Health and Nutrition Specialist (UNICEF Accelerate)

Mission and objectives

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child; in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work to translate that commitment into practical action, especially for the most disadvantaged children. In the Pacific we work in Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu: These 14 Pacific island countries are home to 2.3 million people, including 1.2 million children and youth, living on more than 660 islands and atolls stretching across 17.2 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean, an area comparable to the combined size of the United States of America and Canada. Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu are classified as Fragile States according to World Bank/OECD criteria. All 14 Pacific island countries have ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, but only a third are on track with reporting obligations.

Context

This assignment is part of UNICEF Pacific’s Health and Nutrition programme under the Multi-Country Programme (2023–2027), implemented through the UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country Office. The Health and Nutrition Specialist will be based in South Tarawa, Kiribati, and will support efforts to strengthen primary health care systems, improve maternal, newborn and child health outcomes, and advance nutrition priorities. The assignment involves close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, development partners, UN agencies, and civil society organizations. The programme focuses on systems strengthening, service delivery improvements, and multi-sectoral integration across health, nutrition, WASH, education, and child protection. The UN Volunteer will contribute to programme implementation, monitoring, partnership building, and donor engagement in a small island developing state context characterized by high vulnerability to climate-related shocks.

Task Description

Under the supervision of the Chief of Field Office, the UN Volunteer will: Programme planning and monitoring • Support implementation of the Health and Nutrition workplan aligned with the Multi-Country Programme • Conduct data analysis and situation assessments to inform planning • Strengthen routine monitoring, including field visits and reporting Health systems strengthening • Provide technical support to primary health care services, including maternal, newborn and child health • Strengthen service delivery quality, including immunization and community-based services • Support development of policies, guidelines and use of data for decision-making Nutrition programming • Support implementation of core nutrition interventions (IYCF, micronutrients, undernutrition management) • Contribute to multi-sectoral coordination for nutrition outcomes • Support behaviour changes and community engagement initiatives Partnerships and donor engagement • Maintain partnerships with government ministries and stakeholders • Support engagement with development partners and preparation of reports and briefs • Contribute to coordination and joint programming initiatives Knowledge management and communication • Document programme results and lessons learned • Support evidence generation and communication products • Contribute to visibility of UNICEF-supported results

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Judgement and decision-making • Teamwork and collaboration

Living conditions and remarks

South Tarawa is a remote duty station within a Small Island Developing State context. Living conditions can be basic, with constraints related to infrastructure, access to services, and geographical isolation. The assignment offers a unique and enriching professional experience, requiring adaptability, resilience, and cultural awareness. The UN Volunteer will work in a high-impact environment, supporting national systems and engaging closely with government and communities.