Organization: UN Children"s Fund
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 09 Sep 2015
Background
UNICEF is positioned to provide technical leadership to governments, partners, and other stakeholders in the design, delivery and monitoring of responses to nutrition emergencies. In addition to delivering on programme responses outlined in its Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action (CCCs), UNICEF also has specific accountabilities as Cluster Lead Agency for Nutrition. With climate change, and the increasing number and scale of emergencies, including those with regional level impacts, the need to augment capacity to prepare and respond to emergencies is even more urgent. Experience from recent large scale emergencies has also underscored the critical link between emergency preparedness and the quality of the emergency response.
UNICEF’s Office of Emergency Programmes (EMOPS) is updating the Preparedness Guidance Note alongside capacity development efforts to improve UNICEF’s preparedness to respond to emergencies, however, the actions based on the latest guidelines and recommendations related to nutrition response and early recovery as outlined in the CCCs are not covered in this review.
One bottleneck undermining emergency nutrition capacity is access to available and updated resources and guidance as well as best practices on recommended actions. The volume of material may not be easy to process for timely action, can only be availed by going through different websites and is constantly updated. This sometimes leads to a disconnect between available operational guidance and current practice.
While extensive resources are available online for nutrition in emergencies on various platforms, the design and impact of emergency nutrition responses would be improved through the development of a quick reference tool to provide simplified guidance based on the latest evidence and practice on key actions that should be taken in preparedness, response and early recovery phases of an emergency. This will not replace ongoing work to develop and update guidance and resources, but to increase access and highlight some key practice.
The primary target audience is UNICEF nutrition and health staff at country level, though the material would be available for interested stakeholders.
Purpose
A quick reference toolkit will provide simplified guidance on key actions that should be taken to improve nutrition response during emergencies. It is envisaged that the toolkit will summarize key actions to be taken in the preparedness, response and early recovery phases of an emergency, as well as highlight key reference materials for further resources. The toolkit would be modelled around UNICEF’s core commitments for children, and address specific actions for nutrition on cross cutting issues such as disability, gender, environment, protection and HIV. A review of existing resources will identify the tools that will need to be updated as well as the tools that will need to be created. Case studies from recent emergencies that have been uniquely challenging will be included as reference on emerging and operational issues.
It is envisaged that the toolkit would be a working document which will be updated based on user feedback and in relation to updated material.
Expected results
Under the technical guidance of the Nutrition in Emergencies Unit, and the direct supervision of the Senior Nutrition Advisor, the selected candidate will conduct desk reviews and facilitate consultation in order to:
· Develop outline for the toolkit; The final toolkit is expected to provide guidance and practical support on minimum actions for nutrition in the preparedness, response and early recovery phases of an emergency
· Desk Review: Collate existing resources on minimum actions for nutrition in emergencies – to reflect UNICEF’s core commitments for children in the areas of nutrition (IYCF, management of acute malnutrition, preventing micronutrient deficiency, nutrition assessments) and package into a quick reference resource based on the outline
· Develop tools to complement existing resources including but not limited to checklists, quick-reference sheets and training material based on gaps in existing resources.
· Facilitate feedback and validation of material with relevant stakeholders.
· Finalize the toolkit – consolidation of existing resources and the additional tools developed and incorporate feedback
· Recommend minimum resource materials for UNICEF internal and external nutrition websites
· Recommend minimum response actions for nutrition to be reflected in the Preparedness Guidance Note being developed by EMOPS.
Duty Station
The consultant will be remote based with travel as required.
Timeframe 4 months
Start date:1 October 2015 End date:31 January 2016
Key competences, technical background, and experience required
Education:
· Advanced university degree in Public Health, Nutrition, and/or Medical Sciences.
· Five years of mid-level progressively responsible professional work experience in humanitarian situations in developing countries in the field of nutrition in emergencies.
· Fluency in English (verbal and written). Knowledge of another UN language and skills in a language of a humanitarian operation an asset.
· Communication – Ability to express complex technical concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing; effectively presenting thoughts and ideas in a clear, concise, and readily understood manner. Listen to and acknowledges others" perspectives and views.
· Working with People – Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports and cares for others; consults others and shares information and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well.
· Drive for Results – Sets high standards for quality of work; monitors and maintains quality of work; works in a systematic, methodical and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals; focuses on the needs and satisfaction of internal and external partners; accepts and tackles demanding goals with enthusiasm
· Deciding and Initiating Action – Takes responsibility for actions, projects and people; takes initiative and works under own direction; initiates and generates activity and introduces changes into work processes; makes quick, clear decisions which may include tough choices or considered risks.
· Applying Technical Expertise – Applies specialist and detailed technical expertise; develops job knowledge and expertise (theoretical and practical) through continual professional development; demonstrates an understanding of different organizational departments and functions.
*Please see deliverables within the following link: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_consultancy_assignments.html
How to apply:
How to Apply
Applicants are requested to send their submissions to <**pdconsultants@unicef.org>with subject line: **“Nutrition Toolkit, Consultancy”by 09 September 2015, 5:00pm EST.
Applications must include:
· Cover letter,
· CV, and
· P-11 form (http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc)
· Indicate where you heard about this advertisement
Please indicate your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.
NOTE: Files should not exceed 5.0MB limit
UNICEF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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