Nutrition Officer at UNICEF Nigeria: Advancing Child Rights and Well-being
UNICEF, a leading advocate for the protection of children's rights globally, plays a pivotal role in Nigeria's journey towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. With a profound commitment to helping children meet their basic needs and expand their opportunities, UNICEF Nigeria is seeking a dedicated and passionate Nutrition Officer to join its dynamic team. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a mission that genuinely transforms lives.
Our Mission in Nigeria: A Call to Action
UNICEF's Nigeria country programme is driven by a clear and powerful mandate:
- To accelerate the realization of the rights of all children and women to survival, development, protection, and participation.
- To champion efforts aimed at significantly reducing infant, child, and maternal mortality rates.
- To expand access to quality basic education for every child.
- To strengthen social and child protection systems, ensuring the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable.
- To employ a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach in all interventions.
- To act as a catalytic force, supporting federal, state, and local governments in identifying and addressing key bottlenecks hindering the realization of rights for disadvantaged children. This is underpinned by equity-focused, inclusive advocacy, planning, action, and monitoring at all levels.
- To actively support adolescent development, fostering a generation of empowered young people.
As a Nutrition Officer, you will be at the forefront of these efforts, particularly in ensuring optimal nutrition for children and mothers, which is fundamental to their survival, development, and overall well-being. Your work will directly impact programmatic success, contributing to the health and resilience of communities across Nigeria, especially within complex and emergency settings.
Who We Are Looking For: Essential Qualifications
To qualify as an advocate for every child, you will embody UNICEF's values and possess the following minimum requirements:
- Education: A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Health, Epidemiology, Biological Science, Food Science, or any other related field is essential.
- Work Experience: You should have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in critical areas such as Nutrition, Public Health, Maternal Child Health, Programme Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Capacity Building, or Humanitarian Response. A non-negotiable requirement is proven experience working in complex environments managing nutrition projects, with emergency content working experience being a must.
- Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in Research, Data Analysis, Statistical Analysis, and high-quality Reporting is crucial for this role.
- Language Requirements: English - Proficient/Fluent communication skills are required.
Added Advantages: Desirable Attributes
Candidates with the following attributes will have a distinct advantage:
- Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a relevant local language will be highly beneficial.
- Knowledge: Familiarity with UN rules, procedures, and regulations.
- Working Experience: Prior experience working within the UN system or other international development organizations.
- Relevant Experience: Experience at the country level, particularly in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts, is highly valued.
Join UNICEF and be part of a global team committed to creating a better world for every child. Your expertise in nutrition, combined with a passion for humanitarian work, can make a profound difference in the lives of children and communities in Nigeria.
Method of Application:
Interested and qualified? Go to UNICEF on jobs.unicef.org to apply

