)
• Review literature
• Develop key presentation for initiation and training on the EQUITY approach adjusted to the context
• Develop draft Working Paper o Revise as needed, finalize Working Paper o Develop a draft paper for peer-review publication.

3. Support the community of practices around EQUIST (blog, newsletter, quarterly webinar, social media)
4. Support analytical work around GFF investment cases using EQUIST and other tools.
5. Attend internal UNICEF seminars and meetings, as relevant, which provide an opportunity to meet leading public health experts and reflect upon issues, trends and strategies shaping contemporary global health policies and practice.

Location: The internship will be based in the NY headquarters office

Duration:
This will be a full/part-time internship, the duration of the internship will be for a period of 14-16 weeks during an academic session and the actual period internship is likely to run from early March 2019 to Mid-June, 2019 while the candidates are simultaneously pursuing their graduate studies in a University, preferably in New York.

Salary/Payment:
In accordance to UNICEF’s guidelines, interns will be paid a stipend of US $1,500 per month (if funding available). There is no expectancy of employment at the end of the internship. UNICEF is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas.

Insurance:
UNICEF will not be responsible for costs arising from accidents and/or illness incurred during the intern’s service, whether on or off UNICEF premises. Therefore, the selected candidate must provide proof of enrolment in a health/accident plan prior to start his/her work.

Living Conditions and Working Environment:
The intern will work at UNICEF House, New York.  S/he will work with the Nutrition Section and report to the supervisor of this internship.  S/he is not expected to travel out of this duty station during the assignment. A flexible workspace will be provided. The intern will be expected to participate in nutrition section meetings, as well as other UNICEF meetings of interest to the student, including the seminar series for UNICEF interns. Guidance will be provided on a regular basis.

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

• Be enrolled in a graduate or Ph.D. degree programme or have graduated within the past two years in public health, statistics, social sciences, education or related field. 
• Should have an excellent academic performance as demonstrated by recent university or institution records.
• Knowledge of relevant computer systems and applications; excellent knowledge of MS Office including MS Excel is required.
• Knowledge of Statistical tools and various databases is required.
• Experience in Child related work is an asset.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in other UN languages an asset

Other Requirements: 

• Letter of verification from the college or university that the intern is currently enrolled in an undergraduate school and has completed at least two years of full-time studies at a university or equivalent institution towards the completion of an undergraduate degree (if the candidate is 18 years old, this replaces the two-year bachelor’s completion requirement); or, Graduate Degree Program (i.e., Master’s, PhD).  It should also state the expected graduation date. Recent graduates are allowed until 2 years after degree completion.
• Copy of their most recent official transcript showing excellent academic performance
• Copy of Identification Card (ID)
• One letter of signed recommendation on letterhead or from professional email address

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Our core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. To view our competency framework, please click here.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.