Purpose of work
The purpose of this consultancy is to advance infant and young child feeding priorities.
Background
The World Health Organization (WHO) works to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding globally through policy guidance and technical assistance to countries. The Department of Nutrition and Food Safety is engaged in a number of projects to advance top World Health Assembly priorities.
The International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes is a key policy to protect breastfeeding and ensure the availability of breast-milk substitutes for infants who need them. WHO works in collaboration with external partner organizations to support countries in the adoption, implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of the Code. Guidance on interpretation of Code provisions, advocacy tools, and technical assistance are all needed.
Since 1989, WHO has supported countries to implement the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. New guidance released in 2018 proposed new directions for the Baby-friendly Hospital Initiative to scale-up the adoption of the Ten Steps to all facilities and to ensure sustainability of the policies and practices. Countries need further training and support to implement the new guidance.
Work to be performed
Output 1: Development of documents addressing the marketing of breast-milk substitutes
- Deliverable 1.1: Development of communications materials on the WHO Guidance on regulatory measures for restricting digital marketing of breast-milk substitutes – May 2024
- Deliverable 1.2: Development of materials on sponsorship of healthcare professional associations by manufacturers of breast-milk substitutes – January–May 2024
- Deliverable 1.3: Development of an information note to clarify language in the Code of marketing of breast-milk substitutes – December 2024
Output 2: Finalization of pending breastfeeding programme implementation tools
- Deliverable 2.1: Publication of internal and external monitoring manual with UNICEF – March 2024
- Deliverable 2.2: Development of Breastfeeding competency verification toolkit – May 2024
Output 3: Participation in BFHI implementation workshops
- Deliverable 3.1: Planning and conduct of workshop with WHO/AFRO regional offices – February 2024
Output 4: Coordination of standards and implementation tools on the feeding of at-risk infants 0-5 months of age
- Deliverable 4.1: Participation in process on WHO donor human milk banking standards – January–December 2024
- Deliverable 4.2: Participation in process on training and implementation tools on feeding of infants at risk of wasting – January–December 2024
Output 5: Development and execution of breastfeeding advocacy documents and events
- Deliverable 5.1: Participation in Global Breastfeeding Collective – January–December 2024
- Deliverable 5.2: Preparations for World Health Assembly – January–May 2024
- Deliverable 5.3: Preparations for World Breastfeeding Week – June–August 2024
- Deliverable 5.4: Preparations for Nutrition for Growth Summit – September–December 2024
Specific requirements on qualification, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications
Essential: Minimum an advanced university degree in epidemiology, nutrition and dietetics, maternal and child health, or health-related area.
Desirable: Post-graduate training in epidemiology, nursing, lactation management, public health, or clinical nutrition a plus.
Experience
Essential: Over 10 years of experience in infant and young child feeding.
Desirable: Specific experience in breastfeeding programme delivery or patient care.
Skills/Knowledge
Essential: In-depth knowledge of IYCF programmes and policies. Expertise in project management.
Desirable: Expertise in providing technical assistance to countries. Understanding of WHO processes.
Languages and level required
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Knowledge of an additional UN language (French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic or Chinese).
Location
Home-based, off-site. The consultant is expected to travel.
Remuneration
The remuneration of the contractor is based on experience according to the WHO pay scale. Payband level C - (USD 10,000 – 12,500 per month)
Planned timelines
Expected duration of contract: 11 months (full-time)
How to apply
- Kindly send your CV and cover letter to the following e-mail address nfs@who.int before 28 November 2023
- Please include “Consultant- to advance IYCF priorities” in the subject matter of your email application.
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.