UNICEF Announces 10-Month Nutrition Consultancy for West and Central Africa

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has officially opened applications for a high-level, 10-month consultancy role based in Abuja, Nigeria. This opportunity is specifically designed for seasoned experts in the fields of nutrition and public health who are eager to contribute to large-scale development efforts across the West and Central African regions.

Understanding the Role: Supporting Food Systems Transformation

As the selected consultant, the individual will play a pivotal role in strengthening the capacity of regional economic communities and member states. The scope of work is broad, requiring an expert who can navigate complex technical frameworks and policy environments. Key responsibilities include:

• Policy Development: Assisting nations in drafting and refining nutrition policies that align with regional goals.
• Technical Frameworks: Creating robust systems to monitor and improve food standards.
• Implementation Roadmaps: Translating policy into actionable steps that governments can execute effectively.
• Micronutrient Initiatives: Providing specialized support for universal salt iodisation and other critical food-fortification projects.

Why This Role Matters for Regional Development

Food fortification is a cornerstone of public health strategy in Africa. By ensuring that staple foods contain essential micronutrients, governments can dramatically reduce rates of deficiency-related health issues. This consultancy is not merely administrative; it is a strategic intervention that supports the wider food-systems transformation required to meet international health benchmarks.

For senior professionals, this role offers a unique vantage point to influence how international organizations engage with local government institutions to achieve sustainable change. It requires a delicate balance of technical expertise and diplomatic skill in stakeholder management.

Eligibility and Qualifications

Given the nature of the project, this is a specialist consultancy rather than an entry-level position. UNICEF has set rigorous standards for potential candidates to ensure the success of the mandate. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Educational Background

• A Master's degree in a relevant field, such as Nutrition, Partnerships, Advocacy, Development, Communications, or Economics.

Experience and Technical Skills

• Professional Longevity: A minimum of 10–15 years of progressively responsible experience in public nutrition, food systems, or related development programmes.
• Specialization: Proven track record in large-scale food fortification, universal salt iodisation, or micronutrient-deficiency prevention.
• Regional Engagement: Experience in supporting multi-country African programmes is highly regarded, particularly for those who have engaged with regional bodies or international development partners.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency: Excellent command of written and spoken English and French is strictly required.
• Desirable: Proficiency in Portuguese is considered a significant asset.

Application Requirements and Procedure

Potential candidates should prepare a comprehensive submission package. Because this is a competitive consultancy, the quality of your documentation is paramount. You will need to provide:

1. Updated CV and Profile: Highlight your specific achievements in food systems and regional policy.
2. Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your suitability for the role and your understanding of the regional nutrition landscape.
3. Financial Proposal: This must be prepared in the exact format prescribed by UNICEF. Failing to follow the format may disqualify an otherwise strong application.

Before submitting, it is essential to consult the official Terms of Reference (ToR) provided by UNICEF. Take the time to confirm all submission requirements to ensure your application meets the administrative criteria before the deadline.

Conclusion

For professionals with extensive experience in the development sector, the UNICEF consultancy in Abuja represents a rare opportunity to drive systemic change. By facilitating policy improvements and supporting essential fortification programmes, the successful consultant will directly contribute to the health and well-being of populations across West and Central Africa. If you possess the required technical skills and the passion for large-scale development work, this role offers a platform for meaningful impact.