Consultant - Nutrition, Western Pacific Region

Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to assist Nutrition Unit in the implementation and monitoring of the regional workplan particularly on addressing double burden of malnutrition, regulation of food marketing, and prevention of obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases.

Background

The nutrition landscape in the WHO Western Pacific Region is undergoing significant change, driven by economic and income growth, urbanization, demographic shifts, and globalization. Over recent decades, diet-related epidemiology has shifted markedly. Processed foods with low nutritional value are now more affordable and widely accessible than ever before. This increasing consumption, amplified by aggressive marketing strategies, has fuelled a growing prevalence of overweight, obesity, and associated non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Region.

Significant progress has been made in reducing childhood undernutrition. However, in 2022, an estimated 2 million children under 5 years old in the Region were wasted, and 10 million were stunted. At the same time, childhood obesity has become a serious public health challenge, affecting most Member States in the Region and more than 8.2 million children under 5 years were overweight, while in 2016, an estimated 84 million children aged 5–19 years were overweight or obese—a 43% increase within just six years. Recognizing the rising rates of childhood overweight, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies, as well as the harmful effects of food marketing on child health, the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific endorsed the Regional Action Framework on Protecting Children from the Harmful Impact of Food Marketing (WPR/RC70.R1) during its 70th session.

Poor nutrition continues to account for nearly half of all deaths in children under 5 years old. Meanwhile, many low and middle-income countries are experiencing a rapid increase in childhood overweight and obesity, growing at a faster rate than in high-income nations. Most countries in the Region now face a double burden of malnutrition, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing this dual challenge will be critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly Targets 2.2 (end all forms of malnutrition) and 3.4 (reduce premature mortality from NCDs)—as well as the Commitments of the Rome Declaration on Nutrition, within the framework of the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition.

Deliverables

Under the supervision of the NUT Technical Lead/PND Coordinator, the consultant will conduct a desk review, collect, and review information, analyse data, liaise with country offices, and prepare draft technical documents. The bulk of work under this contract is expected to be carried out from the consultant’s home under a work from home arrangement. He/she will review relevant documents and publications and coordinate with stakeholders including other relevant units/divisions of WPRO, country office counterparts and relevant WHO Collaborating Centre counterparts. The consultant will use a variety of online tools, such as email, video-conferencing, and social media applications to connect and engage with WPRO staff and Member States.

Output 1: Draft technical documents on regulating food marketing in the Region

Deliverable 1.1: Support the development of draft toolkits and e-course for the implementation of the Regional Action Framework to protect children from the harmful impact of food marketing
Deliverable 1.2: Coordinate the development of draft monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan for the Regional Action Framework including M&E tools.
Deliverable 1.3: Coordinate and provide inputs on the drafting advocacy and communication plans and tools for the Regional Action Framework

Output 2: Draft reports on situational analyses on double burden of malnutrition in the Region and selected countries

Deliverable 2.1: Technical analysis and draft situational assessment on double burden of malnutrition in the Region and selected countries.
Deliverable 2.2: Provide technical support in the implementation and M&E of regional action plan in addressing the double burden of malnutrition.

Output 3: Draft technical documents for the obesity and diet-related NCDs

Deliverable 3.1: Technical analysis and draft toolkits related to informal food sector, school nutrition, childhood obesity and diet-related NCDs.
Deliverable 3.2: Contribute to meeting preparations and report in coordination with country office counterparts, partners, and relevant WHO Collaborating Centre counterparts.
Deliverable 3.3: Provide analyses and coordinate for development technical documents related to childhood obesity and healthy diet including reduction of salt, sugar and/or trans-fats.

Output 4: Monthly progress report on completed/on-going tasks together with work products produced in that month

Deliverable 4.1: Participate in regular division and team meetings.
Deliverable 4.2: Coordinate and provide support in the planning and implementation of the related project and/or programme activities.
Deliverable 4.3: Fulfil other duties and responsibilities in the Nutrition Team/NCD Prevention and Health Promotion Unit as required and needed

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Minimum of first university degree in nutrition/health-related field.
Desirable: Advanced university degree in nutrition or public health from a recognized university.

Experience

Essential: Minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience in nutrition strategy, programmes and evaluating information from various credible sources.
Desirable: Experience in working with MOH and international organizations.

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

Good understanding of the work of WHO
Broad knowledge of concepts and strategies related to public health nutrition
Excellent research and technical writing skills
Ability to coordinate with external partners, as well as work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse education and cultural background and maintain a high standard of personal conduct
Computer literacy (Word, Excel, power point etc.)

Language requirements:

Written and spoken fluency in English is essential. Working knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

Location

Off site: Home-based

Travel

The Consultant is expected to travel upon the request of the programme and progress of the project. The dates are to be determined, but any travel will need to comply with international and domestic travel restrictions as well as WHO rules.

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance.

Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Remuneration and budget:

Remuneration: Payband level B, USD 7,000 - USD 8,000
Duration: 10 months, March to December 2025

Additional Information

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