UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.
At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.
Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.
For every child, health
The position is specifically related to the migration situation on Mexico’s southern border, where children on the move face frequent health and nutrition risks. In response to those needs, UNICEF is actively working to support these children and their families.
For years, children, either alone or with their families, have been migrating from Central America and Mexico, seeking better living conditions in the north. However, there has been a noticeable increase in recent times due to rising poverty, inequality, and violence in the region. From January to December 2023, Mexican authorities identified a total of 113,660 children on the move within Mexico, with 54,083 of them being in Chiapas. Out of these, 1,286 children were unaccompanied. Most of the children were from Venezuela (25,543), followed by Ecuadorians (7,859) and Hondurans (3,904). Additionally, many others traveled north from the Darien Gap, as well as children from African, Asian, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern countries.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief Field Office (NO-3) of Tapachula, and technical supervision of the Chief of Nutrition (P-4), the Health and Nutrition Officer (NO-1) is expected to provide professional technical assistance and support for programme/project design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and administration of programme/project activities, including data analysis, progress reporting, knowledge networking and capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the work plan, aligned with Health & Nutrition programme goals and strategy in Chiapas, one of the key locations where UNICEF Mexico operates.
For more information related to the work of our organization in Mexico, please visit our website: UNICEF Mexico and our latest Annual Report 2023: Informe Anual 2023 UNICEF México
How can you make a difference?
The Health and Nutrition Officer (NO-1) will be working under the direct supervision of the Chief Field Office (NO-3) of Tapachula, and technical supervision of the Chief of Nutrition (P-4) in Mexico City. They will be accountable for the following responsibilities:
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: ToRs_Health and Nutrition Officer (NO-1) – Tapachula.pdf
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
Desirables:
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact
(4) Innovates and embraces change
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity
(6) Thinks and acts strategically
(7) Works collaboratively with others
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.
We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.
THIS IS A NATIONAL POSITION. PLEASE NOTE THAT only CANDIDATES WITH A MEXICAN NATIONALITY WILL BE CONSIDERED.