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Nutrition Bill Consultant (Open to Malaysian Nationals only)

Apply now Job no: 578644
Contract type: Consultant
Duty Station: Kuala Lumpur
Level: Consultancy
Location: Malaysia
Categories: 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, a champion

UNICEF Malaysia is a unique country office in that it is in an upper middle-income country, but one with significant remaining disparities and inequalities where both advocacy and programming approaches are required. UNICEF adds value by influencing the development narrative of the country through quality evidence generation, evidence-based advocacy and policy recommendations, supported by partnerships and alliances with civil society, the private sector, academia, and think tanks.

UNICEF has worked in Malaysia continuously since 1964.

Visit this link for more information on UNICEF in Malaysia: https://www.unicef.org/Malaysia/

How can you make a difference? 

This Bill will provide a robust legislative framework to improve nutrition, address the double burden of malnutrition, and foster healthy food environments alongside sustainable food systems. By enhancing nutrition security and creating supportive conditions for healthy eating, it aims to improve the overall wellbeing of the population. The consultant will bring legal and technical expertise, engage with stakeholders, and build broad-based support to ensure the Bill’s success. Ultimately, this legislation will institutionalize efforts to advance nutritional well-being and guide national strategies for long-term impact.
 
The proposed Nutrition Bill is designed to establish a cohesive legal framework that addresses the multifaceted nature of nutrition while building on and harmonizing with existing policies and regulations. It prioritizes the right to adequate nutrition, the promotion of a healthy food environment, and the protection of vulnerable populations. To ensure synergy and prevent duplication of efforts, the Bill explicitly aligns with existing policies and strategies, such as the Food Act 1983, Food Regulation 1985, and trade policies. It also addresses critical policy gaps that are not adequately covered by current frameworks. By enhancing coherence among existing strategies and regulations, strengthening governance structures, and addressing these gaps, the Bill aims to achieve more effective nutrition outcomes and improve overall public health.
 
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
Workplan; Develop and submit a comprehensive workplan outlining the key deliverables with proposed timeline.
Gap Analysis and Policy Alignment Report; A thorough evaluation of existing legislation and global standards, identifying legal gaps, overlaps, and intersections, with recommendations to align the proposed Nutrition Bill with national priorities and international standards.
Draft Nutrition Bill (Preliminary Version); An initial version of the Nutrition Bill, incorporating all relevant provisions and addressing identified legal and policy gaps.
Stakeholder Consultation Report; A report on stakeholder consultation proceedings, including feedback received and a revised draft of the Nutrition Bill reflecting stakeholder contributions.
Validation and Finalization Report; Present the outcomes of validation workshops and submit a finalized draft of the Nutrition Bill, incorporating all stakeholder and expert feedback.
Final Draft of the Nutrition Bill; Deliver the completed and finalized version of the Nutrition Bill, accompanied by an explanatory memorandum for legislative review
Executive Summary and Policy Brief; A policy brief and executive summary outlining the Bill’s objectives, scope, and key provisions for consideration by policymakers and stakeholders.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

  • At least 5 years of experience in legislative drafting, policy development, or legal consultancy, particularly in the public health or nutrition sector.
  • Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Law, Public Health, Nutrition Policy, Public Policy, or a related field; or a Bachelor’s degree in one of these fields with at least 7-10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a relevant area
  • Experience in legislative drafting or health law is strongly preferred.
  • Proven track record in drafting or reviewing health-related legislation, nutrition laws or policies.
  • Experience conducting legal and policy analyses, identifying gaps, and developing actionable recommendations.
  • Demonstrated experience in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society, and the private sector.
  • Proven strong track record of working with multiple stakeholders in policy and legislative processes.
  • Proven ability to write clear, concise, and legally sound documents.
  • Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.
  • Strong project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.
  • Experience in conducting stakeholder consultations and public engagement
  • Proficient in both English and Bahasa Malaysia.
  • This assignment is set to start from 10 February 2025

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts. 

Advertised: Singapore Standard Time
Deadline: Singapore Standard Time

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