HEALTH SPECIALIST

VA-2015-006

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Pretoria is inviting applications from suitably qualified South African nationals for the Temporary Appointment post of:

HEALTH SPECIALIST, NO-C

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading child rights organization would like to hear from you.

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, it strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behavior and action towards children. In South Africa, UNICEF supports national efforts to realize children’s rights by promoting evidence-based policy advocacy and strategic partnerships as a means to leverage policies and resources for children, giving special attention to vulnerable children and disparity reduction. It works in the areas of health and nutrition, early childhood development; basic education; child protection and social policy, planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Temporary Appointment

Duration: 11 months

PURPOSE OF THE POST:

Under the overall guidance and supervision by the Chief of Health and Nutrition, support the work of the section by building capacity, providing technical assistance and conducting monitoring and evaluation for UNICEF's child health interventions in South Africa

Responsibilities include:

1. Collects and analyzes data for project planning, management, monitoring and evaluation purposes. Analyzes programme implementation reports and applies evidence based tools and evaluates against established programme recommendations and plans of action. Reports outcome of analysis and proposes corrective actions to promote and increase access to high impact interventions for MNCH.
2. Provides technical leadership, guidance and coordination to key government and non-government partners on national policies, strategies, processes and programs related to Health, with a particular focus on relevant maternal, neonatal and child survival interventions
3. Undertakes ongoing visits to UNICEF partners, assesses local conditions and resources, and monitors UNICEF inputs. Communicates with senior provincial and national authorities on project feasibility and effectiveness.
4. Deputizes the Chief of Section at MCH/EPI related fora such as national steering committee for maternal and newborn health and at provincial levels and undertakes follow-up action and coordination related to programme implementation and monitoring.
5. Participates in the development and review of the sectoral workplan. Undertakes follow-up action on programme implementation activities, contributes to team building, and prepares relevant reports. Drafts changes in programme workplans as required.
6. Certifies disbursements of funds, monitors and submits financial status reports to the unit chief. Ensures the accurate and timely input of project information in financial systems, and issues status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes, including donor reports
7. Participates in the preparation of all programme reports for management, Board, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.

Education requirements:

A university degree in medicine, public health, social sciences, epidemiology or related fields, with a post graduate degree at Master’s level desirable.

Work experience:

At least five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at national and international levels in programme management, monitoring and evaluation, in child health programs with specific field level experience. Experience with child immunization programs and community level child health programming will be an added advantage. Experience with analyzing data, reviewing reports is needed. An understanding of the South African health systems and working experience with public sector is an asset.

Language: Ex

· Fluency in English both verbal and written required.

· Fluency in at least two other South African languages an added advantage.

· A proven ability to prepare concise, complete project and programme documentation.

· A proven ability to analyze data and use data to inform program actions

Skills:

• Ability to conceptualize, innovate, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills
• Planning and monitoring skills; ability to organize work & projects.
• Ability to make timely and quality judgments and decisions.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation, and various office applications.
• Commitment to continuous learning for professional development.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.
• Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission and professional values.

Sharing UNICEF Core Values of:

· Commitment • Diversity and Inclusion • Integrity

Proficiency in UNICEF Core Competencies of:

• Communication • Working with People • Drive for Results

Proficient in functional competencies of:

• Leading and Supervising • Formulating Strategies and Concepts • Relating and Networking

• Persuading and Influencing • Applying Technical Expertise • Entrepreneurial Thinking

HOW TO APPLY:

All applications are to be accompanied by the attached completed and signed Personal History form (P11 Form), CV and application letter with a clear reference of the position being applied for. Applications are to be sent on or before15 June 2015to the following email address:safpretoriavacancy@unicef.org.

Only South African nationals will be considered. If you have not been contacted within one month of the closing date, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Regret letters will only be sent to interviewed candidates.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only complete applications consisting of detailed CV and P11 form will be reviewed.

UNICEF IS A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT.

UNICEF is committed to gender balance and diversity without distinction as to race, sex or religion, and without discrimination of persons with disabilities. well qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.