UNICEF, as the leading UN agency in maternal and child healthcare (MCH) in Abkhazia, Georgia, is seeking to recruit an MCH Officer (SSA Consultant) to increase the technical and operational capacity of UNICEF Field Office in Sukhumi as well as to support implementation of assessment of MCH in the region.

Purpose of the post:

The main purpose of the assignment is to strengthen and increase the capacity of UNICEF Field Office in Sukhumi for intervention in the sphere of maternal and child healthcare, including UNICEF intervention programme development and implementation, coordination with local and international actors and development of strategic approaches seeking for a more effective and accessible maternal and child healthcare in the region of Abkhazia.

Under direct supervision of the UNICEF Emergency Officer, in close cooperation with the Emergency Specialist as Head of Emergency/DRR Section and UNICEF Field Office in Sukhumi, the consultant will ensure provision of technical assistance to UNICEF's and partners activities in the MCH sector. In addition to this, the consultant will provide coordination of these activities with UNICEF interventions in the region of Abkhazia in other sectors, such as education, HPC, health information network, etc.

Consultancy period:

Duration of the consultancy is 9 (nine) months starting from August 2012 and finishing by April 31, 2013, with possibilities for extension of the consultancy period depending on the quality of performance and availability of funds.

Main duties and responsibilities:

** In close collaboration with UNICEF Country/Field Office teams as well as with all the relevant local stakeholders and counterparts on the ground, takes the lead in developing UNICEF strategic approach to MCH in the region of Abkhazia and its implementation plan for action.

** Takes part in developing and adapting innovative and quality MCH training materials in collaboration with the technical experts

** Based on UNICEF MCH assessment in the region of Abkhazia, identifies and establishes innovative and best practice applicable to MCH in the region and in line with globally accepted best practice of UNICEF and WHO as well as other UN agencies and relevant international organizations.

** Actively works on establishing and facilitating the communication between UNICEF and major partners and counterparts based on MCH assessment and braider UNICEF programme activities in Abkhazia, Georgia.

UNICEF MCH Assistance Programme:

** Together with Sukhumi based Emergency Officer, provides the entry point of contact with local health sector stakeholders - including local officials, NGOs and operational international partners - in order to inform and update UNICEF programme activities in the health sector.

** Represents UNICEF MCH/health promotion activities to other agencies, the community, and the media, raising awareness and explaining the role, mission, and accomplishments of the program

** Serves as the adviser to UNICEF Country Office/Field Office in Sukhumi regarding MCH situation in the region of Abkhazia and UNICEF's assistance programme.

Education, qualifications and competences:

** Advanced university degree in Medical Sciences with preferred specialization in Pediatrics, Gynecology and/or Prenatal and Antenatal Care

** Minimum 8 years of work experience in the sector of healthcare, including maternal and child healthcare and public health promotion.

** Excellent skills and competences in working with people and communication

** Strong drive for results and effectiveness, including ability to meet deadlines and motivate others to meet deadlines

** Strong analytical skills, including ability to conceptualize analytical information into a plan of action and ability to think creatively ** Good planning skills, ability to organize work and manage projects

** Sound organizational and time management skills

** Commitment to continuous learning for professional development

** Excellent verbal and written communication skills in local languages and good communication skills in English language.

Terms of employment:

Subject to certification of the accuracy of the information provided on the personal history form and receipt of the medical clearance, SSA in accordance with the salary, benefits and allowances of an NOA post applicable to all staff of the United Nations system. The initial appointment may be renewed given the organizational needs, availability of funds and good performance record.

Starting date: August 2011.

How to apply:

If you are interested in the position and have the required qualifications, please address your (1) Application Letter to Representative, UNICEF Georgia, supported with the (2) detailed Curriculum Vitae and (3) completed UN Personal History Form (see attached). The application must be in English, hand-delivered in a sealed envelope labeled only as "Vacancy Announcement GEO/SSA/2012/007".

The envelope should be placed in the respective vacancy box, located in the Entrance Hall of the UN House, 9 Eristavi Street, Vake, Tbilisi, or the UNICEF Office, 21 Prospekt Mira, Sukhumi, no later than close of business of Friday, 27 July 2012. Incomplete applications will not be considered and only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

source: jobs.ge