Healthy Diet Promotion and UPF Regulatory Agenda Consultant, Programme Section, Brasilia, 9 months, Remote, National

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do, promoting the rights of every child. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development, fostering a sense of purpose.

Job Purpose

This consultancy supports UNICEF Brazil's Health and Nutrition team (Goal Area 1) for approximately 9-10 months, focusing on the promotion of healthy diets and the regulatory agenda concerning ultra-processed foods (UPF). The role is integral to UNICEF Brazil's key initiatives, including the UNICEF Seal, Early Childhood Friendly Units (UAPI), and Adolescent Friendly Units (UAA). The consultant will contribute significantly to strengthening the technical capacity of municipalities, health and education professionals, and implementing partners. This support aims to facilitate the achievement of critical nutrition indicators and results across various programs. The work involves developing and implementing strategies related to public policies on food and nutrition, specifically addressing UPF labeling, advertising, and fostering healthy school environments. Ultimately, the purpose is to advance UNICEF's mandate in Brazil by ensuring children and adolescents benefit from improved food environments and healthier dietary practices, aligning with the organization's commitment to child rights and well-being.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for actively supporting the Health and Nutrition team (Goal Area 1) in developing and implementing activities and strategies focused on promoting healthy diets and advancing the regulatory agenda on ultra-processed foods (UPF). This involves a critical role in integrating these efforts into UNICEF Brazil's established initiatives, specifically the UNICEF Seal, the Early Childhood Friendly Units (UAPI), and the Adolescent Friendly Units (UAA). A core responsibility is to enhance the technical capacity of various stakeholders, including municipalities, health and education professionals, and implementing partners. This capacity building will directly contribute to achieving key nutrition indicators and results across relevant programs. The consultant will provide specialized technical expertise on public policies related to food and nutrition, with a particular emphasis on regulatory aspects of UPF, such as developing and advocating for improved labeling standards, regulating advertising practices, and fostering healthy food environments within schools. Furthermore, the role requires delivering specific outcomes as detailed in the comprehensive Terms of Reference, ensuring all work aligns with UNICEF's overarching goals for child health and nutrition. The consultant must demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and manage tasks efficiently under tight deadlines to drive the healthy diet agenda forward in Brazil.

Work Experience

At least three (3) years of professional experience working with the promotion of healthy diets, food regulation, and/or public nutrition policies is required. Previous experience with topics related to the regulatory agenda on ultra-processed foods (labeling, advertising, healthy school environments) will be considered an asset. Experience with UN agencies or similar organizations is an advantage.

Skills

Strong oral communication, Strong written communication, Teamwork, Ability to work under tight deadlines, Ability to work independently

Explore related opportunities