Nutrition Intern at World Food Programme (WFP)

We are currently seeking to fill the position of a Nutrition Intern based in the Nutrition Unit of the Regional Bueau, Nairobi.

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled in the University and have completed at least two years of undergraduate studies or have recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate programme within the last 6 months’ from a university preferably in Nutrition, Food Science, Public Health or other related fields.
• Currently enrolled in a graduate programme (Masters degree) from a recognized university and have attended classes in the past 12 months,
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point);
• Fluent in English (both oral and written) is a must; knowledge of a second UN language, preferably French would be an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Office (word, excel, access, outlook).

JOB PURPOSE

Child undernutrition is an overwhelming public health concern in the East and Central parts of Africa. Overtime, Hundreds of small-scale surveys are conducted in the region covering mostly emergency pockets with few being done in stable contexts.

The nutrition unit focuses on the following pillars

• Nutrition sensitive programming
• nutrition specific programming
• Nutrition in emergencies programmes
• HIV specific programmes

A lot of data is generated from the various programmes which include TSFP,BSFP,IFP,FSNMS,MCHN

We want to review the evidence from programme data and small-scale surveys conducted for the last 10 or more years to provide a summary estimate of the magnitude and prevalence from emergency and non-emergency pockets and to examine reasons for variation in prevalence estimates in addition to providing trend maps and hazard analysis.

We will develop datasets by combining data from programmes, Complex Emergency Database, Country Nutrition clusters, MICS and DHS surveys etc. We will conduct a meta-analysis of small-scale surveys using a random effects model with known within-study heterogeneity for mapping.

The influence of survey covariates on estimated prevalence will not be investigated. However, we expect the aggregated analysis of project data and small-scale surveys to provide insights into the prevalence of undernutrition and factors explaining its variation over years and areas. It will also guide in survey planning towards areas with limited data availability.

To achieve these, an intern is required to support the current DMO .

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the overall supervision of the head of nutrition unit and the direct supervision of the Nutrition DMO, the intern will:

• Learn and support in Improving the consistency of the very provisional database already developed, collecting information from national institutions.
• Support ongoing literature reviews on acute malnutrition treatments
• Support in the Collection of nutritional statistical data available at lower administrative level and all accessible data from survey activities carried out in the recent past (last ten years or more);
• Conduct Standardization and data Entry (harmonization); Data quality control (Quality assessment of data); Data description (metadata).
• Investigate the availability of additional sources including identification of geographic aggregation (administrative units or sites) and using it in compiling a separate database in xls format.
• Update the existing 2006 South Sudan paper on malnutrition and mortality with new data.
• Assist in collection and archiving of data, including maintenance and updating of databases.
• Learn and Assist in programming and utilization of digital data collection tools and open sources such as Personal Device Assistants (PDAs) and Open Data Kit (ODK) together with the VAM and M.E units.
• Perform any other duties when required.

TRAINING COMPONENTS & LEARNING ELEMENTS

• Opportunity to learn and improve academically by gaining a regional review and profile of the nutrition environment.
• Providing exceptional opportunities to gain real-world experiences and learn more about nutrition.
• Valuable mentorship and on-the-job skills development and opportunities for excellent networking
• Professional development and training including workshops, conference opportunities.
• Gaining an insider’s view of how UN-WFP works in Nutrition and the challenges it faces.
• Networking and opportunities to contact staff in the nutrition sector.
• A lively and rewarding work with opportunities to travel across the country and meet local stakeholders.
• A congenial and welcoming work environment with a small team of individuals.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE

• Knowledge collecting, compiling and disseminating Nutrition statistics.
• Motivation in conducting quantitative analyses, analytical studies and methodological research in nutrition.
• Experience in designing tools and strategies for data collection, analysis and production of reports.
• Experience in developing flowcharts and informatics.
• Prior experience with monitoring systems and emergency needs assessments
• Knowledge of database development
• Eceptional attention to detail
• Solid time management and multi-tasking skills
• High level of creativity, perseverance and openness to change

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Interns receive a monthly stipend from WFP up to the maximum amount of US$1000 per month depending on the duty station of assignment.
• WFP is not responsible for living expenses, arrangements for accommodation, necessary visas and related costs.
• Depending on the duty station of assignment, WFP will reimburse travel ticket for candidates who are nationals of developing countries and are pursuing their studies in their home country.
• WFP will recognize candidates’ educational credentials from recognised institutions that have been certified by competent international or national authorities such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) or Ministries of Education;

The internship has a maximum duration of 8 (eight) months and offers college students and graduates the opportunity to combine work experience and professional development with formal education. The WFP Internship Programme is designed to prepare highly talented and motivated individuals for future careers with WFP.