National Nutrition Governance and Coordination Consultant
Organizational Context
UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. We work to make every child’s right a reality, with a particular focus on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring a workforce that reflects the children it serves.
Job Purpose
The consultant will support the National Nutrition Committee (NNC) Secretariat in operationalizing the National Plan of Action for Nutrition (NPAN) 2026-2030. This involves strengthening accountability and coordination for multisectoral nutrition governance, joint planning, implementation monitoring, reporting, and adaptive management at national and subnational levels. The role focuses on enhancing the capacity of subnational structures to move beyond information sharing towards joint planning, budgeting, implementation monitoring, and accountability. The consultant will facilitate quarterly coordination support, monitor NPAN implementation, lead evidence-based planning and review processes, and build the capacity of Provincial Nutrition Committees (PNCs) in priority provinces to achieve the goals outlined in the NPAN.
Responsibilities
Support the National Nutrition Committee (NNC) Secretariat in operationalizing the NPAN 2026-2030, focusing on strengthening accountability and coordination for multisectoral nutrition governance. Facilitate joint planning, implementation monitoring, reporting, and adaptive management at national and subnational levels. Enhance the capacity of subnational structures to engage in joint planning, budgeting, implementation monitoring, and accountability. Provide quarterly coordination support to the NNC Secretariat. Monitor the implementation progress of the NPAN. Facilitate evidence-based planning and review processes for nutrition interventions. Strengthen the capacity of Provincial Nutrition Committees (PNCs) in priority provinces to effectively implement nutrition programmes. Conduct regular consultations and review meetings with stakeholders. Engage with government institutions in Lao PDR to ensure effective programme delivery and coordination. Prepare analytical reports and documentation related to NPAN implementation and coordination efforts. Contribute to the development and refinement of standardized dashboards, biannual reviews, and annual reporting mechanisms as outlined in the NPAN.
Work Experience
Minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience, including demonstrated experience supporting government-led nutrition programmes or multisectoral coordination mechanisms. Experience in strategic planning, work planning, monitoring and evaluation, supporting subnational planning and implementation, and facilitating multisectoral stakeholder consultations is required. Experience working with government institutions in Lao PDR is also necessary.
Skills
Analytical skills, Report writing skills, Facilitation skills, Coordination skills, Stakeholder engagement skills, Capacity-building skills, Strategic planning, Work planning, Monitoring and evaluation, Subnational planning and implementation, Multisectoral coordination, Government liaison