Nutrition Youth Engagement and Advocacy Officer

Details

Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children are given opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination or, bias. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. Therefore, the focus on equity and inclusion is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations. The Zimbabwe Vision 2030 is “working towards building a new Zimbabwe, a country with a thriving and open economy, capable of creating opportunities for investors and employment” .

Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights and well-being of children and adolescents. In Zimbabwe, UNICEF supports the Government in implementing programmes that improve child survival, development, nutrition, education, protection and social inclusion.

This United Nations Volunteer (UNV) assignment is part of UNICEF Zimbabwe's Nutrition and Child Development Programme and specifically supports the implementation of the Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Programme. The program recognises that NCDs are not only an adult or clinical agenda, but that the risk, and the rights, begin in childhood.

UNICEF and Government acknowledge that most NCD risks and nutrition-related exposures emerge and accumulate during childhood and adolescence, and that NCDs and unhealthy food environments undermine children's rights to health, adequate nutrition, education, and play. Therefore, as part of timely prevention and continuous care, efforts are geared towards integrating prevention and care across pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. These prevention and care interventions are delivered through a multisectoral approach spanning food environments, marketing, schools, fiscal policy, and administrative structures at district, area, and ward levels.

To deliver these multisectoral prevention and care interventions, UNICEF supports the Government to integrate obesity prevention, early detection, and chronic care for childhood NCDs into existing platforms that children already access, including well-child clinics, schools, and communities. At the policy level, UNICEF supports the Government through evidence generation, youth advocacy, Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) initiatives, routine monitoring, and efforts to promote healthier food environments.

The programme works closely with the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE), the Food and Nutrition Council (FNC), civil society organizations, youth networks, development partners, and communities to address non-communicable diseases and obesity prevention, while strengthening healthy food environments for children.

Under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Specialist and with oversight from the Chief of Nutrition and Child Development, this assignment provides an opportunity for a Youth Engagement and Advocacy Volunteer to support young people in shaping their own health outcomes. This includes building demand for healthy behaviours, promoting healthy habits, and addressing stigma and discrimination associated with childhood NCDs.