Nutrition Specialist – Food Systems for Children (P-3)

About the role

UNICEF is seeking a Nutrition Specialist to lead the Food Systems for Children agenda in Kenya. The role focuses on generating evidence, shaping strategies, and implementing innovative initiatives that improve children’s diets across public and private sectors.

Key responsibilities

• Support evidence generation and strategy development to operationalise UNICEF’s global food‑systems work in the Kenyan context.
• Identify data gaps, generate evidence on food systems and malnutrition, and develop entry‑point strategies for UNICEF.
• Introduce innovative approaches by monitoring cutting‑edge research and best practices in nutrition and food systems.
• Manage the First Foods Africa initiative in Kenya, coordinating multi‑sectoral engagement, market‑based solutions and private‑sector partnerships.
• Lead climate‑responsive nutrition agenda, including resource mobilisation, academic engagement and coordination of the Climate Change Taskforce.
• Support UNICEF Kenya’s efforts to improve children’s food environments through public‑sector policies and private‑sector product practices.

Required profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Public Health, Nutrition, Food Science or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in nutrition and food‑systems, including policy design and implementation.
• Proven experience in training, supervision, stakeholder engagement and independent work.
• Fluency in oral and written English.

Required skills

• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for data analysis and reporting.