• Country: Geneva, Switzerland
• No of vacancies: N/A
  
• Salary: N/A 
• Organization: WHO
• Gender: Both
• Deadline: 2024-02-19

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

The mission of WHO’s UHC/Healthier Populations Division is to contribute to reducing health inequalities and reducing preventable disease and injury caused by environmental, social and economic determinants of health. This is achieved through a coordinated inter-sectoral approach aimed at enabling all people to enjoy better health and well-being, in line with the Organization’s 13th General Programme of Work (GPW13) and the Sustainable Development Goals. The Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS) is addressing the burden of disease from physical, chemical and microbial hazards in food and unhealthy diets, maternal and child malnutrition, overweight and obesity. The Department aims to ensure universal access to safe, sufficient nutritious food and effective nutrition actions, through setting science-based international food standards, promoting nutrition action in health systems, fostering sustainable food production and consumption, improving food environments and empowering consumers in all situations, monitoring nutrition status, and managing food safety events at the international level, closely working with Member States, UN partner agencies and non-State actors. The Food and Nutrition Actions in Health Systems (AHS) Unit assists countries with the application of essential nutrition actions delivered through healthcare and community platforms. AHS develops guidance on programmes and policies, creates application tools, provides technical assistance, fosters global partnerships, and supports global advocacy to ensure that proven nutrition interventions are universally accessible to all relevant populations. The Unit addresses multiple forms of malnutrition, including wasting, stunting, obesity, and micronutrient deficiency and supports improvements in infant and young child feeding.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

1. Develops new innovative operational tools for country support based on evidence-informed recommendations and manages/co-chairs the WHO/UNICEF Technical Advisory Group.
2. Designs or adapts training materials related to the management of undernutrition.
3. Collaborates with Regional offices, countries, national institutes, researchers, UN organizations and other relevant non-State actors in planning and strengthening capacity building at various levels in relation to the reduction of undernutrition in children.
4. Supports the WHO Country Offices in the adaptation of the WHO guidelines on the prevention and management of wasting and the implementation of programs for the treatment of undernutrition.
5. Supports development and dissemination of new advocacy documents for the integration of undernutrition in health systems.
6. Other duties as required by Head of the AHS Unit and the Director, NFS.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential:

• Advanced level university degree in public health with specialization in nutrition or maternal and child health; or Advanced university degree in nutrition or maternal and child health.

Desirable:

• PhD in nutrition from a recognized university with a focus on undernutrition or Doctor of Medicine with focus on Pediatrics.

Experience

Essential:

• At least 7 years experience in public health nutrition, with focus on nutrition for maternal and child health, of which at least 5 years at international level.
• Experience working on the management of under- nutrition in the field.
• Proven record in preparing technical documents and scientific publications.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience working in a UN agency or global NGO or international organization.

Skills

• Expertise in applied epidemiology in public health, particularly related to undernutrition.
• Experience in country support in the management of undernutrition including the clinical aspects.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to initiate and manage basic coordination tasks with multiple actors in and outside WHO.

WHO Competencies

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Producing results
• Moving forward in a changing environment

Use of Language Skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable:

• Intermediate knowledge of French.

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