• Map Code implementation and monitoring status in LAC and key resources the consultant will elaborate a preliminary mapping of the following items based on desk research and consultations, taking The National implementation of the International Code Status report (WHO/UNICEF/IBFAN), 2024 edition as the basis on which to elaborate further details. The consultant will share this mapping to be reviewed by country offices.
  • Implementation status including existing laws, regulations and bottlenecks.
  • Law enforcement status including sanction mechanisms, (yes or no) and bottlenecks.
  • Monitoring status including tools, partners involved in Code monitoring, government’s budget (yes or no), bottlenecks.
  • Opportunities to strengthen the Code implementation in 2024-2025, and other aspects consider relevant.
• Map key global, regional and country resources and experiences related to Code implementation and monitoring of Code compliance including title, coverage (country regional and global), resource category (i.e. guidelines, regulatory framework, monitoring tools, etc.) languages in which they are translated etc.
• Identify key country experiences on Code implementation and on monitoring Code compliance.
• Identify legal strategies that could be used to further implement the Code in LAC (e.g. using human rights laws, litigation, enforcement actions etc.)
• Review the adaptation of Code resources to LAC.
• Provide support to coordinate the regional Code Network for LAC – The consultant will support the development and implementation of the Code Network plan including adaptation of Terms of reference, list of key actors to be engaged, priority countries based on preliminary mapping, engagement with UNICEF COs and countries when needed, proposed activities and timeline.
• Support the planning and implementation of regional activities and events for advocacy and capacity building on the Code, including a technical workshop on the Code.
• Coordinate with UNICEF headquarters (HQ), UNICEF LACRO, UNICEF COs and key partners (i.e. WHO/PAHO) as needed to provide technical support to countries on Code Implementation, including review of draft laws.
• Participate in events relevant to the Code organized by key partners.
• Create and update a Code information repository with the resources collected from the mapping.
• Coordination with UNICEF LACRO and UNICEF HQ to support COs in LAC region on Code implementation and monitoring.
• Other activities identified as key for the objective of this consultancy.

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in law, political science, international relations, or relevant technical field. Specialization in public health law is preferred.
• At least 6 years of work experience in relevant area of expertise including: Provision of legal advice and support in the context of nutrition and/or public health regulation development and implementation.
• Advocacy for strengthened public health policy frameworks
• Professional technical knowledge and expertise in public policies, with emphasis on public health and/or nutrition.
• Knowledge and experience in breastfeeding promotion, protection and support, including the Code in an asset.
• Demonstrated technical writing abilities, with emphasis on drafting legal products.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.
• Fluency in Spanish and English is required. Knowledge of other languages relevant to the LAC region (i.e. French, Portuguese) is an asset.