Nutrition Governance (institutional framework) consultant for Tonga, Nuku’alofa, Tonga, 3 Months, Remote (With Travel)#595469
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. We are committed to promoting the rights of every child, offering diverse opportunities for professional and personal development in a passionate and diverse culture.
Job Purpose
UNICEF seeks a consultant to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in Tonga. The consultant will review the existing institutional framework and capacity for delivering, coordinating, and steering nutrition services across various sectors and within communities. The primary goal is to recommend an optimal organizational and human resource structure for effective nutrition service delivery. This role is crucial given the high rates of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases in Tonga, where sub-optimal diets are a key driver. The consultant's work will support public health efforts by addressing constraints related to the institutional setup and enhancing the Ministry of Health's capacity to provide technical support across health, agriculture, trade, and social assistance sectors.
Responsibilities
Conduct a comprehensive review of Tonga's existing institutional framework and capacity for nutrition service delivery, coordination, and steering across multiple sectors (health, agriculture, trade, social assistance) and community levels. Analyze current organizational structures, human resource capacities, and governance mechanisms related to nutrition. Identify key challenges, gaps, and opportunities within the current system. Develop recommendations for an optimal organizational and human resource structure to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of nutrition service delivery. This will involve extensive stakeholder consultations with government ministries, health professionals, community leaders, and other relevant partners. Prepare an inception report detailing the methodology and work plan, and a final report summarizing findings, recommendations, and proposed implementation strategies. Ensure recommendations are practical, sustainable, and aligned with national health policies and strategies, particularly concerning non-communicable diseases and various forms of malnutrition.
Work Experience
A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in nutrition programming, including policy-level work. Experience in nutrition governance review, organizational review, public sector reform, and institutional strengthening is required. Experience working with government institutions is essential.
Skills
Nutrition programming across the life course, Maternal, infant, and young child nutrition, School-aged and adolescent nutrition, Adult nutrition, Nutrition-related NCD prevention and management, Nutrition transition, Nutrition governance, Multisectoral coordination mechanisms, Health workforce planning and development, Public sector human resource management, Government structures and civil service regulations, Organizational development