Consultant for School Nutrition Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF is a global organization that works in some of the world’s toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children. Its mission is to save lives, defend rights, and help children fulfill their potential. Established in 1946, UNICEF operates in 190 countries and territories, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to improving the lives of children and families. The organization focuses on various areas, including health, education, nutrition, and protection, striving to build a better world for every child, everywhere, every day.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for School Nutrition Assessment will play a crucial role in assessing the school food and nutrition environment in Kosovo using the Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool for Schools (NEAT-s). This position involves collaborating with UNICEF Kosovo Office and the Regional Office to contextualize and adapt the NEAT-S tool to reflect local dietary practices and cultural norms. The consultant will be responsible for identifying barriers to healthy eating in schools, supporting the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education in drafting policy briefs, and providing actionable recommendations to improve school feeding programs. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the school nutrition environment, including policies, interventions, and programs in kindergartens and schools. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder workshops to present findings and validate results, contributing to evidence-based policymaking and enhancing school nutrition programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adapt the NEAT-S tool for the Kosovo context, ensuring it is culturally and linguistically appropriate.
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the school food and nutrition environment, including structured observations and qualitative data collection in selected schools and kindergartens.
• Collaborate with local stakeholders, including school directors, teachers, and caregivers, to gather insights on nutrition policies and practices.
• Analyze data collected using the NEAT-S methodology and prepare feedback reports for individual schools.
• Facilitate a national stakeholder workshop to present findings and discuss strategies for improving school nutrition programs.
• Support the Ministry of Health’s Working Group for healthy feeding in drafting an action plan regarding nutrition.
• Ensure ethical approval and informed consent are secured prior to data collection activities.
• Provide training sessions on NEAT-S and data collection methods to relevant stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in public health, nutrition, health education, social sciences, or a related field. They should have at least 3-5 years of experience in implementing or supporting research or assessments in public health, nutrition, or education. Practical experience with data collection in school settings, including conducting interviews, surveys, or focus groups, is essential. Familiarity with nutrition education programs and health promotion in schools is an asset. Strong organizational skills, data analysis capabilities, and report writing proficiency are required, along with the ability to synthesize findings and provide clear recommendations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, nutrition, health education, or social sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of school nutrition and public health policies.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in public health, nutrition, or education. Experience in conducting research or assessments, particularly in school settings, is highly desirable. Familiarity with data collection methods and stakeholder engagement is also important.

Languages:
Proficiency in Albanian and English (spoken and written) is mandatory. Knowledge of Serbian is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with diverse communities in Kosovo.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to last for six months, with specific deliverables and deadlines outlined for each phase of the project. The consultant will not be considered a staff member under the UN regulations and will not be entitled to benefits such as leave entitlements or medical insurance coverage. The selected candidate must ensure that their visa and health insurance are valid for the duration of the contract. Additionally, candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against COVID-19, which is a requirement for those who will be working on-site.