Purpose of the consultancy
The purpose of this consultancy is to contribute to the WHO’s initiatives on elimination of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (TFA) by contributing to the coordination of activities under the Validation Programme for TFA Elimination, organizing capacity-building workshops for Member States, and contributing to TFA-related technical reports, tools, and communication activities.
Background
The Department of Nutrition and Food Safety (NFS) addresses the global burden of disease arising from physical, chemical, and microbial hazards in food, unhealthy diets, maternal and child malnutrition, as well as overweight and obesity. Ensuring access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food is critical for reducing these risks, and WHO works closely with Member States, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to strengthen food systems, promote healthy diets, and improve nutrition outcomes.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of global mortality, with coronary heart disease strongly associated with the consumption of industrially produced trans-fatty acids (TFAs). TFAs contribute significantly to preventable cardiovascular deaths, and evidence shows that even small reductions in TFA intake (<1% of total energy) can have meaningful public health impact.
To support countries in eliminating industrial TFAs, WHO developed the REPLACE action package (2019), providing practical guidance to remove TFAs from national food supplies and replace them with healthier oils and fats. In 2023, the Validation Programme for TFA Elimination was launched to recognize countries achieving TFA elimination targets, with applications reviewed by the Technical Advisory Group for Trans Fat Elimination (TFATAG).
This consultancy is needed to strengthen the implementation of WHO’s TFA elimination initiatives by providing technical and administrative support to the Validation Programme, facilitating capacity-building workshops, monitoring country progress, and contributing to communication and advocacy activities. The work will directly support countries in achieving WHO’s public health goals and in reducing the global burden of diet-related NCDs.
Work to be performed
- Deliverable 1: Coordinate the WHO Validation Programme for TFA Elimination, including pre-assessment of country applications and coordination of Technical Advisory Group (TFATAG) meetings.
Expected by: Throughout the consultancy period, aligned with TFATAG meeting schedule. - Deliverable 2: Coordinate regulatory and laboratory capacity-building activities, including planning and organization of workshops to support Member States in implementing iTFA policy measures.
Expected by: As scheduled in consultation with the NFA Unit and WHO regional and relevant country offices. - Deliverable 3: Contribute to TFA-related report, tool and communication activities, including providing input to global TFA progress reporting and assessment toolkits, in coordination with country and regional teams.
Expected by: Ongoing throughout the consultancy period. - Deliverable 4: Participate in monthly partner coordination calls and support preparation of periodic update materials to facilitate information sharing among WHO, Member States, and other stakeholders.
Expected by: Monthly or as scheduled during the consultancy period.
Specific requirements on qualification, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications
Essential: Minimum first university degree in Public Health, Nutrition or Food Sciences.
Desirable: Advanced university degree in Public Health, Nutrition or Food.
Experience
Essential: A minimum of 5 years of experience in providing public health technical advice on interventions related to TFA elimination and/or other food-related policies to prevent diet- related non-communicable diseases.
Desirable:
- Experience at international level.
- Understading of and experience in food analyses, particularly fats.
- Documented experience in knowledge translation of food-related policies to prevent diet-related non-communicable diseases.
Skills/Knowledge
Essential:
- Strong knowledge of public health nutrition, particularly in regulatory and policy approaches to reduce industrial trans-fatty acids (iTFA) and prevent diet-related noncommunicable diseases.
- Ability to organize and coordinate technical meetings and capacity-building workshops, and to translate evidence into clear, accessible messages for reports, toolkits, and communications.
Desirable:
- Understanding of food analyses, particularly on fats, is an advantage.
Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Advanced)
Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of other UN languages
Location
Home-based, off-site. The consultant is not expected to travel.
Remuneration
The remuneration of the contractor is based on experience according to the WHO pay scale.
Band level B - (USD 350 - 499 per day)
Planned timelines
Expected duration of contract: 7 months at 50% or 60%
How to apply
- Kindly send your CV and cover letter to the following e-mail address nfs@who.int before 8 April 2026
- Please include “Consultant - iTFA” in the subject matter of your email application.
- Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.