Nutrition-Innovation Specialist

Organizational Context

UNICEF's mission is to promote child rights globally, focusing on equity for disadvantaged children. In Benin, UNICEF's 2024-2026 program aims to ensure equitable access to quality social services for children and adolescents in vulnerable communities. The organization collaborates with government ministries to address child mortality, malnutrition, education, protection, and poverty. UNICEF Benin operates through a central office in Cotonou and field offices, implementing interventions across six departments.

Job Purpose

This role addresses the challenge of improving child nutrition in Benin, where despite high awareness of best practices, dietary diversity remains low, contributing to stunting. The UN Volunteer will develop innovative, locally-based food solutions for children aged 6-23 months, focusing on complementary feeding and dietary diversity. The position supports a joint WFP-UNICEF project and aims to create a peer-learning model. This model will empower parents with practical support on food choices, utilization of household foods, and meal preparation, facilitated by peer support workers conducting regular household visits.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will develop and implement innovative solutions to increase demand for and production of affordable, nutritious food, using interactive activities and social approaches like social media, artists, and influencers. This includes organizing social media challenges for youth engagement. Community workshops will be established for young people, especially girls, to promote nutritious food production and use, incorporating educational games and interactive learning. The role involves promoting peer learning models and "Mother Lights" groups to enhance maternal and child nutrition. Innovative, youth-led solutions will be co-created, with tailored information disseminated on good nutritional practices and the promotion of local, micronutrient-rich products through engaging games. The volunteer will also contribute to UNV program mandates, promoting volunteerism and engaging with local communities.

Work Experience

Requires 3 years of experience, with 2 years of relevant experience. Qualifications include a university degree in health, nutrition/food technology, or nutrition research; background in communication with a focus on infant and young child dietary diversity; ability to work in a team; proficiency in computer tools and statistical applications; excellent communication and organizational skills. Experience with Japanese donor conditions is a strong asset. Interest or experience in innovative nutrition applications is desired.

Skills

Key competencies include Adaptability, Flexibility, Commitment, Motivation, Communication, Creativity, Ethics, Values, Planning, Organization, Respect for Diversity, Technology Awareness, and Teamwork. Expertise areas include Health, Natural and Life Sciences, and Community Development.

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