International Consultant to Lead the Development of the National Nutrition Strategy and Plan of Action

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. With a workforce that is passionate about their mission, UNICEF provides an attractive compensation and benefits package, fostering a culture of belonging and growth.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant is crucial for leading the development of the National Nutrition Strategy and Plan of Action for Lao PDR. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring coherence and quality in the strategy development processes, guiding system-based working groups, harmonizing inputs, and overseeing documentation. The consultant will work closely with the National Nutrition Committee Secretariat and the Ministry of Health, collaborating with key partners such as the World Bank, WFP, and Nutrition International. This role requires strategic and technical leadership, as well as the ability to align the strategy with national priorities and international commitments. The consultant will also support consultations and consolidate inputs into a coherent draft strategy and action plan, ensuring that the final documents reflect a comprehensive approach to nutrition in Lao PDR.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will provide strategic and technical leadership for the development of the National Nutrition Strategy and the National Plan of Action on Nutrition. Key responsibilities include guiding and supporting system-based working groups in their contributions, developing and applying a harmonized methodology for input collection and analysis, ensuring alignment with national priorities and international commitments, and supporting the preparation and conduct of consultations. The consultant will also be tasked with consolidating and synthesizing inputs into a coherent draft strategy and action plan, ensuring that all aspects of the nutrition strategy are well-documented and reflect the needs of the population.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in nutrition, public health, development studies, or a related field. A post-graduate degree in public health, nutrition, information management, international development, or other related disciplines is also required. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in nutrition strategy development or multisectoral planning, with proven experience working with government and development partners in Lao PDR or similar contexts. Strong facilitation, coordination, and writing skills are essential, along with good analytical and presentation skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in nutrition, public health, development studies, or a related field. A post-graduate degree in public health, nutrition, information management, international development, or other clearly related disciplines is preferred, emphasizing the need for advanced knowledge in these areas to effectively lead the development of the National Nutrition Strategy and Plan of Action.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, specifically in nutrition strategy development or multisectoral planning. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with government entities and development partners, particularly in the context of Lao PDR or similar environments. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of nutrition policy and program implementation in a national context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both in oral and written communication. Knowledge of the Lao language is considered an asset, as it would facilitate better communication and collaboration with local stakeholders and partners involved in the nutrition strategy development process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment is expected to last for 8 months, starting as soon as possible. The consultant will primarily work remotely but may be required to make at least two trips to Vientiane, Lao PDR. Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest, CV or resume, and a financial proposal that includes all-inclusive costs such as medical insurance, travel, and accommodation for the assignment. The position emphasizes UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People, and Drive for Results. Additionally, all staff may be called upon to support humanitarian responses as part of UNICEF's commitment to humanitarian action.