Consultant for Development of National Multisectoral Nutrition Action Plan

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights of every child. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children to save lives, defend rights, and help them fulfill their potential. UNICEF's mission is driven by the belief that all children should have the opportunity to survive, develop, and reach their full potential without discrimination. The organization emphasizes equity, ensuring that all children have equal chances in life, which is crucial for the sustainable growth and stability of nations. UNICEF operates with a workforce dedicated to advocating for children's rights and addressing issues such as malnutrition, education, and health.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop a national multisectoral nutrition action plan/state programme for Tajikistan for the period of 2026-203

• The consultant will assess the current nutrition situation, existing policies, and stakeholder engagement. They will work closely with UNICEF's nutrition team and key government stakeholders to create a comprehensive action plan that addresses malnutrition and promotes better nutrition outcomes for children and women in Tajikistan. The consultant will utilize the MQSUN+ Toolkit for guidance and will collaborate with national consultants to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and coordination. The assignment will involve conducting a thorough review of the current nutrition landscape, identifying gaps, and proposing evidence-based interventions aligned with national strategies and global nutrition targets.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess the current nutrition context, including a review of the existing Multisectoral Action Plan on Nutrition 2021-2025 and its outcomes.
• Analyze the nutrition situation and its underlying causes using data from the Demographic and Health Survey 202
• Map stakeholders and analyze institutional capacities, particularly focusing on the SUN Movement platform and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security Council.
• Engage multisectoral stakeholders through consultations and workshops to incorporate nutrition considerations into sectoral policies.
• Develop a multisectoral action plan on nutrition for 2026-2030, including goals, strategic objectives, and key actions.
• Design evidence-based, costed interventions across various sectors, ensuring alignment with national and global strategies.
• Prepare a common results framework and a monitoring and evaluation framework for the action plan.
• Address feedback from ministries and revise documents for resubmission.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Health Policy, Public Policy, Food Systems, or related social sciences.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in nutrition programming and policy development.
• Proven experience in developing multisectoral nutrition plans in low- and middle-income countries.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills in English.
• Experience with participatory planning processes and stakeholder engagement.
• Desirable: Familiarity with the SUN Movement and multi-sectoral coordination mechanisms, understanding of climate-nutrition linkages, and knowledge of Tajikistan's development context.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in relevant fields such as Nutrition, Public Health, Health Policy, Public Policy, Food Systems, or other related social sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of nutrition and health policies and their implementation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience in nutrition programming and policy development. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in developing multisectoral nutrition plans, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, showcasing their ability to navigate complex health and nutrition landscapes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of Russian and/or Tajik languages is considered a strong asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and facilitating effective engagement in the Tajik context.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 70 working days between July 2025 and December 202

• The consultant will report to the Nutrition Specialist at UNICEF Tajikistan. Applications must include a CV, cover letter, technical proposal, financial proposal, and samples of previous similar assignments. The deadline for applications is 22 June 202
• UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates to apply, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers flexible working arrangements and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.