Consultancy to provide technical support to advance large-scale food fortification and iodine nutrition agenda in WCAR
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. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.
Job Purpose
The consultancy aims to provide high-level technical, policy, and coordination support to advance the large-scale food fortification (LSFF) and iodine nutrition agenda across the West and Central Africa Region (WCAR). The consultant will develop technical products and frameworks to strengthen institutional capacity, advance regional standards and regulatory frameworks, and prepare operational recommendations for Member States. This includes supporting regional LSFF commitments, such as universal salt iodization (USI), and contributing to the broader food systems transformation agenda, including the First Foods Africa initiative. The role involves drafting country-specific implementation roadmaps and supporting policy reform, standards harmonization, and monitoring systems to enhance LSFF programmes and institutional reviews.
Responsibilities
Develop and prepare technical products and draft frameworks to support Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Member States in strengthening institutional capacity for large-scale food fortification (LSFF) and universal salt iodization (USI). Advance regional standards and regulatory frameworks related to food fortification and nutrition. Prepare operational recommendations for selected Member States to implement and improve LSFF programmes. Contribute to the broader food systems transformation agenda, including the First Foods Africa initiative. Deliver technical outputs supporting policy reform, standards harmonization, and technical specifications for strengthening quality assurance and monitoring systems. Draft country-specific implementation roadmaps for the institutional review of LSFF programmes, including USI. Facilitate high-level consultations, ministerial meetings, technical working groups, and multi-stakeholder platforms to advance the LSFF and iodine nutrition agenda. Provide technical expertise on food systems, food standards, quality assurance/control systems, premix supply systems, and regulatory monitoring and compliance mechanisms. Support the integration of LSFF and USI within regional trade systems, including certification and cross-border regulatory frameworks.
Work Experience
10-15 years of progressive professional experience in public nutrition, food systems, public health, or related development programming, with substantial experience in LSFF, USI, or micronutrient deficiency prevention. Demonstrated experience supporting regional or multi-country programmes in Africa, preferably within WCAR, and proven track record of working with inter-governmental bodies, governments, UN agencies, development partners, academia, and/or private sector stakeholders.
Skills
Technical knowledge of LSFF and USI, Food systems expertise, Public health programming, Policy reform and development, Standards development, Regulatory frameworks, Programme implementation, Stakeholder management, Consultation facilitation, Negotiation and diplomacy, Regional trade systems, Quality assurance/control systems