Internship: International Nutrition Internship (Implementation support for Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) program)

UNICEF in Vientiane, Lao PDR is looking for an International Nutrition Internship (Implementation support for Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) program). The duration of this assignment is 3 months, starting as soon as possible. The intern will be based in UNICEF Office in Vientiane.

UNICEF is a UN organization mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. In Lao PDR, UNICEF is working with its partners to support the Government to realize children’s rights on survival, development, protection and participation.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

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UNICEF in Vientiane, Lao PDR is looking  for an International Nutrition Internship (Implementation support for Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) program). The duration of this assignment is 3 months, starting as soon as possible. The intern will be based in UNICEF Office in Vientiane.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Specialist the intern will undertake the following tasks:

• Research global multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) studies. This includes acceptability and adherence studies. Information should be synthesized and used to inform the MMS study in Lao PDR. 
• Write a study protocol for MMS study in two districts in Lao PDR.
• Coordinate with MoH and DPs to facilitate this study. Delegate roles and hold meetings to plan interventions.
• Facilitate the IRB ethical review process and prepare documents for submission.
• Establish the training curriculum for both districts for the MMS study. This includes coordination with MoH, DPs and health centers.
• Support logistical arrangements for distribution of study supplies (MMS and IFA tablets, ONA data collection tablets and training materials) to health centers in the study.
• Facilitate training sessions to health care workers in both study districts.
• Conduct follow-up visits at health centers to ensure data collection is properly conducted.
• Will involve roughly 12 days of field visits to conduct trainings and follow up for the MMS rollout study across two districts.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• Prepare and submit IRB proposal
• Contribute to the development and roll out of training, guidelines and IEC materials for MMS.
• Facilitate beginning of MMS rollout study
• Facilitate coordination meetings among MOH, UNICEF and other development partners for effective program delivery.
• Draft of MMS Expansion Plans for targeted CNF Provinces

Experience and education requirements: 

•  Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as public policy, nutrition science, political science, global development or global health.

•  Proficient in at least one of UNICEF’s working languages, particularly English, at a working knowledge level.

•  Experience working in the development sector, particularly in nutrition interventions.

•  Demonstrated excellent academic performance through recent university or institution records.

•  Proficiency with Microsoft software such as Teams, PowerPoint and Word.

•  Proficient research and writing skills.

Please find the full TOR here:  ToR-International Nutrition Internship for VA.pdf

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

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UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.