National Consultant To Draft The National Regulations For The Implementation Of The Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS) Act, 2021 - Sierra Leone

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Sierra Leone is working to improve maternal, infant, and child nutrition. The Ministry of Health has enacted the Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS) Act, 2021, to promote breastfeeding and regulate breastmilk substitutes. To fully implement this Act, National Regulations are needed to strengthen enforcement and compliance mechanisms.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to draft comprehensive National Regulations for the implementation of Sierra Leone's Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS) Act, 2021. The regulations will operationalize the Act by defining procedural steps, institutional mandates, enforcement systems, monitoring tools, penalties, and compliance requirements. The goal is to safeguard breastfeeding and ensure adequate nutrition for infants and young children, aligning with national development priorities and global nutrition targets. The consultant will work in consultation with various stakeholders to ensure the regulations are context-appropriate and effectively support the Act's objectives, ultimately contributing to improved child survival and health outcomes.

Responsibilities

The consultant will review the Breastmilk Substitutes Act, 2021, and related legal and policy instruments, including national laws such as the Public Health Act and the Child Rights Act, as well as international guidelines like the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Key duties include developing detailed regulations covering prohibited practices, labeling requirements, marketing and promotional restrictions, product information, roles of inspectors, and penalties. The consultant will also facilitate stakeholder consultations with the Ministry of Health, National Breastfeeding Promotion Advisory Committee, civil society, UN agencies, and private sector actors. The final output will be draft regulations ready for submission and gazetting.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of experience in drafting legislation, regulations, or national policies is required. Demonstrated expertise in maternal and child nutrition, food regulation, or infant feeding is essential. Excellent analytical, legal drafting, and stakeholder facilitation skills are necessary. Experience working with governments, UN agencies, or international bodies is desirable.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to foster collaboration and communication, excellent analytical and legal drafting skills, stakeholder facilitation skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).

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