Duties and Qualifications
Senior Nutrition and Food Security Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Senior Nutrition and Food Security Officer is a member of a multidisciplinary team and will ensure that UNHCR’s nutrition and food security programmes meet minimum UNHCR and international standards, to minimise malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and anaemia prevalence and improve food security of populations of concern towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The incumbent provides strong and timely technical and strategic guidance to UNHCR senior management, and technical support. to a network of country-level public health and nutrition focal points and nutrition and food security officers. The incumbent has close contacts with internal and external stakeholders such as Government Agencies, UN agencies (UNICEF and WFP in particular) and donors.
S/he will liaise with UNHCR Country Offices, DRS/Public Health Section, and Bureaux. S/he supports and provides analysis and guidance to the network of UNHCR health and nutrition and food security focal points and officers as well as to Partners, National Governments, Ministries of Health, UN agencies. S/he works closely with programme, cash, registration and data management staff on targeting of food and basic assistance (including cash) with WFP.
S/he will provide policy and guidance on nutrition and food security, information on specific technical guidelines, briefings, training, provide input on evaluation documents, design and implement assessments (including Joint Needs Assessments with WFP) to inform joint programming (including targeting of assistance), to facilitate contact with WFP, UNICEF and other partner agencies, advise on local agreements, review survey reports, consult on technical protocols, advise on specific nutrition interventions (nutrition sensitive and nutrition specific, prevention as well as treatment), provide data on nutrition and food security situations, develop strategic plans, advocacy and support fundraising.
S/he will also coordinate approaches and strengthen/develop strategic partnership with other UN agencies including WFP, UNICEF, WHO, FAO and NGOs involved in nutrition and food security in line with global guidance and commitments, share information and experiences, carry out joint assessments, implement joint pilot projects, seek new opportunities for interagency collaboration on specific nutrition and food security issues, seek financial and technical support for selected refugee operations, conduct joint trainings, operational research, coordinate with UNICEF and WFP on IDP situations through the cluster approach.
The incumbent holds a professional senior management position responsible for provision of expert technical support and advice as well as strategic planning on activities within the areas of nutrition and food security as an integral part of UNHCR programmes.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
Coordination, Leadership and Partnership
Coordinate nutrition and food security activities for Persons of Concern (POC) and advocate on their behalf in support of government and in conjunction with other government, UN agencies, donors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other humanitarian partners including development actors to ensure nutrition and food security in line with the Global Compact on Refugees and in support of the Sustainable Development goals, including SDG 2.
Represent UNHCR in relevant technical nutrition and food security meetings, conferences and similar fora and advocate with evidence and data on refugee nutrition and food security situation.
Coordinate the targeting of assistance to meet basic needs (food and cash) internally with other sections, including health, WASH, cash, protection, registration, information management, external relations to support nutrition and protection outcomes and increase advocacy and fund-raising efforts.
Support inter-sector collaboration throughout all stages of programme cycle between nutrition and food security with public health, WASH, education, environment, shelter, and protection etc. in order to promote synergies and maximise impact.
Develop and monitor country specific medium to long term inclusion plans in support of the Ministry of Health and other relevant Ministries (e.g. Social Welfare) and in partnership with development and other actors including the World Bank, International Labour Organisations, UNICEF, WFP, WHO and major donors.
Work with stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, Ministries of Health and academic institutions in the development of nutrition and food security plans associated with refugee movements (including in repatriation programmes).
Maintain and update contingency plans for potential outbreaks, refugee and returnee movements.
Advocate with government and partners for refugees, returnees and other POC¿s access to local public health and nutrition services as well as for their inclusion of as a specific group in government policies, plans and social protection programmes.
Strategic planning and development
Contribute to development and implementation of UNHCR¿s Strategic Plan for Public Health and adaptation at country or regional level.
Ensure that Nutrition and Food Security strategies address known gaps in nutrition and food security programming based on country-specific needs assessment with due consideration to multi-sectoral linkages and existing national nutrition and social protection programmes.
