Recent Vacancies at the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), 5th June, 2019

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The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) - For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:     Job Title: Child Survival and Development (CSD) Consultant Job Number: 522831 Location: Kebbi State Work Type: Consultancy Duration: The duration for this assignment is 11.5 months Slot: 2 Openings Background The maternal and new-born mortality and morbidity in Nigeria is one of the highest in the world with an estimated 576 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (NDHS 2013). Infant and under-5 mortality rates in the past five years are 69 and 128 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. Under-5 mortality rate is estimated at 108.8 per 1,000 live births for 2015 as per the interagency model on U5R[1]globally, undernutrition contributes to 45% of all under-five deaths in 2011(Black et al, 2013) and this probably holds same for Nigeria. Nigeria contributes about 10% of the global burden of maternal deaths and 10 % of burden of children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (NNHS 2015). An estimated 110 Nigerian women die each day with a greater proportion occurring in northern Nigeria where the health and nutrition indices are poorer. Due to combination of the high mortality rate and its large population size, Nigeria has the second largest number of under five deaths in the world and the 2nd highest number of stunted under five children next to India. Health and Nutrition indices are particular very poor in the northern part of Nigeria. Maternal and infant mortality rates are 3-4 times the national average. In Adamawa State, 15% of adult women were underweight/thin while 11.6% were overweight/obese while in Kebbi 16.6% were underweight/thin and 23.8% overweight/obese.  Both conditions are associated with negative nutritional outcomes in childhood. Low birth weight, among other causes, is indicative of the poor nutritional status of the mother.  The prevalence of acute malnutrition stunting stood at 32.9 % among under five children (NNHS 2015) with the highest prevalence in the northern region The poor health and Nutrition indices in Nigeria may be attributable to four main problems identified with Nigeria's health system which include: i)Governance and stewardship: Autonomy of the 3 tiers of government (Federal, State, and Local Government Administration (LGAs) has led to duplication of efforts, weak governance and lack of accountability; ii)Human and Financial Resources: Inappropriate allocation of human and financial resources with greater support to tertiary and specialized care, instead of primary health care; iii)Coverage: Low coverage of core maternal, newborn ,child health and nutrition interventions, and iii) Limited access to health and nutrition services due to financial and socio-cultural barriers. Federal Ministry of Health, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, in collaboration with UNICEF and in partnership with European Union launched the new EU-MNCHN project which seeks to contribute to addressing the sub-optimal status of health and Nutrition for women and children in Adamawa, Bauchi and Kebbi States characterized by high maternal and childhood deaths. The goal of the project is to assist the Governments of Bauchi and Adamawa in line with their State Strategic Health Development Plans (SSHDP) to reduce maternal, newborn and child deaths by significantly improving the health and nutrition status of women and children under 5 years by ensuring an equitable and strengthened primary health care delivery system. For that, a multi-pronged approach that will strengthen primary health care systems, build community resilience and strong governance is needed. Systematic interventions in health and nutrition including HIV/AIDS, complemented with water, sanitation, social protection initiatives, and strong governance structures are bound to be more effective and efficient than single or vertical initiatives. In order to support the SMOH and SPHCDA in the implementation of project interventions at the state level, and deliver appropriately, UNICEF intends to provide technical assistance through recruitment of state consultants that will work in collaboration with the state team leader and state government stakeholders to implement and monitor MNCHN project in Adamawa and Bauchi states. Rationale

• This position is to support the State ministry of health, state primary health care development agency and other partners in the implementation of evidence-based interventions that will result in the scale-up of and improved access to maternal and newborn health services with a particular focus on systems strengthening, local capacity building, focused mentoring in local facilities and communities in Adamawa and Bauchi States.
• The consultant will support the SMOH, SPHCDA and other partners in the implementation of various strategies and interventions that will strengthen partnership for policy reforms, sector governance and stewardship at LGA level, increased transparency and accountability, capacity building, provision of sustainable and scaled-up integrated MNCHN service delivery with equity and community participation.

Purpose of Assignment

• To provide technical support in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of EU-MNCHN project in all its components which seeks to contribute to addressing the sub-optimal status of health and Nutrition for women and children in Kebbi State.

