Mission and objectives

Pakistan was the sixth country in the world to sign and ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child, less than one year after it was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989. However, children and adolescents living in Pakistan still face acute challenges. UNICEF supports the Government of Pakistan to accelerate progress for children, work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and help children realize their rights under the Convention on the Rights of Children. This will be made through, among others things, strong partnerships with provincial authorities, teachers and health professionals, frontline workers and social mobilisers, communities and families, and of course the children and adolescents themselves. In particular, UNICEF will work so that: Every child survives and thrives — being in good health, immunised, protected from polio and accessing nutritious food. Every child learns. Every child is protected from violence and exploitation, and registered at birth. Every child lives in a safe and clean environment, with access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.

Context

The Nutrition Cluster/Sector Coordination within the UNICEF office is currently facing a significant workload that exceeds the capacity of the existing Cluster Coordinator. To ensure the effective implementation and management of our nutrition cluster activities/functions, it is essential to request the support of a UN Volunteer (UNV) to assist in various technical, administrative, and secretariat areas. The scope and complexity of activities within the Nutrition Cluster have expanded significantly. The Cluster Coordinator is currently overwhelmed with responsibilities that include strategic planning, coordination, and stakeholder engagement. The addition of a UN Volunteer will help distribute these tasks more effectively, ensuring that all critical areas receive adequate attention. The UN Volunteer This help on data collection and analysis, preparation of technical reports, and support in the design of nutrition programs. Their expertise will enhance the quality and impact of our initiatives. The UNV will help in administrative tasks such as organizing meetings, maintaining records, and managing communications are crucial for the smooth operation of the Nutrition Cluster. The UN Volunteer will take on these responsibilities, allowing the Cluster Coordinator to focus on higher-level strategic and technical duties. The support of a UN Volunteer is essential to address the current workload challenges and to enhance the overall effectiveness of the Nutrition Cluster. Their contribution will enable the Cluster Coordinator to manage tasks more efficiently, improve program quality, and ensure that sectoral nutrition interventions reach those in need more effectively.

Task Description

The Nutrition Programme component of the UNICEF Country Programme Strategy for 20232027 will focus on ensuring children, adolescents, and women in Pakistan, especially the most vulnerable and deprived, access, and utilize, quality, equitable, gender-responsive and sustainable evidence-based services and adopt appropriate nutritional behaviours and care practices to address all forms of malnutrition. Specifically, the programme will have strategic outputs, namely (i) Strong Nutrition Responsive Systems, (ii) Optimal Nutrition for mothers and children 0-5 years, (iii) Nutrition for adolescents and middle-aged children, and (iv) Functional multisectoral Coordination for Early Childhood Development (ECD). As Nutrition Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Disaster Risk Reduction is the major activity under the systems strengthening, and central to the country programme, UNICE Country Office in Pakatan is looking for a fellow who will support the UNICEF team to provide technical and operational support for nutrition in emergencies in Pakistan. The UNV will be responsible for the following: 1) The UNV is required to support the Nutrition Sector/Cluster in Pakistan by supporting and assisting the Nutrition Cluster Coordinator in leading and coordinating the activities of the Nutrition Cluster. This includes organizing regular meetings, ensuring effective communication among cluster members, and facilitating decision-making processes. 2) The UNV is required to ensure that all activities and outcomes are well-documented and reported. This includes preparing regular reports, maintaining records, and ensuring transparency and accountability. 3) The UNV is expected to contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans and frameworks for nutrition cluster interventions. This involves identifying priorities, setting objectives, and ensuring alignment with overall UNICEF goals and humanitarian standards. a. In emergency situations, the UNV can help coordinate rapid response efforts. This includes assessing needs, mobilizing resources, and ensuring timely and effective delivery of nutrition services. 4) The UNV would support the monitoring and evaluation of nutrition programs implemented by the partners. This includes collecting and analysing data, assessing program impact, and making recommendations for adjustments and improvements. 5) The UNV would represent the Nutrition Cluster in various forums and advocate for the needs and priorities of the cluster. This includes engaging with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to promote nutrition initiatives. 6) The UNV would play a key role in building the capacity of local partners and stakeholders. This includes providing training, sharing best practices, and supporting the development of local expertise in nutrition. 7) The UNV would assist in mobilizing resources, including funding, supplies, and human resources. This involves writing proposals, engaging with donors, and ensuring efficient use of available resources.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Communication: proven interpersonal skills • Adaptability and flexibility

Living conditions and remarks

As this is a national UNV assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. UNV Field Unit will help you open a Pak rupee bank account with Standard Chartered Bank or any other local bank at your duty station.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements