National Nutrition Specialist

Host entity: UNICEF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Community development

Application deadline: 16/11/2026

Mission and objectives

UNICEF is a key UN agency working in Somalia in various aeras such as WASH, Child Protection, Social Policy, Health and Nutrition, and Education sectors. With a population of 3,798,828 people and a significant youth and adolescent proportion forming a huge youth bulge, Somalia faces an unprecedented challenge in addressing the youth and adolescent needs of the people in a complex context where conflict, natural disasters and climate change divert resources from the needs of this important cohort of the population. Approximately 62% of the population is between 5-29 years old, while three-quarters (72%) of the population is less than 30 years old. The unemployment rate is high (estimated at 50%) that also contributes to poverty.

Assignment context

The UNICEF Nutrition Programme in Southern and Central Somalia is strengthening its field-level capacity to coordinate and oversee the scale-up of emergency nutrition interventions in response to anticipated drought conditions and heightened humanitarian needs associated with the projected El Niño weather pattern.

Baidoa is one of Somalia’s most vulnerable humanitarian hubs, hosting large populations of internally displaced persons and communities affected by recurrent climate shocks, food insecurity, disease outbreaks and high levels of acute malnutrition. Increased humanitarian needs are expected to place additional pressure on programme resources and implementation capacity, requiring stronger field presence and operational oversight.

The UN Volunteer will be part of UNICEF Somalia’s Nutrition Programme and based in the Baidoa Field Office. The assignment will support the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting of drought response activities in alignment with government priorities and humanitarian response frameworks. It will also strengthen field monitoring, partner capacity, verification of results and resolution of implementation bottlenecks, including for First Foods and other priority nutrition interventions focused on preventing malnutrition during the first 1,000 days of life.

Task description

Under the supervision of the designated UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, the UN Volunteer will:

• Support the planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring and reporting of emergency and preventive nutrition interventions in South West State.
• Coordinate with relevant government authorities, NGO implementing partners, UN agencies and other stakeholders to support timely decisions and delivery.
• Monitor programme implementation through field visits, partner engagement and review of programme data; verify results and identify bottlenecks, gaps and corrective actions.
• Support the scale-up and quality assurance of drought-response nutrition services, including referral pathways and continuity of lifesaving services for children and women.
• Contribute to implementation and acceleration of First Foods and other priority interventions to prevent malnutrition among infants and young children during the first 1,000 days of life.
• Strengthen partner capacity in programme planning, monitoring, documentation, accountability and results reporting.
• Prepare timely situation updates, monitoring reports, analyses and inputs to UNICEF planning and reporting processes.
• Support coordination and information sharing within UNICEF and with government and humanitarian coordination mechanisms.
• Promote accountability to affected populations, safeguarding, inclusion and gender-responsive programming across supported activities.
• Undertake other related duties within the scope of the assignment, as requested by the supervisor.

Skills and experience

• At least three years of relevant professional experience in nutrition or public health programming, including programme implementation, monitoring and reporting.
• Experience supporting emergency nutrition responses or programming in fragile or humanitarian settings.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with government, civil society, UN agencies and implementing partners.
• Strong analytical, communication, facilitation and report-writing skills.
• Ability to interpret programme data, identify implementation bottlenecks and follow through on corrective actions.
• Proficiency in standard office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and online collaboration tools.
• Knowledge of the Somali context and experience working in South West State are strong assets.
• Previous experience with UNICEF, another UN entity or humanitarian coordination mechanisms is an asset.

Competencies and values

Accountability; adaptability and flexibility; planning and organising; professionalism; self-management; teamwork; respect for diversity; integrity.

Living conditions

Baidoa is a hardship duty station in South West State, Somalia. The security environment can be volatile and movement is subject to United Nations security procedures and operational restrictions. Basic accommodation, food, communications, banking and medical services are available, although standards and availability may be limited. The climate is generally hot and dry, with seasonal rains. The assignment requires cultural sensitivity, flexibility, resilience and willingness to undertake field travel in accordance with security clearances and UNICEF procedures. Benefits and allowances are determined under the applicable UN Volunteer Conditions of Service and can be reviewed using the UVP calculator.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.