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

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. 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.

• 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.

• 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.