Nutrition Research Specialist

Organizational Context

UNICEF is mandated by the UN General Assembly to advocate for children's rights, meet their basic needs, and expand opportunities. Operating in Lao PDR for over 50 years, UNICEF is a key international organization supporting the government, advocating for reform, and leading coordination to scale up results. It promotes the rights of every child in all its programs, advocacy, and operations, contributing to transformational change and sustainable coverage.

Job Purpose

The Nutrition Research Specialist will significantly contribute to the Nutrition Programme within the framework of the current (2022-2026) and upcoming (2027-2031) Country Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Lao PDR and UNICEF. This role is crucial for advancing UNICEF's mission to promote the rights and well-being of children in Lao PDR, particularly in the area of nutrition. The specialist will support the nutrition team by focusing on ongoing research efforts across various systems. The primary purpose is to effectively translate research evidence into practical, scalable program solutions. This will strengthen both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions throughout Lao PDR, ultimately enhancing the impact and reach of UNICEF's nutrition initiatives in the country.

Responsibilities

The Nutrition Research Specialist will lead and supervise key operational research initiatives, including studies on RUTF-Lao effectiveness, Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) rollout, Bowl&Spoon pilot, and Moderate Acute Malnutrition treatment with food-based solutions. This involves close liaison with research institutions, CSOs, and government counterparts to monitor implementation, ensure adherence to protocols, maintain data quality, and conduct field visits. The role also entails supporting data cleaning, analysis, interpretation, and contributing to research outputs like reports and publications. Furthermore, the specialist will provide technical and operational support for program development and planning, participating in strategic discussions on nutrition research and sensitive interventions to ensure integrated and coherent activities. Responsibilities extend to leading and coordinating UNICEF activities on Complementary Feeding and MAM treatment pilots, including developing behavior change materials and guidelines. This involves collaborating with government and implementing partners to design implementation packages, develop training materials, oversee capacity-building, establish monitoring systems, and document best practices. The specialist will also draft policy papers, participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, and contribute to program reviews to assess progress and identify necessary actions. Finally, the role includes providing technical support for projects promoting healthier diets and sustainable food systems for children, assisting in developing regulations for healthy food environments, and supporting UNICEF's contribution to multi-sectoral initiatives on nutrition, food systems, and climate resilience in Lao PDR. This involves acting as a technical focal point for UNICEF-led components in joint programs, ensuring effective coordination and contributing to knowledge products.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required, with mandatory technical knowledge in Nutrition, Public Health, and Research. Desired technical knowledge includes Epidemiology, Food Systems, and Food Environments. Candidates must demonstrate experience in coordinating and supporting nutrition and operational research activities, alongside proficiency in data analysis, interpretation of findings, and preparing technical reports or publications. Excellent oral and written communication, drafting, and reporting skills are essential, coupled with accuracy and professionalism. The role demands strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners, including government counterparts and research institutions, within a multicultural team. Solid computer literacy and the ability to work independently under tight deadlines are also necessary.

Skills

Key competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, sound judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Essential skills encompass excellent oral and written communication, drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities, with a strong emphasis on accuracy and professionalism in document production. The role requires excellent interpersonal skills, cultural and social sensitivity, and the capacity to work inclusively and collaboratively with diverse partners and in multicultural teams. Solid computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, is necessary. Candidates should be self-motivated, capable of working with minimal supervision, and able to manage tight deadlines. An affinity for children's rights, volunteerism, and the UN system is also valued.

Explore related opportunities