Nutrition Legal Analysis Consultant

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 is known for its passionate culture and commitment to inclusivity, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package to its employees.

Job Overview:
The Nutrition Legal Analysis Consultant position at UNICEF Lebanon focuses on addressing the evolving nutrition situation in the country, characterized by malnutrition challenges, including stunting, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising obesity rates among children and adolescents. The consultant will support national efforts to strengthen evidence-based policies and legal frameworks that promote healthier food environments. This role involves conducting a legal analysis of existing laws and regulations related to nutrition, marketing restrictions, and taxation of unhealthy foods, ultimately contributing to the development of recommendations for policy improvements. The consultant will engage in various tasks, including desk reviews, key informant interviews, and report writing, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal landscape surrounding nutrition in Lebanon.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Familiarization and preparation of the database: Conduct an inception meeting to discuss the assignment scope and objectives, review UNICEF’s Legal Analysis Toolkit, and submit a comprehensive inception report detailing the scope, methodology, proposed data sources, and workplan for the legal analysis.
• Desk Review: Conduct a full desk review covering front-of-package nutrition labeling (FOPNL), marketing restrictions, and taxes, mapping relevant laws, regulations, and enforcement systems.
• Key Informant Interviews: Conduct approximately 10-20 interviews with government personnel, academics, and civil society organizations to triangulate findings from the desk review. This includes developing an interview guide, conducting interviews, and analyzing data to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Report Write-up: Produce a comprehensive Legal Analysis Report integrating findings from the desk review and interviews, along with evidence-based recommendations and visibility outputs such as advocacy papers or policy briefs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Law, preferably with a specialization in public health law, administrative law, or regulatory law. A PhD in a related discipline is considered an asset. Additionally, a minimum of 7 years of experience in legal analysis, legislative drafting, or regulatory system review is required. Proven experience in conducting legal or policy landscape analyses in health, food, or consumer protection sectors is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of government processes, regulatory drafting, and enforcement systems in Lebanon, along with experience in FOPNL, marketing restrictions, or taxation of unhealthy commodities. Previous work with UNICEF or other UN agencies is advantageous.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Law is required, with a preference for candidates who have specialized in public health law, administrative law, or regulatory law. A PhD in a related field is a plus, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex legal frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in legal analysis, legislative drafting, or regulatory system review. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting legal or policy landscape analyses specifically in the health, food, or consumer protection sectors, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex legal environments and provide actionable insights.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written Arabic and English is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills in these languages are essential for conducting interviews, drafting reports, and presenting findings effectively. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a consultancy role, and individuals engaged under this contract will not be considered staff members under UNICEF's regulations and will not receive benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance. The selected candidate is responsible for ensuring their visa and health insurance are valid for the contract duration. Candidates must also confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, although this requirement does not apply to those working remotely. UNICEF emphasizes diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities.