NiE advocacy consultant - Consultant to provide technical support to the im

at  UNICEF

Job no: 579730
Contract type: Consultant
Duty Station: Panama City
Level: Consultancy
Location: Panama
Categories: Health, Nutrition, Health and Nutrition
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, hope, care and love
Despite its critical importance and organizational mandate, Nutrition in Emergencies (NiE) is often under-prioritized area in emergency preparedness and response, particularly in middle- and high-income countries. Limited awareness of the nutrition risks faced by vulnerable populations during emergencies exacerbates the challenges in preventing malnutrition in such contexts. This gap often results in missed opportunities for timely interventions, reduced fundraising, and increased malnutrition, with life-threatening consequences for at-risk groups, especially children under five and pregnant and lactating women.

In recognition of these challenges, UNICEF’s Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (LACRO) has developed a comprehensive NiE advocacy strategy for 2025-2026. This strategy aligns closely with UNICEF’s Nutrition Strategy 2020–2030, which emphasizes the need for multisectoral action to improve maternal and child nutrition in all contexts, including emergencies. The strategy underscores the importance of advocating for integrated nutrition considerations within emergency response frameworks to mitigate risks and protect children’s health and development. The NiE advocacy strategy focuses on three main objectives:

• Enhanced understanding of the importance of NiE as a priority area and the urgency of its inclusion in emergency preparedness and response.
• Strengthening Partnerships: Engaging governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to enhance capacities integrate nutrition into emergency response plans and activities.
• Resource Mobilization: Securing commitments and funding to strengthen capacities and address gaps in NiE implementation.

This consultancy will play a pivotal role in implementing the NiE advocacy strategy by developing targeted advocacy materials, organizing high-impact events, and providing strategic support to ensure alignment with global frameworks and regional priorities. By supporting UNICEF’s global and regional commitments to improving nutrition outcomes in emergencies, this role contributes to achieving the goals outlined in the Nutrition Strategy 2020–2030 and advancing the broader agenda for child survival and well-being.

TO QUALIFY AS AN ADVOCATE FOR EVERY CHILD YOU WILL HAVE…

• Postgraduate degree (Master’s or PhD) in public health nutrition, health sciences, communications, emergencies or other relevant field.
• A minimum of 4 years of professional experience in public health nutrition and/or health advocacy and/or health communication.
• Strong advocacy, communication and strategic planning capabilities and experience.
• Desirable nutrition in emergencies expertise of at least 1 year
• Demonstrated expertise in developing advocacy materials and supporting the organization of high-level events.
• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including governments and private sector donors, is a strong asset.
• Fluency in Spanish and English; knowledge of other regional languages is an asset.

Please refer the Job description for details