What's Happening?
UNICEF is recruiting a Nutrition Officer for its Climate & Environment team in Antananarivo, Madagascar. This position aims to place children at the center of climate action, environmental sustainability, and resilience building. The officer will provide
technical support, foster strategic partnerships, generate evidence, and promote cross-sectoral collaboration to integrate climate and environmental considerations across UNICEF programs. The role requires a university degree in nutrition, public health, or a related field, and a minimum of one year of professional experience in a developing country in nutrition, public health, or maternal, infant, and child health/nutrition care. Proficient French knowledge is required, with working knowledge of English being highly desirable.
Why It's Important?
This role is critical for addressing the severe impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on children in Madagascar, one of the countries most vulnerable to these challenges. By integrating climate and environmental considerations into UNICEF's programs, the Nutrition Officer will help strengthen the resilience of children and communities. This includes enhancing the capacity of government and partners to address climate and environmental risks, promoting innovative solutions, and mobilizing resources for climate-resilient services and systems. The position ensures a child-centered and equity-focused approach, protecting vulnerable children from climate change impacts and contributing to sustainable development outcomes. Given the direct link between environmental factors and nutrition, this role is vital for improving child health and survival.
What's Next?
The Nutrition Officer will support the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of climate and environmental programs that strengthen the resilience of children and communities. This will involve working closely with government counterparts, development partners, UN agencies, and UNICEF program teams. Key accountabilities include knowledge management for programs, program development and management, optimum use of program funds, program monitoring and evaluation, rights-based and results-based program management, national and local capacity building and sustainability, climate and environment advocacy from a child rights perspective, and partnership, coordination, and collaboration. The officer will contribute to evidence generation, program quality, policy dialogue, and resource mobilization to advance climate adaptation and environmental sustainability across Madagascar.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation of a Nutrition Officer role within the Climate & Environment team signifies a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between climate change, environmental health, and child nutrition. This integrated approach acknowledges that climate impacts disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing health and food security challenges. By focusing on child-centered climate action, UNICEF is not only addressing immediate nutritional needs but also building long-term resilience against future environmental shocks. This position highlights the ethical imperative to protect children from the consequences of climate change, advocating for policies and interventions that safeguard their rights and well-being in an increasingly volatile world. It also underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve sustainable development goals.
