Consultant for Development of General Comment on WASH & Nutrition

About the role

We are seeking an experienced consultant to lead the drafting of a General Comment on the right to adequate nutrition and safe drinking water under Article 14(2)(c) of the African Children’s Charter. The consultant will work with a global child‑rights organization to produce a normative document that guides states in policy, legislation and implementation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the General Comment, elaborating the elements of Article 14(2)(c) and related rights.
• Clarify technical and normative terminology such as stunting, wasting, malnutrition, food insecurity, water quality and sanitation.
• Apply a child‑rights‑based approach to advise on laws, policies and programmes across diverse African contexts.
• Outline state obligations for respect, protection and fulfilment of nutrition and WASH rights, including legislative, institutional and budgetary responsibilities.
• Detail regulatory duties concerning commercial actors, including marketing of breast‑milk substitutes, ultra‑processed foods, water privatisation and extractive industry impacts.
• Explain the interdependence of nutrition and water rights with health, education and other core rights, highlighting vulnerable groups.
• Provide guidance for designing child‑sensitive social protection systems, cash transfers, food assistance and WASH support.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in law, public policy, public health, nutrition or a related field.
• Proven experience in child‑rights advocacy, WASH or nutrition policy at regional or international level.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high‑quality normative legal documents.
• Familiarity with the African Children’s Charter and the broader human‑rights framework.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with capacity to synthesize complex technical information.

Required skills