Consultant for Large‑Scale Food Fortification & Iodine Nutrition in West Africa

About the role

UNICEF seeks an experienced consultant to provide high‑level technical, policy and coordination support for large‑scale food fortification (LSFF) and universal salt iodization (USI) across West and Central Africa. The role is office‑based in Abuja with travel throughout the region.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare technical products, frameworks and operational recommendations to strengthen institutional capacity, regional standards and regulatory frameworks for LSFF and USI.
• Support Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in developing and harmonising standards, trade facilitation mechanisms and monitoring systems.
• Draft country‑specific implementation roadmaps and technical specifications for LSFF programmes, including ECOQMARK and premix supply systems.
• Facilitate high‑level consultations, ministerial meetings and multi‑stakeholder platforms.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Development, Economics or related field.
• 10‑15 years of progressive experience in public nutrition, food systems or micronutrient deficiency prevention, with substantial LSFF/USI exposure.
• Proven experience supporting regional or multi‑country programmes in Africa, especially within WCAR.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French; Portuguese knowledge is desirable.

Required skills

• Technical knowledge of LSFF, USI, food standards, quality assurance/control systems, regulatory monitoring and compliance mechanisms.
• Understanding of regional trade systems, certification and cross‑border regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in policy reform, standards development and trade facilitation in low‑ and middle‑income countries.