Consultant for Lactation and Breastfeeding Counseling

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 to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, emphasizing the importance of building careers that contribute to the welfare of children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide technical assistance to strengthen national capacity on breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) in Turkmenistan. This role involves training healthcare workers, volunteers, educators, and community leaders to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting mothers and caregivers. The training program will focus on developing local breastfeeding and lactation counselors, particularly in emergency settings, and will include both theoretical instruction and practical exercises. The consultant will be responsible for creating a comprehensive training program that aligns with WHO and UNICEF guidelines, ensuring that the materials are accessible to a multidisciplinary audience. The consultant will also oversee the implementation of training sessions in Ashgabat and provide field-based technical supervision in three velayats, ensuring quality assurance and adherence to standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a training program for lactation counselors, including curriculum framework, session plans, instructional materials, and assessment tools.
• Conduct three two-day in-person training sessions for lactation counselors in Ashgabat, ensuring alignment with approved methodologies.
• Provide direct observation and feedback to newly trained trainers during their initial training or counseling sessions to assess competency.
• Adapt training materials based on evidence-based sources and ensure they are suitable for a diverse audience.
• Collaborate with local health professionals, educators, and volunteers to integrate breastfeeding support into routine services.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the training program and make necessary adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.
• Ensure that all training activities adhere to UNICEF’s core values and ethical standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced Medical Degree with knowledge of newborn and pediatric quality of care standards.
• Certification as a Breastfeeding (BF) Trainer.
• Strong practical expertise in infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and breastfeeding support.
• Proven experience in developing and facilitating Training of Trainers (ToT) and caregiver education programs.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the areas mentioned.
• Knowledge of United Nations human and child rights standards, as well as UNICEF’s values and ethical standards.
• Cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Excellent command of Turkmen and Russian, both oral and written.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced Medical Degree, which provides a strong foundation in pediatric care and breastfeeding practices. Additional certifications related to breastfeeding training are essential to ensure the consultant has the necessary expertise to conduct training effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and breastfeeding support. This experience should include developing and facilitating training programs, particularly in emergency settings, and working with diverse populations to promote breastfeeding practices.

Languages:
Fluency in Turkmen and Russian is mandatory, both in oral and written forms. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to involve full-time commitment, with a focus on in-person training sessions in Ashgabat and field-based supervision in three velayats. UNICEF promotes an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and persons with disabilities. The organization offers a range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and adherence to UNICEF’s ethical standards is mandatory. The appointment is subject to medical clearance and compliance with vaccination requirements.