Major Tasks to be accomplished: (estimated time required to complete tasks. Attach additional sheets, if necessary, to describe assignments): State and LGA:

• Work with the SMOH, SPHCDA and other partners to support dissemination of national policy, strategy, guidelines and quality of care model for MNCHN at state and LGA level.
• Support SMOH and SPHCDA by providing technical assistance to the development of good quality state and LGA annual operational plans and their review using the Primary Health Care Mechanism.
• Support dissemination and use of approved training modules and guidelines on selected high impact Integrated Maternal New-born Child Health and Nutrition continuum of care package as defined ( such as- Focused AnteNatal Care (FANC); Skilled Birth Attendance (SBA); Emergency Obstetric and New-born Care (EmONC); Helping Babies Breath (HBB); Post Natal Care (PNC); Integrated Management of acute malnutrition, Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), Micronutrient Prevention and Control, Community Based intervention including  New-born Care and Integrated Community Case Management (iCCM) for diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia, etc.
• Support state and LGA level supportive supervision, monitoring of implementation and evaluation of MNCHN programmes.

Health Facilities:

• Priority areas of work to be supported at this level and strategy based on TSS model (Training, Supplies, Supportive Supervision) including but not limited to the following:
• Set up and implement a quality of care model for MNCHN services in health facilities based on integrated selected high impact interventions.
• In collaboration with state and LGA Trainers, organize and conduct trainings for health workers using approved training modules and guidelines on selected integrated high impact interventions.
• Support end user monitoring of equipment and supplies provided to health facilities.
• Participate in on the Job Training, Supportive Supervision and mentoring of health workers and ensure report is timely done and submitted.

Communities, Villages, Households:

• Support setting up/organization of structures for implementation of Community based MNCHN interventions including (but not limited) WDCs, VDCs, training of VHWs, CHEWs, CHWs, CLTS, WASHCOM, MSG, etc. and monitor respective interventions
• Support and conduct the end user monitoring of supplies and demand for MNCHN services in communities and households.
• Use and monitor implementation of updated Mama/CHEW/CBNC kits as entry point for promotion of desired health seeking behaviour and link with immunization/polio related activities.
• Work in close collaboration with C4D Consultant to promote uptake of selected high impact family care practices jointly with all sections namely Health, Nutrition, Child Protection, Media, Social Planning, WASH, advocacy and communications and WASH.
• Promote uptake of integrated Community Case Management for diarrhoea, pneumonia and malaria as well as other MNCHN community based interventions.

Minimum Qualification

• University degree in Social Sciences, Public Health and/or related technical field.
• Five years' experience working on child survival issues or health projects.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN working language an asset. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station an asset.
• Knowledge of the latest developments and technology in related fields.
• Ability to make timely and quality judgments and decisions and very good training skills.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Willingness to travel to remote regions of the country
• Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF's mission and professional values.

Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply     Job Title: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Consultant Job Number: 522836 Location: Adamawa State Work Type : Consultancy The Duration of this contract: 6 months Background

• The maternal and new-born mortality and morbidity in Nigeria is one of the highest in the world with an estimated 576 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births (NDHS 2013). Infant and under-5 mortality rates in the past five years are 69 and 128 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. Under-5 mortality rate is estimated at 108.8 per 1,000 live births for 2015 as per the interagency model on U5R[1]. Globally, undernutrition contributes to 45% of all under-five deaths in 2011(Black et al, 2013) and this probably holds same for Nigeria. Nigeria contributes about 10% of the global burden of maternal deaths and 10 % of burden of children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (NNHS 2015). An estimated 110 Nigerian women die each day with a greater proportion occurring in northern Nigeria where the health and nutrition indices are poorer. Due to combination of the high mortality rate and its large population size, Nigeria has the second largest number of under five deaths in the world and the 2nd highest number of stunted under five children next to India.
• Health and Nutrition indices are particular very poor in the northern part of Nigeria. Maternal and infant mortality rates are 3-4 times the national average. In Adamawa State, 15% of adult women were underweight/thin while 11.6% were overweight/obese while in Kebbi 16.6% were underweight/thin and 23.8% overweight/obese.  Both conditions are associated with negative nutritional outcomes in childhood. Low birth weight, among other causes, is indicative of the poor nutritional status of the mother.  The prevalence of acute malnutrition stunting stood at 32.9 % among under five children (NNHS 2015) with the highest prevalence in the northern region
• The poor health and Nutrition indices in Nigeria may be attributable to four main problems identified with Nigeria’s health system which include: i)Governance and stewardship: Autonomy of the 3 tiers of government (Federal, State, and Local Government Administration (LGAs) has led to duplication of efforts, weak governance and lack of accountability; ii)Human and Financial Resources: Inappropriate allocation of human and financial resources with greater support to tertiary and specialized care, instead of primary health care; iii)Coverage: Low coverage of core maternal, newborn ,child health and nutrition interventions, and iii) Limited access to health and nutrition services due to financial and socio-cultural barriers.
• Federal Ministry of Health, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, in collaboration with UNICEF and in partnership with European Union launched the new EU-MNCHN project which seeks to contribute to addressing the sub-optimal status of health and Nutrition for women and children in Adamawa, Bauchi and Kebbi States characterized by high maternal and childhood deaths.
• The goal of the project is to assist the Governments of Bauchi, Kebbi and Adamawa in line with their State Strategic Health Development Plans (SSHDP) to reduce maternal, newborn and child deaths by significantly improving the health and nutrition status of women and children under 5 years by ensuring an equitable and strengthened primary health care delivery system. For that, a multi-pronged approach that will strengthen primary health care systems, build community resilience and strong governance is needed. Systematic interventions in health and nutrition including HIV/AIDS, complemented with water, sanitation, social protection initiatives, and strong governance structures are bound to be more effective and efficient than single or vertical initiatives. In order to support the the SMOH and SPHCDA in the implementation of project interventions at the state level, and deliver appropriately, UNICEF intends to provide technical assistance through recruitment of state consultants that will work in collaboration with the state team leader and state government stakeholders to implement and monitor MNCHN project in Adamawa, Bauchi and Kebbi states.

