Nutrition Specialist (Food Systems for Children)

The Nutrition Specialist provides technical support for the development and implementation of policies, programmes, advocacy, and knowledge generation for food systems transformation for children in Kenya. The role involves supporting evidence generation, strategy development, program management, advocacy, and partnerships to improve nutrition outcomes and food systems for children.

Responsibilities

• 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 and generating evidence on food systems related to malnutrition.
• Manage the implementation of the First Foods Africa initiative in Kenya including multi-sectoral engagement and private sector partnership.
• Lead the development of the climate responsive nutrition agenda including resource mobilization and partner engagement.
• Support UNICEF Kenya's work to improve children’s food environments through public sector policies and private sector practices.
• Participate in technical committees and provide technical guidance on regulatory and legislative policy initiatives.
• Contribute to assessment and development of guidance on procurement of healthy foods in public institutions including schools.
• Lead establishment and implementation of overweight and obesity prevention programming leveraging the food system.
• Lead UNICEF Kenya's work on developing national standards for commercially produced complementary foods.
• Work with partners to integrate effective social and behavior change communication on diets through existing platforms.
• Support thought leadership, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and capacity building related to food systems for children.
• Prepare regular sectoral program/project reports for management, donors and partners.
• Maintain communication and networking within nutrition and related sectors including government, UN agencies, private sector and stakeholders.
• Produce quality thought leadership and knowledge products on food systems for children.
• Organize and implement capacity building initiatives to enhance competencies of partners and stakeholders.
• Support dissemination of UNICEF’s global guidance on engagement with the food and beverage industry and monitor conflicts of interest.
• Support preparation of communication materials and participate in multi-agency discussions to promote awareness and fundraising for nutrition and food systems programming.

Requirements

• Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in Public Health or Nutrition, Food Science or any other related field, is required.
• 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.
• 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.
• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• 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.

Skills

• Nutrition Policy Design
• Food Systems
• Program Implementation
• Training Delivery
• Support Supervision
• Communications Skills
• Information Synthesis
• Strategy Development
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Nutrition Programme Management
• Advocacy
• Partnership Building
• Evidence Generation
• Public Health Nutrition
• Food Science

Languages

English