Nutrition Specialist (Food Systems for Children), P-3, TA at UNICEF

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Support evidence generation and strategy development to operationalize UNICEF's global work on Food System in the Kenyan context 

• Contribute to the development and results-based planning of sectoral program goals and objectives by identifying data gaps; generating evidence on food systems as they relate to all forms of malnutrition, the landscape of existing policies, strategies and stakeholders; identifying entry points for UNICEF and developing corresponding strategies.
• Contribute to the development and/or introduction of new, innovative approaches within UNICEF and other UN agencies by keeping abreast on research and cutting-edge practices in nutrition and food systems.
• Manage the implementation of the First Foods Africa initiative in Kenya which includes complex multi-sectoral engagement, innovative market based approaches to improve children’s diets, and private sector partnership.
• Lead the continued development of the climate responsive nutrition agenda including resource mobilization, engagement with academia and partners, and serving as a focal point for the CoE and the KCO Climate Change Taskforce.

Support UNICEF Kenya's work to improve children’s food environments where children live, learn, and meet through actions in public sector policies and programmes and in private sector products and practices.

• Participate in technical committees/working groups and provide high quality and timely technical guidance in support of on-going regulatory and legislative policy initiatives, including food and beverage marketing restrictions, front of pack labeling system, and fiscal measures such as unhealthy food tax and healthy food subsidies.
• Contribute to and support the assessment of existing policies and guidance on procurement of foods, identification of gaps and development of guidance on procurement of healthy foods in public institutions including schools in Kenya.
• Together with UNICEF health colleagues, lead the establishment and implementation of overweight and obesity prevention programming, with a focus on leveraging the food system to regulate the environments where children and adolescents live, learn and play.

Lead UNICEF Kenya's work to improve children's foods and positive food practices through actions in public policy, guidelines and standards, and food supply chain including in emergencies

• Lead UNICEF Kenya’s work on developing national standards for commercially produced complementary foods (CPCFs) through consolidating and coordinating exchange of evidence resulting from UNICEF’s and partners’ research activities (including marketing and advertising of CPCFs, nutrient content and healthiness, purchasing and consumption dynamics, informal market data), in coordination with ESARO’s efforts to develop regional standards.
• Work together with UNICEF SBC colleagues and other partners to review and identify opportunities to integrate effective SBC on diets through the life course (addressing all forms of malnutrition), including innovative approaches, into existing platforms and channels, including MIYCN and community engagement.

Support thought leadership, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and capacity building related to food systems for children

• Support preparation of regular and mandated sectoral program/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of programme progress.
• Ensure the effective communication and networking developed and maintained through partnership and collaboration within the nutrition sector, and other relevant sectors including WASH, education, agriculture, and social protection by engagement of government counterparts, UN agencies, appropriate private sector and national stakeholders.
• Produce quality thought leadership/knowledge products of various types on food systems for children for internal and external use – peer reviewed articles, UNICEF reports, policy briefs, case studies, advocacy pieces, multi-media materials, presentations (including on the findings from the landscape analyses and other assessments and documented experiences from various countries on introducing and implementing legislative measures, policies and programmes).
• Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance the competencies of partners and stakeholders to promote healthy food systems and environments, improved nutrition practices and diets for children and adolescents.
• Support the dissemination of UNICEF’s global guidance on engagement with and on the food and beverage industry, and ongoing monitoring and dialogue to safeguard against conflicts of interest.
• Support the preparation of communication and information materials for and participate in multi-agency discussions to promote awareness, establish partnership/alliances and support fund raising for UNICEF’s nutrition and food systems programming for children.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

Minimum requirements

• Education: Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Public Health or Nutrition, Food Science or any other related field, is required.
• Work Experience: At least 5 years of relevant work experience in Nutrition and Food Systems Agenda. Experience in designing and implementing food and nutrition policies/programs in liaison with government.
• Skills: Proven experience in training, support supervision, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong attention to details, ability to work independently, take initiative, participate as an effective team member and follow tasks through to completion. Capacity to analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources to gain understanding and set realistic strategies for nutrition and food systems agenda. Proficiency in computer skills including basic analysis skills such MS Office.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Desirables

• Experience in health/nutrition programme in a UN system agency or organization is an asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.