Hardship LevelE (most hardship)
Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location
Family TypeNon Family with Residential Location
Residential location (if applicable)
Nairobi (CO), Kenya
GradeGS7
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2023-10-01
Job Posting End DateAugust 1, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionSenior Nutrition and Food Security Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Senior Nutrition and Food Security Associate supports UNHCR efforts in ensuring that international standards are met to protect and correct nutritional status and minimise avoidable morbidity and mortality among affected populations of concern (POC) in the country. The incumbent provides timely technical support to UNHCR senior management and partners on the design and monitoring of UNHCR¿s responses in nutrition and food security. S/he provides guidance on nutrition and food security programming in line with global and national technical standards, supports design and implementation of nutrition and food security assessments with partners and communicates the data and analysis on the nutrition and food security situation to a range of audiences internally and externally The Senior Nutrition and Food Security Associate normally reports to a more senior Programme, Public Health, Nutrition and Food Security staff. The incumbent normally supervises some support staff. 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 - 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. - Support the planning, implementation, analysis, and review of the UNHCR Standardized Expanded Nutrition Surveys, - joint food security assessments with WFP and partners. - Support staff and partners to implement the Health Information Systems, SENS data base, Post Distribution Monitoring and 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 national level with government and other partners. - Analyse and interpret related nutrition, food security and health data for reporting and advocacy. - Provide technical assistance on nutrition and food security to UNHCR's staff and partners. - 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. - 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 as a specific group in government policies, plans and social protection programmes. - Provide administrative support to the design, implementation and reporting on Joint Assessment Missions with WFP and the resulting Joint Plan of Action. - Undertake and/or support capacity strengthening of UNHCR and its implementing partners to ensure the technical integrity of nutrition and food security programmes in a co-ordinated, multi-sectoral way. - Assess the capacity of potential implementing partners and assist in providing adequate technical support and training. - Ensure close coordination with other humanitarian actors involved in nutrition, food security and related areas. - Undertake regular missions to camps in order to support, monitor and evaluate the implementation of nutrition activities to ensure quality services. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G7 - 4 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable. Certificates and/or Licenses Public Health; Nutrition; Food Security; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Knowledge and experience in working in the area of nutrition (including Community Management of Acute Malnutrition) and food security with UNHCR or partners. Proven technical expertise in the area of nutrition and food security assessments and programme design. Experience in the collection and use of routine health and nutrition monitoring data. Analytical and creative thinking abilities with solutions-oriented approach. Ability to provide formal and informal technical training to partner staff. Strong communication skills both verbal and in writing. Proficiency in computer software such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Desirable Experience in multi-sectoral nutrition programming including understanding and experience in public health, WASH, agriculture and cash programming. Functional Skills IT-Computer Literacy NU- Nutrition Nu-Food Supplements,Smart Methodology, CMAM, IYCF Voucher Cash Transfer NU-Nutrition Treatment & Prevention of Micronutrient Deficiencies and Anaemia PG-Programme Management (programme cycles and reporting standards) (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. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or 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.
Desired Candidate Profile - Proven and sound experiences in Nutrition and Food security areas
- Proven experiences working in the field in refugees context
- Sound experience in coordination and interaction with various stakeholders in the nutirion and food security area
- Sound experiences in monitoring and reporting
- Sound communication skills
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei settlement have a combined population of over 272,000 refugees and asylum seekers. The environment of operation is characterised by frequent outbreaks of communicable diseases such as cholera, malaria and sometimes measles. The main contributors for these are, high number of new arrivals coming from countries with poor health systems, hence low immunisation coverage, overcrowding especially in Kakuma camp where the area is holding a population beyond its capacity and has intermittent water supply challenges, poor sanitation due to low latrine coverage and poor hygiene practices.
The above diseases contribute to poor nutritional status of the population especially among children below the age of five years who are the most vulnerable. The trends in new admissions of SAM and MAM cases in nutrition program in Kakuma and Kalobeyei indicate significant increase in 2023 compared to the last four years. Critical levels of global acute malnutrition (GAM above 15% of emergency thresholds) reported among new arrival refugees. The holder of the position will hence be expected to play an active role in ensuring a coordinated response to the nutrition and food security situation, working within the broader public health section, and guided by the relevant nutrition and food security, and public health strategies.
The move towards integration among refugees and hosts as well as the emphasis on self-reliance in line with spirit of KISEDP and CRRF is critical. The position holder is expected to work in close collaboration with the county nutrition counterpart, other UN agencies (WFP, UNICEF, FAO, and WHO), NGOs, development partners and donor community. The Holder of the position will also work with the livelihoods focal point to promote and strengthen Agri-Nutrition activities that promote the health and nutrition status of the population. This will also involve identification of vulnerable groups whose nutritional status can be improved through access to livelihood opportunities.
In absence of the Asst Public Health Officer the holder of the position will be expected to step in and coordinate public health interventions, assist in proposal writing, preparing reports in public health, chair technical meetings with health partners and coordinate referrals for patients in need of health services outside Kakuma. These require and individuals who is flexible, ready to learn new things outside realm of nutrition, confident in their abilities to lead a team while remaining a team player among diverse working group.
Living and Working Conditions:
Kenya is an open country that enjoys social stability resulting from the smooth functioning of state institutions. Kenya is also provided with a good level of infrastructure (e.g. roads, distribution of water, electricity, etc.) and a popular tourist destination. The current Security Level in the capital and in SRM Area 1A: Northern Rift Valley ( Kakuma, Lodwar ) is Moderate -3. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment to Kakuma, Kenya. Thefts and burglary are the main incidents against UN personnel.
Kakuma city is a non-family duty station with a hardship classified D, its living conditions are difficult but the social climate is calm. The weather is hot, dry and sunny hence no heavy clothes would be recommended. Windy storms are common during the months of December and more pronounced in January till March.
Staff live in UNHCR-provided accommodation, which was constructed in 2001, the condition of these houses has improved with time as renovations and painting has been carried out in the past. The accommodation facilities are generally acceptable condition with minimal standard. The incumbent will be briefed deeply on conditions of accommodations, laundry, meals, communications, air and road transports, recreations and others relevant information. However, staff members are charged rental fee predetermined by the organisation paid upfront on monthly basis.
The currency used in Kenya is Kenyan Shilling (KES).It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all banks here in Kakuma. There are limited banking facilities at Kakuma with two banks (Equity & Kenya Commercial Bank having branches locally
Internet and communications networks are available at the compound with fairly speed. the mobile telephone network remains stable with 3G.
Climatic conditions are relatively harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects and even snakes are present in the environment on seasonal climate changes.
UNHCR has established satellite level 1 JMS medical clinic in the compound following COVID-19 situation readily available 24/7 hours , there is also Kakuma Mission Hospital where a doctor/Surgeon is deployed and paid for by UNHCR provide assistance to refugees but special arrangements can be made during emergencies for staff members. There are also some pharmacies within Kakuma with basic medical facilities. Evacuation opportunities are limited. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be updated. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsCO-Reporting skills, DM-Data Collection and Analysis, EL-Monitoring and Evaluation
Education
CertificationsFood Security - Other, Nutrition - Other, Public Health - Other
Work ExperienceNumber of Persons of Concern Served, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Others of Concern, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees
CompetenciesAccountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Additional InformationThe desire candidate will be required to work full time and have relevant planning skills
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance