Consultant to Coordinate Development of a Nutrient Profile Model (Remote, 6 Months)

About the role

Lao PDR is facing a nutrition transition characterised by undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and rising overweight and obesity. UNICEF supports the Ministry of Health in developing a context-appropriate, evidence-based Nutrient Profile Model (NPM) to classify foods and beverages by nutritional composition, helping enforce school food regulations, marketing restrictions, front-of-pack labelling and nutrition standards. The consultancy provides high-level lead, facilitation and coordination support to the Ministry of Health, which leads the work, for a remote period of 6 months.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, facilitate and coordinate the design, development, validation and approval of the NPM
• Support the application of the NPM in line with national policies
• Ensure the model is scientifically sound, feasible to use, context-adapted and aligned with the National Nutrition Strategy 2026-2035
• Work within a Technical Working Group with partners such as the National University of Laos, the Lao Tropical Public Health Institute, government departments, WHO, WFP, FAO, CRS and the Lao Nutrition Association

Required profile

• Master's degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Food Policy, Social Sciences, International Development or another clearly related discipline
• At least 5 years of professional experience working with government and development partners in the social sector
• Experience contributing to national guidelines and regulations, especially on nutrition
• Fluency in English, oral and written
• Familiarity with Lao PDR's government processes on nutrition
• Desirable: Lao language

Required skills

• Nutrition policy and science, school nutrition and food profiles
• Multistakeholder coordination and programme management
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Analytical and writing skills, excellent communication skills

Candidates apply through the UNICEF online recruitment portal with an up-to-date profile, CV, cover letter and a financial proposal in the provided template. The advert was published on 22 October 2026 and closes on 29 October 2026.