Nutrition Specialist (Value Chain), NO-3, FT, #00092548, Antananarivo, Madagascar - ESAR

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we need. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

Job Purpose

The Nutrition Specialist supports the development and preparation of the nutrition programme related to UNICEF's engagement in improving children's diets through nutrition-sensitive value chain and food systems development. The role is responsible for managing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on programme progress within the country programme. The specialist provides technical guidance and management support throughout the programming processes to facilitate the administration and achievement of concrete and sustainable results on children's diets, focusing on strategic thinking, analysis, and innovation at national and sub-national levels. The role also focuses on nutrition policy and governance, coordinating UNICEF's work across systems with an emphasis on support to the agriculture sector and food systems, adhering to results-based management approaches and UNICEF's strategic plans.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the design, implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of UNICEF's nutrition programme, ensuring evidence-based, equitable, and high-impact interventions reach the most vulnerable children, adolescents, and women. Strengthen national systems and deliver sustainable results in development and humanitarian settings by working closely with government counterparts, development partners, civil society, and communities. Programme development and planning: Support situation analysis, evidence generation, strategic planning, and the design of nutrition programmes aligned with national priorities and UNICEF's strategic objectives. Programme management, monitoring, and delivery of results: Oversee programme implementation, monitor progress, analyze performance, manage resources, and ensure timely reporting to achieve measurable results for children and women. Technical and operational support: Provide technical expertise to government and partners, promote quality nutrition services across sectors, support emergency preparedness and response, and contribute to policy dialogue and strategic programme documents. Networking and partnership building: Strengthen collaboration with government institutions, UN agencies, donors, civil society, and other stakeholders to advance nutrition outcomes, mobilize resources, and promote advocacy for children's rights. Innovation, knowledge management, and capacity building: Promote innovative approaches, document and share best practices, strengthen partner capacities, and contribute to continuous learning and improved programme performance.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of professional experience in a developing country is required, with experience in nutrition, agriculture, food science/technology, or agro-business. Experience in developing and managing programs related to agriculture and nutrition, food systems, and food technology applied to human nutrition is essential. Understanding of nutrition positioning across systems (social protection, agriculture, health, WASH, and education) is also required.

Skills

Nutrition programmes, Value chain development, Food systems, Programme management, Monitoring and evaluation, Technical expertise, Partnership building, Advocacy, Knowledge management, Capacity building, Policy dialogue, Emergency preparedness

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