Health and Early Childhood Development Expert

Overview

Provide support on strengthening and implementing Health and Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes, with a focus on the intersection between health, ECD and ending violence against children (EVAC) in Rio de Janeiro.

Tasks Summary

• Monitor and support implementation of the Early Childhood Friendly Unit (UAPI) and Adolescent Friendly Unit (UAA) initiatives.
• Participate in strategic meetings with government counterparts and external consultants.
• Promote programmatic linkages between UAPI, UAA, Antiracist Early Childhood and UNICEF’s violence prevention and response work.
• Lead and contribute to UAPI and UAA Scientific Committee meetings.
• Coordinate the UAPI and UAA certification process.
• Support advocacy and operational strategies for the active search of the most vulnerable children with zero-dose or delayed vaccination.
• Design, implement, and monitor Health and ECD activities under Agenda Cidade UNICEF and with the State Government.
• Provide technical and strategic support to the implementation of the Municipal Antiracist Early Childhood Plan.
• Collaborate with the Adolescent Development team to support the design and implementation of adolescent health and mental health programming.
• Provide technical support to the Municipality of Rio de Janeiro and partners in the planning and implementation of Baby Week.
• Contribute to the preparation of donor proposals and reports, annual reports, and other key documentation.
• Participate in internal team meetings and attend UNICEF’s external events.

Experience Requirements

At least seven years of professional experience, of which a minimum of five years in Brazilian public health and/or Early Childhood Development, with a focus on local-level public health systems. This includes experience in policy advice, programme design, and/or programme implementation in ECD or related areas. Demonstrated experience working through partnerships with government, donors, and academia on public health and ECD policies and programmes in Brazil. Proven understanding of the Rio de Janeiro context (municipal and/or state), including stakeholders, key health system challenges and their intersection with violence against children. Knowledge of, and/or experience addressing, the impacts of armed violence on children and adolescents’ health, wellbeing, and development.

Qualification Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Public health, International Affairs, Human Rights

Other Details

Languages Required: Portuguese, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Fair, Required

Languages Preferred:

Contract Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Work Modality: Onsite

Remuneration: