Nutrition Youth Engagement and Advocacy Officer

Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, 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. For UNICEF, equity means that all children are given opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination or, bias. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. 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 fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. Therefore, the focus on equity and inclusion 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. The Zimbabwe Vision 2030 is “working towards building a new Zimbabwe, a country with a thriving and open economy, capable of creating opportunities for investors and employment” .

Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights and well-being of children and adolescents. In Zimbabwe, UNICEF supports the Government in implementing programmes that improve child survival, development, nutrition, education, protection and social inclusion. This United Nations Volunteer (UNV) assignment is part of UNICEF Zimbabwe's Nutrition and Child Development Programme and specifically supports the implementation of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Programme. The program recognises that NCDs are not only an adult or clinical agenda, but that the risk, and the rights, begin in childhood. UNICEF and Government acknowledge that most NCD risks and nutrition-related exposures emerge and accumulate during childhood and adolescence, and that NCDs and unhealthy food environments undermine children's rights to health, adequate nutrition, education, and play. Therefore, as part of timely prevention and continuous care, efforts are geared towards integrating prevention and care across pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. These prevention and care interventions are delivered through a multisectoral approach spanning food environments, marketing, schools, fiscal policy, and administrative structures at district, area, and ward levels. To deliver these multisectoral prevention and care interventions, UNICEF supports the Government to integrate obesity prevention, early detection, and chronic care for childhood NCDs into existing platforms that children already access, including well-child clinics, schools, and communities. At the policy level, UNICEF supports the Government through evidence generation, youth advocacy, Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) initiatives, routine monitoring, and efforts to promote healthier food environments. The programme works closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), the Food and Nutrition Council (FNC), civil society organizations, youth networks, development partners, and communities to address non-communicable diseases and obesity prevention, while strengthening healthy food environments for children. Under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Specialist and with oversight from the Chief of Nutrition and Child Development, this assignment provides an opportunity for a Youth Engagement and Advocacy Volunteer to support young people in shaping their own health outcomes. This includes building demand for healthy behaviours, promoting healthy habits, and addressing stigma and discrimination associated with childhood NCDs.

Task Description

Establish young people /youth nutrition and advocacy networks

• Adapt UNICEF youth advocacy toolkits, to orient/ capacitate children, adolescents and young people on childhood NCDs, overweight and obesity and the associated food environment and lifestyle issues. Including, to co-create NCDs, overweight and obesity prevention campaigns with children, adolescents and young people (e.g., UNICEF Zimbabwe Adolescents and Youth Advisory Committee, U-Report champions).
• These trained young people should then do nutrition activities within their communities and schools. For instance, integrating nutrient messages and activities in School Health Clubs. Or, led by young people, organize school and community nutrition dialogues.
• Disseminate polls on Overweight and obesity prevention through IOGT and U-Report.
• Facilitate participation of children, adolescents and young people in nutrition programming, advocacy and dialogue platforms
• Support the design and implementation of youth-led nutrition campaigns and awareness initiatives for NCDs, overweight, and obesity prevention.
• Develop nutrition messages and content for social media, community engagement and communication campaigns.
• Support collection of children, adolescent and youth perspectives, experiences and recommendations related to nutrition and food systems. Work with parliamentarians
• Facilitate inter-generational parliamentary dialogues on NCDs, overweight and obesity prevention through improved child nutrition and healthy food environments.
• Engage Junior Parliamentarians, Junior councilors and Zimbabwe Olympic Committee as NCDs, overweight and obesity prevention nutrition champions. Other cross-cutting tasks
• Assist with documenting success stories, lessons learned, human-interest stories and programme results.
• Support monitoring, reporting, and knowledge management related to youth engagement activities.
• Contribute to preparation of presentations, briefing notes, reports and communication materials.
• Promote digital and innovative approaches that enhance youth participation and nutrition awareness.
• Perform any other programme-related duties assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management
• Care
• Integrity
• Respect
• Transparency

Living conditions and remarks

Zimbabwe is a Lower to middle income country which is aiming to reach the Upper middle income status by 2030. Harare is the capital city of Zimbabwe and serves as the country's capital city. Harare provides a diverse and vibrant working environment and offers opportunities for professional growth and engagement with government, development partners and civil society organizations. It provides an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as stamina and commitment. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.