Support the development of country public health, nutrition and food security strategies (including targeting of basic food and non-food assistance) based on up-to-date assessment and identification of needs, recognizing the contributions of governments and other actors and in support of national health systems as much as possible; include preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative care; recognise the different approaches required for the stage of the humanitarian response (preparedness, emergency, stabilisation, transition and long term inclusion) as well as for settlement or camp based POCs and those in urban or non-camp situations.
Technical Support
Provide technical assistance on nutrition and food security to UNHCR's regional and national public health coordinators and partners remotely and through missions.
Mentor the nutrition and food security personnel at country/ field level through regular calls, joint monitoring and supervision visits and one-on-one training.
Review and provide technical inputs on reports and programme proposals from the field with the view to verify compliance with UNHCR policy priorities including refugee women and children, gender, adolescents and other related priorities.
Advise Field Offices on matters related to procurement of sector-related materials and equipment and provide regular update on new developments and specifications of such items.
Ensure dissemination and implementation of internationally accepted technical standards, policies, and guidelines within UNHCR and among partners; adapt accordingly to the unique situation of refugee populations.
Support recruitment processes for nutrition and food security officers within the Area of Responsibility (AoR).
Be available to rapidly deployment for mission to new refugee emergencies.
Advocate on all issues relating to nutrition and food security documented in refugees/IDPs and other POC within the AoR in particular on adequate access to services, including their inclusion in national systems and services, development and international funding sources.
Assessment, analysis and monitoring
Support the planning, implementation, analysis, and review of the UNHCR Standardized Expanded Nutrition Surveys.
Coordinate and participate in joint needs assessments, nutrition and food security assessments of refugees and returnees.
Lead the design and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system for nutrition and food security programmes within the AoR.
Support staff and partners to implement the Health Information Systems, SENS data base, Joint Assessment Missions, Post Distribution Monitoring, UNHCR/WFP Targeting Principles and Guidance as well ensure linkages with nutrition cluster assessment tools and process in out of camp or host populations.
Support the exchange and analysis of information on nutrition and food security at the regional and country level with other partners.
Capacity Strengthening
Expand and establish strategic partnerships in key technical areas to support capacity of field operations as well mobilise nutrition and food security specialised expertise and resources.
Ensure that nutrition and food security sectors are adequately addressed in in-house capacity building activities including training.
Support application of UNHCR’s and international standards and guidelines in nutrition.
Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Human Nutrition; Food Science, Public Health, Health or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Public Health; Food Assistance; Food Security; Reproductive Health; Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF); (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Experience in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of emergency and protracted nutrition and food security programmes. Minimum of five years working experience in emergency nutrition. Strong communication skills both verbal and in writing. Ability to promote good working relationships among colleagues, supervisors, and supervisees. Analytical and creative thinking abilities with solutions-oriented approach. Proficiency in basic computer software such as Microsoft Office applications, MS Access, Epi Info and other statistical programmes required for nutritional survey data analysis.
Desirable
Previous professional work with refugees and other populations of concern to UNHCR with UNHCR, NGO's and / or UN agencies. Experience in multi-sector programming for nutrition outcomes.
Functional Skills
CO-Strategic Communication
IT-Computer Literacy
MD-Reproductive Health
MG-Country/Regional Office Representation
MG-Partnership Development
NU- Nutrition
Nu-Food Supplements, Smart Methodology, CMAM, IYCF Voucher Cash Transfer
PH- Public Health Epidemiology
TR-Training - Virtual and face to face
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Position Competencies
C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision-Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X003L3 - Technological Awareness Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
Additional Information
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Additional Information
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
How to apply
Interested applicants should submit their application online on the UNHCR Careers Page at https://www.unhcr.org/careers.html by clicking on " International Vacancies".
Closing Date
Please note that the closing date for positions advertised in the Addendum 3 to March 2022 Compendium is Wednesday 20 July 2022 (midnight Geneva time).