National Consultant Nutrition Sensitive Social Protection

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF has a strong presence in Lao PDR, having served for over 50 years, and works in partnership with the government and other stakeholders to protect the rights of children and women in the country. The organization prides itself on its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and communities.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Nutrition Sensitive Social Protection will play a crucial role in UNICEF's efforts to address child malnutrition and enhance social protection systems in Lao PDR. This position involves a combination of office-based and home-based work over a 12-month period, starting as soon as possible. The consultant will be responsible for coordinating various stakeholders, analyzing data, developing tools, providing training support, and reporting on the drivers of child wasting. The role requires a deep understanding of the intersection between nutrition and social protection, as well as the ability to engage effectively with government and community partners to strengthen referral systems for children in need. The consultant will also contribute to the development of training curricula and ensure that technical documentation is thorough and accessible.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include:

• Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders involved in nutrition-sensitive programming and social protection initiatives.
• Data & Documentation Support: Analyze data related to child wasting and document findings to inform policy and programmatic decisions.
• Development of Referral Instruments: Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) and referral instruments for identifying and addressing cases of child wasting.
• Training Curriculum Development: Design and implement training programs for stakeholders involved in nutrition-sensitive social protection.
• Reporting & Technical Documentation: Prepare comprehensive reports and technical documents that summarize findings, recommendations, and progress made in addressing child malnutrition and enhancing social protection systems.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Policy, Social Protection, Public Health, Nutrition, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field. Additionally, they should have a minimum of 7-10 years of relevant work experience in social protection, nutrition-sensitive programming, or systems strengthening. Proven experience in linking nutrition and social protection, addressing child wasting, and targeting vulnerable populations is essential. Familiarity with Social Registries, Management Information Systems (MIS), Proxy Means Testing (PMT) design, or digital tools is also required. Strong analytical, facilitation, and partnership-building skills are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Social Protection, Public Health, Nutrition, Economics, or Development Studies is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical framework and practical knowledge to effectively address the challenges associated with child malnutrition and social protection systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7-10 years, in areas related to social protection, nutrition-sensitive programming, or systems strengthening. This experience should include direct involvement in projects that address child malnutrition, as well as familiarity with government structures and policies in Lao PDR.

Languages:
A strong command of English is mandatory, as the consultant will be required to produce technical guidance, analytical reports, and policy briefs in English. Proficiency in Lao is also essential, as it will facilitate effective communication with local stakeholders and ensure that the consultant can engage meaningfully with the community.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time consultancy role with a duration of 12 months. The work modality will involve both office-based and home-based tasks. Interested candidates are required to submit a letter of interest, a CV or resume, and a financial proposal that includes all-inclusive costs for medical insurance, travel, and accommodation related to the assignment. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce and encourages eligible candidates to apply, including those from government positions who may need to resign before taking up the role. The organization does not charge any processing fees during the recruitment process and is dedicated to humanitarian action as part of its strategic priorities.