Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens, addressing inequity not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. Therefore, the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Context

In Jordan, the latest Demographic Health Survey (DHS) shows that the overweight and obesity prevalence doubled from 4 per cent in 1997 to 9 per cent in 2023 among children under five, while the prevalence of wasting remained low at 2 per cent and stunting was at 8 per cent in 2023. The prevalence of overweight and obesity is more visible among adolescent girls (15-19 years old) at 35 per cent and adult women (20-49 years old) at 64 per cent, while consumption of sweet beverages was around 94 percent for both groups. UNICEF is committed to addressing all forms of malnutrition, including overweight and obesity, and to protect children’s rights to healthy food. For school aged children, UNICEF has set some areas of work indicated in “Nutrition Environment Assessment Toolkit for Schools | UNICEF East Asia and Pacific (NEAT-S)" that represents a comprehensive approach to improving nutrition in schools. It is critical to advocate for creating healthy food environments in schools to ensure children’s right to access healthy foods for optional growth and development. This assignment is intended to support the Health and Nutrition Section in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition programming for school-aged children, adolescents, and youth. Under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Specialist (International) and the Chief of the Section, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting more specifically the work related to the NEAT survey and its findings, related to the technical, administrative, and operational aspects as it relates to nutrition interventions related to school aged children, adolescents, and youth, aiming to contribute to the obesity prevention work in Jordan. Additional Information: National UN Specialist Volunteers in Jordan are entitled to: • Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of JOD 1,145.08; • Annual and learning leaves; • Free Medical and life insurance; • Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of Nutrition Specialist (International), the UN Volunteer will: 1) Provide Support to Programme Development, and Planning specifically related to the NEAT survey including the following: • Provide support to compiling, synthesizing, and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data from various sources to inform and strengthen nutrition programming for school-aged children and adolescents. • Provide support to planning activities, budgeting, and preparing donor proposals, where applicable. 2) Provide Support to the Implementation, Monitoring and Reporting of Programme Results, specifically on the work related to obesity prevention in Jordan, including the following: • Ensuring the timely implementation, coordination, and follow-up with implementing partners and stakeholders for the national assessment and advocacy campaign. • Coordinate, arrange, and execute meetings, workshops and events related to national assessment and advocacy campaign. • Prepare concise reports highlighting achievements and identifying gaps, and also prepare documents and materials, including the translation of relevant documentation between Arabic and English. • Provide support to facilitate the review of the finding report for the national assessment in schools by concerned stakeholders. • Monitor the budget utilization and prepare summary reports. 3) Provide Support in Knowledge Management and Capacity Building, specifically on the work related to obesity prevention in Jordan, including the following: • Provide the compilation, synthesis, and analysis of feedback, best practices, and lessons learned from the nutrition projects to strengthen knowledge development and management within the Nutrition Programme, including the use of SharePoint.

Competencies and values

- Core Values: • Care • Respect • Integrity • Trust • Accountability - Core Competencies • Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness • Works Collaboratively with others • Builds and Maintains Partnerships • Innovates and Embraces Change • Thinks and Acts Strategically • Drive to achieve impactful results • Manages ambiguity and complexity

Living conditions and remarks

Amman, the capital, is a peaceful city with over four million residents. People are friendly to visitors. Services in terms of banking, transportation, health and communications are easily available. Though Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken among the majority of the population, especially in Amman. Road network is good both in terms of spread and quality of the roads. Public transportation in Amman is limited. Taxis are relatively cheap and easily available. There are a number of shopping malls, restaurants, gyms, and cinemas. A large variety of accommodation options can be found; however, it is worth noting that prices in Amman have generally increased in the past few years. There are no specific security threats. Amman is a very easy city in which to live; large, many amenities, very modern and serviced by an international airport with direct flights to most capital cities. According to the assessment of the UN Department of Safety & Security (UNDSS) Jordan is a family duty station (category A hardship). As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the insurance plan.