Improving Children Food Environments Consultant (national), Health and Nutrition Section, Pretoria, South Africa. 13 months, Remote, 593933

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of every child's rights not just as a job, but as a calling.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to contribute to the improvement of children's food environments by supporting the review, analysis, coordination, and evidence generation necessary for the rewriting of existing R991 Regulations. This role involves engaging with stakeholders to ensure that the updated regulations are robust, evidence-based, and effectively promote child nutrition. The consultant will play a key part in developing and writing new regulations, aligning them with international standards and resolutions, and ultimately aiming to create healthier food environments for children in South Africa. This position is crucial for advancing UNICEF's mission to protect and promote the rights and well-being of children.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive review and analysis of the existing R991 Regulations concerning children's food environments. This includes identifying gaps, areas for improvement, and ensuring alignment with current scientific evidence and international best practices. A significant part of the role will involve coordinating with various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and other partners, to gather input and build consensus. The consultant will be tasked with generating evidence to support the proposed changes and drafting the revised regulations. This includes the technical development and writing of the new regulatory text, ensuring clarity, enforceability, and effectiveness. The consultant will also need to understand and integrate relevant World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolutions on child nutrition, Codex Alimentarius standards, and other international guidelines into the regulatory framework. Furthermore, the consultant will be expected to engage with government and partners to facilitate the adoption and implementation of the revised regulations, contributing to a tangible improvement in children's food environments.

Work Experience

A minimum of five to ten years of professional experience in health and child nutrition is required. Additionally, experience working within a regulatory development environment, particularly in the health sector, is essential for this role.

Skills

Technical expertise on child nutrition, Policy development, Analytical skills, Evidence analysis, Regulation development, Regulation writing, Stakeholder coordination, Understanding of WHA Resolutions on child nutrition, Knowledge of Codex Alimentarius standards, Familiarity with international guidelines on child nutrition

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