Rationale

• Monitoring and evaluation is a key component of the project management cycle. This position is to support the State ministry of health, State primary health care development agency and other partners in monitoring and evaluation of the EU-MNCHN project in the states while strengthening the monitoring and evaluation system in the states and building local capacity, focused mentoring for relevant staff involves with data collection in local facilities and communities in Adamawa, States.
• The consultant will support the SMOH, SPHCDA and other partners in the monitoring and evaluation of the EU-MNCHN project implementation of various strategies and interventions that will strengthen partnership for policy reforms, sector governance and stewardship at LGA level, increased transparency and accountability, capacity building, provision of sustainable and scaled-up integrated MNCHN service delivery with equity and community participation.

Purpose of Assignment

• To provide technical support in monitoring and evaluation of EU-MNCHN project at both planning and implementation stages all its components which seeks to contribute to addressing the sub-optimal status of health and nutrition for women and children in Adamawa States.

Major Tasks to be Accomplished State and LGA:

• Work with the SMOH, SPHCDA and other partners to support planning, implementation and review of M&E activities at the supported health facilities
• Support SMOH and SPHCDA by providing technical assistance in strengthening the M&E system at the state and LGA levels
• Support SMOH and SPHCDA in the collation of EU –MNCHN project data from implementing health facilities at state level
• Support SMOH and SPHCDA in the drafting of EU-MNCHN project annual work plan for the state work plan
• Support state to write timely project reports

Health Facility Level: Priority areas of work to be supported at this level on the EU-MNCHN project (Training, data collection tools, supportive supervision) including but not limited to the followingSet up and implement a quality data collection system at the facility level

• Ensuring that the M&E data tools are available at all service delivery points in adequate quantities.
• In collaboration with state and LGA Trainers, organize and conduct trainings for health services providers in the use of the data collection tools, and analysis of data of the integrated high impact interventions.
• Support the end user monitoring of equipment and supplies provided to health facilities.
• Participate in on the Job Training, Supportive Supervision and mentoring of health workers related to data collection and ensure report is timely done and submitted.

State Level:

• Support setting up/organization of structures for monitoring and evaluation of EU-MNCHN implementation
• Support the report writing for the EU-MNCHN project in the state
• Support the regular and timely collation of EU-MNCHN project activity data
• Support and ensure that DHIS 2.0 platform in the state is updated with service data from the EU-MNCHN project
• Â Support and conduct the end user monitoring of supplies and demand for MNCHN services in communities and households.
• Support the conduct of baseline, mid-term and end-line evaluation of the EU-MNCHN Project
• Monitor implementation of updated Mama/CHEW/CBNC kits as entry point for promotion of desired health seeking behaviour and link with immunization/polio related activities.

End Product:

• Annual State work and operational plans
• Quarterly DHIS and PHC review reports
• Monthly progress reports containing iCCM and outreach services data, stock update, etc.
• Reports of Workshop/Meetings with actionable recommendations.
• Quarterly reports of milestones achieved to advance project implementation.

Minimum Qualifications

• University degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Monitoring and Evaluation and/or related technical field.
• Three years experience working on monitoring and evaluation of health projects.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN working language an asset. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station an asset.
• Knowledge of the latest developments and technology in M&E field.
• Knowledge of DHIS 2.0 platform for health data collection and collation.
• Ability to make timely and quality judgments and decisions and very good training skills.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Willingness to travel to remote regions of the country
• Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF's mission and professional values.

Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply     Job Title: Maternal Newborn Child Health State Lead Consultant Job Number: 522834 Location: Kebbi Work Type: Consultancy Duration: The duration of this assignment is 11 months Background

• Nigeria represents less than 1% of the world's population, yet accounts for 10% of the global burden of infant, child and maternal mortality. Under 5 mortality in the Northeastern Zone of Nigeria is high at 115 deaths per 1000 children (MICS 2016) with Kebbi states at 174per 1000children.
• The poor health and Nutrition indices in Nigeria may be attributable to four main problems identified within Nigeria's health System which include 1) Governance and Stewardship: Autonomy of the 3 tiers of Government (Federal, State and Local Government Administration (LGAS) has led to duplication of efforts, weak governance and lack of accountability; 2) Human and Financial Resources: Inappropriate allocation of human and financial resources with greater support to Tertiary and specialized care, instead of to Primary Health care where over 80% of the health care can be addressed 3)Coverage: Low coverage of core Maternal, newborn, child Health and Nutrition Interventions 4) Limited access to health and Nutrition services due to financial and socio-cultural barriers.
• To reduce the childhood illnesses and death from vaccine preventable diseases and as well as improve uptake of health services at Primary Health Care centers and thus reduce morbidity and mortality in these States, in 2016 European Union through UNICEF supported Adamawa and Bauchi into partnership to address this through the project titled European Union Support to Strengthening Primary Health Care and Community Resilience for Improved Maternal, New-born, Child Health & Nutrition (MNCHN) Outcomes in Adamawa, Bauchi and Kebbi States of Northern Nigeria .
• The goal of the project  is to assist the Governments of Adamawa, Bauchi and Kebbi States in line with the State Strategic Health Development plan (SSHDP II)  to reduce maternal, Newborn and child Deaths by Significantly improving the health and Nutrition status of women, children under 5 years by ensuring an equitable and strengthened Primary Health Care System. For that a multi -prong approach that will strengthen primary Health care systems, build resilience and strong Governance is needed.
• Systematic Interventions in health Nutrition including HIV/AIDS, complemented with water sanitation, social protection initiatives, and strong governance are bound to be more effective and efficient than single or vertical initiatives.
• In order to support the co-ordination and management of Project Implementation of that approach at State level and deliver appropriately UNICEF in 2017 recruited State 1 Consultant to support State level co-ordination in collaboration with SMOH, SPHCDA and Communities to ensure provision of these services at Health facilities and Community levels and support decision makers to lead, coordinate and manage Implementation of the MNCHN Project in Kebbi State.
• The project which runs from 2016 to August 2020 will increase coverage of basic maternal, newborn and child primary health care interventions.
• The baseline and end line assessments, with an end-of-project evaluation, will show the cost-benefits of using a the one Main PHC per ward s linked to community structures such as Community Health Influencers and Promotors (CHIPS), Ward Development Committees strategy to provide basic primary health care services.  All the above are successfully ongoing.

Rationale:

• In ensuring the successful implementation of the above intervention UNICEF needs the continuing quality oversight of a State coordinator to support implementation of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health services in Adamawa and Bauchi States including supply monitoring of all commodities associated with this project.
• The consultant will work with the respective SMOH, SPHCDA and other partners, including WHO in the continued implementation of the project at state level and co-ordinate other Child Survival Consultants

Major Tasks to be accomplished:

• The state coordinator will work across all sectors (including Nutrition, HIV/AIDS, Child Protection, PME, WASH  and Communication) to ensure co-ordination and technical support on the EU-MNCHN project as well as other related Health projects in their State ensuring the quality and timeliness of all project components and report to the Health Specialists at the Field office in Bauchi and the Chief of Field office.
• The state coordinator will track project implementation and ensure completion of planned activities as per approved EU-MNCHN State operational plan
• Oversee distribution and utilization of equipment and supplies; related to EU-MNCHN
• The consultant will supervise the work of the other Child Survival Consultants and be responsible for providing guidance for implementation of the state specific work-plan linked to the One Main PHC and other Community structures
• The consultant will be expected to prepare presentations for monthly EU-MNCHN TWG at the Field office and State level and provide all required summaries,
• The consultant is expected to travel up to about 15 days in a month to the clusters, settlements and health facilitates for the purposes of monitoring implementation of the project's programme, supply and human resources.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Medicine, Social Sciences, or Public Health and university degree or related technical field.
• Eight years experience working on child survival issues or health projects.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN working language an asset. Knowledge of local working language of the duty station, an asset.
• Knowledge of the latest developments and technology in related fields.
• Ability to make timely and quality judgments and decisions and very good training skills.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Willingness to travel to remote settlements within the state
• Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF's mission and professional values.

Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply   Application Deadline 11th June, 2019   Note-

• 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.

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