Consultant for Nutrition and Wasting Prevention

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of children and ensure their well-being. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children in some of the world's toughest places, aiming to save lives, defend rights, and help children fulfill their potential. UNICEF's mission is to build a better world for every child, and it operates with a commitment to never give up on this goal.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in strengthening UNICEF's efforts in the prevention and management of child wasting, a severe form of malnutrition that significantly contributes to child mortality. The position involves providing technical expertise and support to UNICEF's Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (LACRO) and relevant Country Offices (COs). The consultant will contribute to regional knowledge exchange, capacity development, and advocacy efforts to mobilize resources and prioritize wasting prevention and management within national and regional frameworks. The consultancy aligns with UNICEF's Nutrition Strategy 2020–2030, which emphasizes the importance of strengthening health systems and community capacities to deliver effective solutions for malnutrition.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of key activities, including:

• Providing technical inputs for the finalization of policy briefs and a manuscript on child wasting for publication.
• Collaborating with UNICEF headquarters to develop an action plan for the prevention and management of child wasting in LAC.
• Designing and delivering online capacity-building webinars for stakeholders in LAC on wasting prevention and management.
• Assisting in the development of an investment case for private sector advocacy on wasting.
• Supporting at least four countries in updating and implementing national wasting protocols.
• Documenting technical support and lessons learned in relation to wasting management.
• Preparing reports on the adaptation and implementation of the Community Infant and Young Child Feeding (C-IYCF) counseling package.
• Participating in coordination meetings and discussions with LACRO sections and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree (Master or PhD) in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field. A minimum of 4 years of work experience in nutrition, public health, or health sciences is required. Candidates should have professional technical knowledge in public health nutrition, particularly in wasting prevention and management, and experience in developing nutrition-related strategies is a strong asset. Demonstrated technical writing abilities and excellent communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
The position requires a postgraduate degree (Master or PhD) in Nutrition, Public Health, or a related field relevant to the objectives of the consultancy. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of nutrition and health systems, particularly in relation to child wasting and malnutrition.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 years of relevant work experience in nutrition, public health, or health science-related fields. Additionally, at least 2 years of practical country experience in wasting prevention and management is required. Experience in developing nutrition-related strategies is considered a strong asset, as is knowledge of SMART surveys.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the LAC region is considered an added advantage, as it may facilitate communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based, with an estimated start date of April 1, 2025, and a duration until December 31, 202

• Candidates are required to submit a complete application online, including a cover letter, study certificates, and a financial proposal. Consultants must have their own equipment and tools to perform their services, as they will not have access to UNICEF resources. Travel is not anticipated for this consultancy, but if required, it will be covered by UNICEF according to policy. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and must confirm their fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19 prior to the assignment.