Spécialiste en Nutrition

Organizational Context

UNICEF's core mission is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, through its programs, advocacy, and operations. In Madagascar, despite progress in nutrition, the burden of malnutrition remains a significant development challenge. UNICEF is implementing the First Foods initiative to establish food systems providing nutritious, safe, affordable, and sustainable food for young children, particularly those facing severe food poverty. This initiative aims to transform production, policies, and consumption practices to ensure every child receives adequate nutrition.

Job Purpose

This role supports UNICEF Madagascar's efforts to combat child food poverty and reduce malnutrition by accelerating the implementation of the First Foods initiative. The volunteer will focus on strengthening nutrition-sensitive food systems and enhancing the capacity of the Nutrition Section. Key contributions include supporting the initiative's rollout, reinforcing the regulatory environment, and engaging the private sector. The objective is to significantly contribute to strengthening food systems and improving nutritional outcomes for children in Madagascar, addressing alarming rates of child food poverty and the impact of climate change on nutrition.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Specialist (Child Diet), the UN Volunteer will support the implementation of nutrition-sensitive food systems, focusing on the First Foods initiative. Responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and executing interventions to improve child nutrition. The role involves providing technical assistance to government counterparts, implementing partners, and the private sector to integrate nutrition goals into food systems. This includes supporting local businesses, particularly SMEs, in developing and marketing nutritious foods for young children. The volunteer will also contribute to revising and implementing policies and regulations for nutrition-sensitive food systems, including food safety and labeling. Data collection and analysis on food systems and child nutrition, monitoring the initiative's progress, and facilitating inter-sectoral collaboration are also key duties. Additionally, the role involves supporting advocacy, communication, innovation, and knowledge sharing to enhance the effectiveness of food systems in achieving better child nutrition outcomes.

Work Experience

Requires 3 years of relevant experience. Experience in supporting or implementing initiatives like First Foods or similar food systems/child fortification programs is an asset. Knowledge of regulatory processes for food labeling, marketing standards, and quality assurance is beneficial. Understanding of multi-sectoral nutrition approaches and UN frameworks is desirable.

Skills

Integrity, professionalism, accountability, continuous learning, planning and organization, teamwork, respect for diversity, and strong communication skills (oral and written). Ability to work independently, manage workload effectively, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure. Demonstrated interpersonal skills, ability to build partnerships, and adapt to challenging environments. Commitment to volunteerism principles and UN core values. Specific technical skills include communication, advocacy, public information, community development, and nutrition.

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