Health Officer, NO-2, Asmara, Eritrea #20351

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For every child, Health!

The health program is a major component of the Country Program (or UNSDCF).  UNICEF acts as the co-convener to the health and nutrition Sector in Eritrea. The Health Officer reports to the Immunization Specialist at Child Survival and Development Section, UNICEF Country Office, Eritrea.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:  

Project Planning, and Development 

Participate in the development of Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Immunization programs work plan; ensure compliance to Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Immunization program objectives.  

In consultation with the Immunization Specialist and in collaboration with all the other sectoral and cross cutting programme officers, prepare the Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Immunization program documents for the Country Programme Development and Plans of Action, Programme Strategic Note, etc. 

Contribute to the development/establishment of sectoral program goals, objectives and strategies and results-based planning through research, collection, analysis and reporting of education and other related information for development planning and priority and goal setting.  

Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing/administering a variety of technical, program, operational and administrative transactions, preparing related materials/documentations and complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support program planning, results-based planning (RBM) and monitoring and evaluating results. 

 Program management, monitoring and delivery of result 

Design, prepare, implement, monitor and evaluate activities for Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Immunization in consultation with the Immunization Specialist as well as the Nutrition and WASH teams and in collaboration with all the other sectoral and cross cutting programme officers. In particular analyze and evaluate granular data to ensure achievement of Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Immunization objectives with the principle of leaving no child behind and/or take corrective action when necessary to meet relevant child health and community systems objectives.  

Assist in the development and/or introduction of new approaches, methods and practices in project management and evaluation to meet Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Immunization  

Further promote knowledge management by drafting or finalizing sectoral documents and reports such as the Country Programme Recommendation and Plans of Action as well as through orientation and training programs targeted to Government authorities. Ensure exchange of knowledge, information, experience, or lessons learned; provides solid technical recommendations on major programme directions and on introduction of new initiatives in the country. 

 Technical and Operation support to program implementation 

Undertake field visits to monitor programs, as well as conduct periodic Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Immunization programs reviews with government counterparts and other partners.  

Propose and/or undertake action on operational procedures affecting community based Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Immunization implementation and management.  

Assist in providing logistical and supply management support to the Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Immunization programs. 

 Networking and partnership building 

Participate in inter sectoral collaboration with other programme colleagues such as Nutrition, Education, WASH, Child Protection and Communication for Child Rights. Assist in development of appropriate communication and information strategy to support and/or advocate programme development. 

Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate program implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve and sustain results on health programs. 

Draft communication and information materials for CO program advocacy to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for health programs. 

Research information on potential donors and prepare resource mobilization materials and briefs for fund raising and partnership development purposes. 

 Innovation, knowledge management and capacity building 

Contribute to identifying, capturing, synthesizing and sharing lessons learned for knowledge development and capacity development of stakeholders. 

Apply innovative approaches and promote good practice to support the implementation and delivery of concrete and sustainable program results. 

Research and report on best and cutting-edge practices for development planning of knowledge products and systems.  

Participate as resource person in capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of clients/stakeholders. 

To Qualify as a champion for every child you will have:

Education:  University degree in Social Sciences, Public Health or other relevant discipline(s). 

Work Experience: Two years progressively responsible experience in public health and or community development programme management, monitoring and evaluation in related field. 

Language Requirements: fluency in English and the local language required. Knowledge of other UN working languages is an asset.

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

The 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 is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will 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.

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.

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’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. 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.

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.