Nutrition Officer (NO-2), Temporary Position (364 days), #00138539, Nyala, Sudan, ESAR

Under the guidance of the Nutrition Specialist, the Nutrition Officer will provide professional technical, operational and administrative assistance and support to state level government and implementing partners to facilitate the formulation, design, planning, monitoring and evaluation for the achievement of concrete results in nutrition interventions as well as support the delivery of quality nutrition interventions, through strengthen nutrition monitoring system and ensuring that technical protocols are followed. Furthermore, the officer will support field team in responding to nutrition emergencies ensuring timely needs assessments, analysis and provision of feedback and technical assistance for development of timely response actions, emergency preparedness, and the provision of timely and comprehensive emergency nutrition response among IDPs, refugees and newly accessible populations. 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 for as long as we are needed. 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 professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package. Visitour websiteto learn more about what we do at UNICEF. For every child, the right to a Chance How can you make a difference? 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 so all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, nutrition, 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. This is why 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. UNICEF has been in Sudan since 1952 and continues with a presence in 12 of Sudan’s 18 states.Sudan is among the top four countries in the world with the highest prevalence of global acute malnutrition (GAM), with an estimated 13.6 percent, with risk of famine extended to multiple areas mainly across Darfur and Kordofan regions. The nutrition outlook is expected to deteriorate in 2026 due to ongoing conflict, food security decline, compromised health and WASH services, and prolonged displacement. The estimated people in need for nutrition services is projected to rise further with the deteriorating nutrition determinants. Currently, the nutrition cluster estimate that 3.6 million children under five will suffer from acute malnutrition during 2026, out of which, 825,000 children will have severe acute malnutrition which put them at immediate risk of death if not treated on timely manner. Micronutrient malnutrition is prevalent, with 48 per cent of under-five children experiencing anemia due to iron deficiency. Most of Infant and Young Child Feeding practices in Sudan are not optimal and that contributes to increased risks of morbidity and mortality among young children and put them at higher risk of chronic negative consequences in their future such as stunting and reduced productivity and cognitive capabilities. The S3M survey of 2018 has shown situation of poor infant and young child feeding practices especially in the complementary feeding indicators. Minimum dietary diversity among under-fives is low at 25 per cent, and only 63 percent of under two children receive the age-appropriate meal frequency. While breastfeeding is common practice in Sudan, the level of exclusive breastfeeding stand at 62 percent, with only 73% of age-appropriate continued breastfeeding. Micronutrient malnutrition is prevalent, with 48 per cent of under-five children experiencing anemia due to iron deficiency. Under the guidance of the Nutrition Specialist, the Nutrition Officer will support the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of nutrition programmes, strengthen nutrition monitoring systems, ensure compliance with technical protocols, and provide emergency nutrition support through assessments, preparedness activities, and timely response interventions for vulnerable populations, including IDPs and refugees. Summary of Key Functions and Accountabilities 1. Support to programme development and planning - Conduct and update the situation analysis for the nutrition programme for the development, design, and management of nutrition related programmes/projects. Research and report on development trends (e.g. political social, economic, nutrition, health) for higher management use to enhance programme management, efficiency and delivery of results. - Contribute to the development and establishment of nutrition programme goals, objectives, strategies, and results-based planning, through analysis of nutrition needs and areas for intervention, and submission of recommendations for priority and goal setting. - Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing and administering a variety of technical programme transactions; preparing materials and documentation, and complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support programme planning, results-based planning, and monitoring and evaluation of results. - Prepare required documentation and materials to facilitate the programme review and approval process. 2. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results. - Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss operational and implementation issues for nutrition programme. Provide solutions, recommendations and/or alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for higher-level intervention and/or decision-making. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned. - Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, nutrition programme reviews and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess programmes/projects and to report on required action and interventions at the higher level of programme management. - Monitor and report on the use of sectoral programme resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verifying compliance with approved allocation, goals, organizational rules, regulations/procedures, donor commitments, standards of accountability, and integrity. Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management and stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution. - Prepare regular and mandated sectoral programme/project reports for management, donors, and partners to keep them informed of programme progress. 3. Technical and operational support to programme implementation - Conduct regular programme field visits and surveys, and exchange information with partners and stakeholders to assess progress and provide technical support. Take appropriate action to resolve issues and/or refer to relevant officials for resolution. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks, and potential proble