Consultant to strengthen implementation of multisectoral actions for nutrition and support institutionalizing national governance for nutrition in Tarawa, Kiribati 11 months (office based with travel)

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. Committed and passionate, we promote the rights of every child. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, reinforcing purpose while serving children and communities globally, fostering growth in a diverse culture.

Job Purpose

Kiribati faces a severe triple burden of malnutrition, encompassing child undernutrition, widespread micronutrient deficiencies, and high levels of overweight and obesity. These challenges are driven by degraded food environments and the long-term impacts of climate change, leading to limited arable land and increased reliance on imported foods. Concerning nutrition indicators prompted the Kiribati Government to establish a Parliamentary Nutrition Select Committee, whose recommendations, adopted in December 2023, included the critical establishment of a National Nutrition and Food Council within the Office of the President to advance whole-of-government coordination. However, progress toward formal institutionalization has since stalled. In this context, and consistent with UNICEF’s commitment to supporting multisectoral action to address the triple burden of malnutrition in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories, UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country Office is seeking a consultant. The primary purpose of this consultancy is to support Kiribati's Ministry of Health and Medical Services and other relevant government ministries in institutionalizing effective governance arrangements for nutrition, while also advancing the recommendations set by the Parliamentary Nutrition Select Committee.

Responsibilities

The consultant will operate under the direct supervision of the Health and Nutrition Officer in the Kiribati Field Office, receiving overall strategic guidance from the Nutrition Manager in Suva, UNICEF Pacific MCO. This role is primarily office-based in Tarawa, Kiribati, for 165 working days, with an additional 15 working days allocated for remote work. A core responsibility involves providing comprehensive data-driven technical assistance, necessitating close coordination and collaboration with various government counterparts and key development partners. This assistance will encompass significant capacity-building initiatives and knowledge transfer activities, aimed at empowering local stakeholders. Specifically, the consultant will be instrumental in supporting the Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and other pertinent government ministries in the critical process of institutionalizing robust and effective governance arrangements for nutrition. Furthermore, a key aspect of this consultancy is to actively support and facilitate the advancement and implementation of the recommendations meticulously set forth by the Parliamentary Nutrition Select Committee, ensuring their translation into actionable strategies. The initial five working days, dedicated to the inception report, and the final ten working days, for the final report, may be conducted remotely, with in-country travel commencing only upon the official approval of the inception report.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in public nutrition work.

Skills

Strong knowledge of multisectoral nutrition frameworks and approaches

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