The United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF is strengthening its nutrition research portfolio in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic through the recruitment of a UN Volunteer Nutrition Research Specialist. The 12-month international assignment, based in Vientiane, is designed to support evidence-driven programming aimed at improving child nutrition outcomes and strengthening food systems.

The role sits within UNICEF Lao PDR’s broader nutrition programme, which is aligned with national priorities and the 2022–2026 Country Programme of Cooperation between the Government of Lao PDR and UNICEF. It also contributes to upcoming strategic planning for 2027–2031, with a strong focus on translating research into scalable interventions.

Strategic Focus on Nutrition Research and Evidence-Based Programming

The Nutrition Research Specialist will play a central role in managing and coordinating multiple operational research initiatives that inform nutrition policy and programming in Lao PDR.

Key research areas include:

RUTF-Lao effectiveness studies (Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food interventions)
Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) rollout evaluations
“Bowl & Spoon” complementary feeding pilots using local recipes
Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) treatment trials using food-based solutions

These initiatives are designed to generate evidence on how locally adapted nutrition interventions can improve child health outcomes in resource-constrained settings.

Core Responsibilities: Research Coordination and Field Implementation

The assignment places strong emphasis on research leadership, coordination, and technical oversight across multiple partners and field sites.

The specialist will be responsible for:

Coordinating research implementation across partners, including the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), civil society organizations, and government counterparts
Ensuring adherence to research protocols, timelines, and data quality standards
Conducting field monitoring visits to supervise ongoing studies
Managing data validation, cleaning, and interpretation processes
Facilitating technical meetings and multi-stakeholder coordination sessions
Contributing to research outputs including reports, briefs, and publications

This role requires strong analytical and organizational capabilities, particularly in managing complex multi-site research environments.

Programme Development and Nutrition Systems Strengthening

Beyond research coordination, the position contributes directly to nutrition programme development and planning.

Responsibilities include:

Supporting strategic planning for nutrition-sensitive and nutrition-specific interventions
Integrating research findings into programme design and implementation frameworks
Contributing to annual work planning and coordination across UNICEF nutrition activities
Supporting policy dialogue and technical discussions with government stakeholders

The role ensures that evidence generated through field research is systematically translated into practical, scalable solutions for national nutrition programming.

Implementation of Child Nutrition and Food Systems Initiatives

A significant component of the assignment focuses on implementing child nutrition interventions and strengthening food systems approaches.

The specialist will:

Lead complementary feeding initiatives, including culturally adapted “Bowl & Spoon” approaches
Support Moderate Acute Malnutrition treatment pilots using locally sourced food solutions
Assist in developing training materials, behaviour change communication tools, and technical guidelines
Oversee capacity-building activities such as workshops and field training sessions
Support monitoring systems and documentation of best practices

These interventions aim to improve dietary diversity and nutrition outcomes for young children through sustainable, community-based approaches.

Technical Support to Food Systems and Policy Development

The role also extends into broader food systems and public health policy support. The specialist will contribute to initiatives focused on:

Healthy diets and child nutrition environments
Development of regulatory frameworks supporting healthier food systems
Multi-sectoral collaboration with UN agencies and national institutions
Climate-resilient and sustainable nutrition programming

By linking research with policy engagement, the position supports UNICEF’s efforts to strengthen long-term nutrition systems in Lao PDR.

Required Expertise and Professional Profile

The assignment requires candidates with strong academic and professional backgrounds in nutrition, public health, or related research fields.

Essential qualifications include:

At least 3 years of relevant professional experience
A bachelor’s degree in nutrition, public health, or epidemiology-related fields
Strong experience in nutrition research and operational programme implementation
Advanced skills in data analysis, reporting, and scientific documentation
Fluency in English (with basic knowledge of Lao considered an advantage)

Candidates must also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams.

Living Conditions and Field Context in Lao PDR

The position is based in Vientiane, a relatively stable and family-friendly duty station. Living conditions include access to international-standard housing, schools, and basic services.

However, the assignment also involves field travel where road safety and infrastructure limitations may present challenges. Health services are available locally, though advanced medical care is often accessed in neighbouring Thailand.

Conclusion: Strengthening Nutrition Systems Through Research and Action

This UN Volunteer assignment reflects UNICEF’s broader strategy to integrate research, policy, and implementation in addressing child malnutrition in Southeast Asia. By embedding technical specialists within country programmes, UNICEF aims to accelerate evidence-based decision-making and improve nutrition outcomes at scale.

The opportunity represents a significant role for professionals seeking to contribute directly to global child health, food systems transformation, and development-focused research in an international UN setting.

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