Technical Research Oversight Consultant for IDD/USI Surveillance (Remote)

About the role

UNICEF is seeking an experienced consultant to provide technical oversight, coordination and quality‑assurance support for iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and universal salt iodisation (USI) evidence‑generation activities. The assignment runs for nine months (June 2026 – February 2027) and is fully remote, supporting country offices, governments, universities and technical partners.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical guidance on the design of sentinel surveillance systems for iodine status monitoring.
• Develop and review protocols for sub‑national iodine intake studies, ensuring alignment with WHO/UNICEF guidance.
• Supervise ongoing country research remotely and in‑field, troubleshooting bottlenecks in fieldwork, laboratories, procurement or timelines.
• Review inception reports, training materials, field manuals and progress reports to ensure consistency and quality across countries.
• Support data‑quality assurance procedures for urine iodine concentration (UIC), household salt iodine testing and dietary intake assessments.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in nutrition, public health, epidemiology or a related field.
• Proven experience in designing and overseeing large‑scale surveillance or nutrition research projects.
• Familiarity with WHO/UNICEF standards for iodine monitoring.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate findings into policy‑relevant recommendations.

Required skills

• Sentinel surveillance system design
• Sampling design and methodology
• Biomarker analysis (urine iodine concentration)
• Household salt iodine testing
• Dietary intake assessment methods

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence national iodine programmes in multiple countries.
• Collaboration with UNICEF, governments and leading research institutions.
• Professional development within a global humanitarian organization.