Organization Mission

The UNICEF Europe and Central Asia and Regional Office (ECARO) supports work in 22 countries , coordinating regional efforts and supporting the local efforts of Country Offices across the region. Europe and Central Asia has surpassed global progress on child mortality, more than halving the deaths of children under five and infants since 1990. And as progress for the poorest households has accelerated, the health gap between the richest and poorest has narrowed. However, persistent inequities reflect a continued failure to invest effectively in child-centred health systems for all. In South-East Europe, for example, child mortality among the Roma population is two to three times higher than national averages. Across the region, more than half of the children who die before their fifth birthday die in their first month of life. These deaths are often the result of conditions that are readily preventable or treatable at low cost through, for example, access to good obstetric, ante-natal and post-natal care, routine immunization and exclusive breastfeeding. The main killers of children under the age of five in the region are also preventable: pneumonia and injuries. The region is also experiencing vaccine ‘hesitancy’ – the reluctance of some parents to immunize their children, or parental delays in immunization. This hesitancy, often fueled by misinformation, puts children at risk of contracting, and even dying from, infectious diseases, including polio and measles. Mental health issues among children and adolescents have far-reaching consequences, impacting their physical health, educational outcomes, and overall quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with 1 in 6 people in the EU experiencing mental health problems at a cost of 4% of GDP. Addressing mental health comprehensively (including for parents/caregivers) with a multisectoral approach by integrating it into broader health policies and programmatic solutions can mitigate these effects. Currently, 1 in 3 school-aged children in the European region are affected by overweight and obesity, which is the fourth most common risk factor for NCDs. Data from the EU Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey report 2022, showed that moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels among the adolescents in the study were found to be insufficient. Childhood nutrition and physical activity are fundamental to preventing overweight, obesity and related NCDs. The pandemic has led to increased sedentary behaviour and unhealthy eating habits among children, exacerbating the risk of obesity. Addressing the commercial determinants of health and promoting healthy lifestyles can reduce the burden of chronic diseases and improve long-term health outcomes. Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Office of UNICEF works with UNICEF COs and governments in key areas of work to address main issues in mental health, environmental child health, immunization, maternal and child health, HIV, nutrition, home visiting, developmental monitoring of children and early childhood intervention.

Context

This assignment seeks to provide essential support to UNICEF”s Regional Health team, focusing on expanding partnerships and resource mobilization to advance the health agenda in ECA Region. Under the direct supervision of the Health Adviser, the selected candidate will play a crucial role in strengthening partnerships and mobilizing resources for health programme. The candidate’s role will be pivotal in devising innovative strategies to cultivate and expand existing partnerships, to help generate resources that align with the needs of the health programme. The candidate will work under the overall guidance of the Regional Health Adviser, with additional guidance from the health team.

Key Responsibilities

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree in knowledge management, business management, international studies, adult education, public health, medicine, epidemiology, international development, public policy, financing, early childhood development, psychology or related field.
• Fluency in English
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in partnerships building and resource mobilization-related work at the international level is required.
• Proven experience working in a multi-cultural environment and with cross-functional teams to deliver on common goal is required
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage at varying levels internally and externally to UNICEF.
• Working experience within UNICEF or other UN entities, familiarity with the work of UNICEF National Committees and/or public and private sector fundraising is an asset.