Organization: UNICEF Nigeria
Job Number: 592412
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Level: NO-2 (National Officer)
Contract Type: Temporary Appointment
Application Closing Date: 22nd April, 2026
THE MISSION: EVERY CHILD’S RIGHT TO NUTRITION
UNICEF is committed to ensuring that no child is left behind. In Nigeria, we are at a critical juncture. To achieve the World Health Assembly 2025 targets and the SDGs 2030, UNICEF is pivoting toward a “Systems Strengthening” approach. Under the 2023-2027 Country Programme Strategy, we aim to integrate nutrition services into the health, food, and social protection systems to build lasting resilience for the most vulnerable.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
As the Nutrition Officer (Systems Strengthening), you will play a pivotal role in Abuja. You will provide technical leadership to integrate high-impact nutrition interventions (both prevention and treatment) across national and sub-national sectors. You will be at the forefront of rolling out the NHLMIS and DHIS 2 platforms, ensuring that data drives policy and that life-saving commodities reach every child in need.
KEY FUNCTIONS & ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Programme Development & Systems Integration
- Provide technical assistance to government counterparts in designing and monitoring nutrition interventions.
- Integrate nutrition with health, food, and social protection sectors to address the underlying determinants of malnutrition.
- Foster innovative partnerships and a Human Rights-Based Approach to programming.
2. Technical Coordination & Implementation
- Assist in developing evidence-based work plans and ensuring objectives are met on time.
- Support emergency preparedness in line with the Core Commitments for Children (CCCs) in humanitarian action.
- Conduct rigorous monitoring of systems-strengthening interventions to ensure quality assurance.
3. Resource & Supply Management
- Manage organizational resources and track grant utilization, ensuring compliance with UNICEF guidelines and donor conditions.
- Coordinate with the Supply Division to initiate and track the procurement of essential nutrition commodities.
- Support Field Offices in monitoring results and reporting.
4. Advocacy & Knowledge Management
- Develop communication strategies to support nutrition advocacy and community participation.
- Identify capacity development needs for government partners and facilitate learning activities.
- Introduce global best practices and innovative approaches to improve programme efficiency.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Education
- Required: University degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Nutritional Epidemiology, Global/International Health, Health Policy/Management, or related Health Sciences.
- Asset: An Advanced University Degree (Master’s or higher) in any of the above fields.
Work Experience
- Minimum 5 years of professional work experience in health and nutrition programmes.
- Proven track record in implementing health or nutrition systems strengthening programmes.
- Asset: Experience working for the UN or other major international development organizations.
Language
- Fluency in English is required.
Strategic Brief: Succeeding as an NO-2 Nutrition Officer
The Nutrition Officer (NO-2/NOB) level at UNICEF is a “National Officer” role that requires a blend of technical expertise and administrative savvy. To succeed in this specific recruitment for Systems Strengthening, you must demonstrate competency in three critical areas:
1. The Data-System Pivot
UNICEF Nigeria is moving away from standalone projects toward “Systems Strengthening.”
- The Challenge: Moving routine data collection into NHLMIS and DHIS 2.
- The Success Factor: You should be able to demonstrate how you have used data systems to solve supply chain bottlenecks or improve service delivery coverage in previous roles.
2. Grant & Supply Chain Management
This role is not purely clinical; it is highly managerial.
- Grant Compliance: You will be responsible for tracking donor conditionalities. Accuracy in results-based management (RBM) is essential.
- Supply Coordination: You will be the link between the Nutrition team and the Supply Division. Understanding the “End-to-End” supply chain—from procurement in Copenhagen to delivery in a Nigerian Primary Health Care (PHC) center—is vital.
3. Integrated Programming
The “First 1000 Days” strategy requires working across silos.
- Collaborative Mindset: Can you work with Social Protection colleagues to include nutrition indicators in cash-transfer programs? Can you work with the Food System team to improve the availability of diversified diets?
- Advocacy: You aren’t just a technician; you are an advocate for child rights.
4. Application Tip: The “Why UNICEF?” Factor
UNICEF recruitment uses the Competency-Based Interview (CBI) model. When preparing your cover letter and interview responses, focus on the “Core Values” (CRITA):
- Care
- Respect
- Integrity
- Trust
- Accountability
Highlight how your 5+ years of experience has directly strengthened the capacity of government systems rather than just providing temporary solutions.
METHOD OF APPLICATION
To qualify as an advocate for every child, please submit your application through the UNICEF careers portal.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.