Consultancy to provide technical support to advance large-scale food fortification (LSFF) and iodine nutrition agenda in West and Central Africa

UNICEF seeks an experienced consultant to deliver a defined package of high-level technical, policy, and coordination outputs in support of relevant Regional Economic Communities and Member States to accelerate progress on large-scale food fortification (LSFF), including universal salt iodization (USI), and related nutrition policy priorities across the West and Central Africa Region (WCAR). The consultant will prepare technical products and draft frameworks to support RECs' efforts in strengthening institutional capacity, advancing regional standards and regulatory frameworks, preparing operational recommendations in selected Member States, and preparing consultation outputs and technical documentation supporting regional LSFF commitments, including USI. Additionally, the consultant will contribute to the broader food systems transformation agenda, including the First Foods Africa initiative, and deliver technical outputs supporting policy reform, standards harmonization, technical specifications for strengthening of ECOQMARK and monitoring systems, and draft country-specific implementation roadmaps for institutional review of LSFF programmes, including USI. The role involves planning and facilitating high-level consultations, ministerial meetings, technical working groups, and multi-stakeholder platforms, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and diplomacy.

Masters in Nutrition, Partnerships, Advocacy, Development, Communications, Economics; 10-15 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public nutrition, food systems, public health or related development programming, with substantial experience in LSFF, USI or micronutrient deficiency prevention; Demonstrated experience supporting regional or multi-country programmes in Africa, preferably within WCAR; Proven track record of working with inter-governmental bodies such as ECOWAS, African Union, Regional Economic Communities, governments, UN agencies, development partners, academia and/or private sector stakeholders; Strong experience in policy reform, standards development, regulatory frameworks, trade facilitation or programme implementation in low- and middle-income countries; Experience in planning and facilitating high-level consultations, ministerial meetings, technical working groups and multi-stakeholder platforms; Strong communication, negotiation, diplomacy and stakeholder management skills; Strong technical knowledge of LSFF, USI, food systems, food standards, quality assurance/control systems, premix supply systems, regulatory monitoring and compliance mechanisms; Good understanding of regional trade systems, including certification and cross-border regulatory frameworks; Fluency in written and oral French and English is required; Fluency or working knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.