Nutrition Bill Consultant (Open to Malaysian Nationals only)

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.

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:

1. Workplan: Develop and submit a comprehensive workplan outlining the key deliverables with proposed timeline.
2. 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.
3. Draft Nutrition Bill (Preliminary Version): An initial version of the Nutrition Bill, incorporating all relevant provisions and addressing identified legal and policy gaps.
4. Stakeholder Consultation Report: A report on stakeholder consultation proceedings, including feedback received and a revised draft of the Nutrition Bill reflecting stakeholder contributions.
5. 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.
6. Final Draft of the Nutrition Bill: Deliver the completed and finalized version of the Nutrition Bill, accompanied by an explanatory memorandum for legislative review.
7. 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).

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.

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.

Remarks:

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