External Consultant – USI Regulatory Assessment & Iodine Survey

About the role

This short‑term consultancy supports UNICEF Kenya, World Vision Kenya and the Ministry of Health in evaluating Kenya’s universal salt iodisation (USI) regulatory framework and conducting a sub‑national survey of urinary iodine concentration among pregnant women.

Key responsibilities

• Assess the effectiveness of national and county‑level USI regulatory systems, identifying legislative, institutional and enforcement gaps.
• Design and implement a cross‑sectional biological survey measuring urinary iodine concentration (UIC) in pregnant women across approximately ten selected counties.
• Collect and analyse household salt samples using quantitative iodometric titration to determine coverage of adequately iodised salt.
• Synthesize findings into policy briefs and actionable recommendations to address post‑devolution alignment challenges.
• Coordinate with the MoH Nutrition Division, secure ethical clearance and research authorisation from NACOSTI, and manage stakeholder engagement.

Required profile

• Advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in Human Nutrition, Public Health, Epidemiology or a related biomedical field.
• Proven experience designing and executing cross‑sectional epidemiological surveys.
• Deep technical understanding of iodine deficiency disorders, WHO thresholds and laboratory protocols.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate regulatory boards and obtain ethical clearances.
• Availability to commence work within the next 8 months and deliver within a 7‑month period.

Required skills

• Epidemiological survey design
• Urinary iodine concentration measurement
• Iodometric titration of salt samples
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Policy brief development
• Regulatory assessment
• Ethical clearance procedures
• Knowledge of WHO IDD guidelines