Micronutrient Powders Consultant

VACANCY#: UNICEF/MLW/2016/011

1. BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

In Malawi 63% of children under five were considered to be anemic and 37% of children under five were found to be stunted, with stunting slightly higher among male children (39% percent) than among female children (35%) as identified by the Malawi Demographic Health Survey (MDHS 2015-16). In addition, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are sub-optimal, with only 8% of children 6-23 months receiving minimum acceptable diet[1] as compared to 19% in 2010[2]. Insufficient nutrition (including inadequate calories, protein, or micronutrients) can have detrimental effect on the health, growth and development of young children. Inadequate nutrition can lead to improper growth, characterized by stunting, wasting or underweight. It can also lead to micronutrient deficiencies (i.e. iron, vitamin A, and zinc deficiencies) which are associated with a range of problems including impaired immunity, vision problems, and impaired cognitive development[3]. The consequences of poor nutrition are pronounced among children 6-23 months of age as this is a period of rapid growth and development characterized by high nutritional needs. As a result, children 6-23 months are at the greatest risk of developing micronutrient deficiencies and stunted growth.

The National Micronutrient Strategy has identified Home Fortification through the use of Micronutrient Powders (MNP) in complementary foods for children starting at the age of 6 months up to two years as one of the key strategies for reducing micronutrient deficiencies. Home Fortification with MNP is being introduced by the Government of Malawi through an integrated community based nutrition platform as part of the strategy to improve the quality, quantity and frequency of complementary feeding for young children.

Home Fortification using MNP has been selected as a complementary strategy in Malawi as it will promote improved quality, quantity and frequency of complementary feeding and build on caregiver’s existing knowledge of good nutrition and appropriate IYCF practices. Trainings on the appropriate use of MNP will reinforce existing positive practices such as the enriching porridges, appropriate complementary feeding as well as build resilience by promoting the use and demonstrating how to prepare a balanced diet using locally available ingredients. The introduction of Home Fortification in Malawi will also provide an opportunity for capacity building among service providers in nutrition education, IYCF and supply management.

1. CONSULTANCY SCOPE OF WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The key purpose of the assignment is to provide technical leadership and oversight support to Ministry of Health (DNHA) and UNICEF Malawi in the implementation of the home fortification program using MNPs, while ensuring effective coordination and collaboration with key stakeholders.

The selected consultant will assist in undertaking the following activities:

1. Conduct training of national level trainers in collaboration with the MNP taskforce
2. Work with National MNP taskforce to support training of district health team members on implementation of MNPs
3. Provide technical support and mentorship to district health team members in orientation of frontline workers and implementation of MNPs at community level
4. Support implementation of communication activities for sensitization of communities on MNPs
5. Support integration of MNP implementation with existing IYCF and SUN care group activities
6. Support ongoing quantification of MNP requirements at district and national levels to ensure timely procurement and distribution of MNPs to districts
7. Take leadership in the development of a process document, to inform national scale up
8. Provide technical leadership in revision of existing materials for communication, implementation, training, monitoring and evaluation as the different phases of MNP roll out are implemented
9. Document and share key lessons learned and best practices through existing Technical working group foras
10. Support National MNP taskforce in development of monthly distribution plans and any other supply chain logistics related activities for MNPs
11. Develop monthly updates and briefs on progress in roll out of MNPs including key progress indicators to be shared in various coordination foras

4. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

Under the guidance of Chief, Nutrition and in consultation with Nutrition Specialist (L3), the incumbent will develop deliverables for each month that is accepted and signed by Chief, Nutrition in accordance with table below. This document will be referred to as the Monthly Deliverable Schedule and 1/8th of value of the consultancy will be paid upon successful submission of deliverables.

Task

Deliverable

Timeframe

Develop a detailed plan of action for phased roll out of MNPs in line with national road map and implementation plan

Action plan developed

Within 2 weeks of assuming assignment

Develop guidelines for mentorship, support and supervision of district health teams

Guideline developed

Within 4 weeks of assuming assignment

Develop monthly distribution plan for MNPs for districts

Distribution plan available

At the end of every month; monthly payment will be made based on satisfactory submission of key end of month deliverable plus these four key deliverables

Travel to the field and conduct monthly support, mentoring and coaching to districts implementing MNPs

Detailed monthly district reports with key progress indicators; lessons learned and best practices documented

Conduct monthly MNP taskforce meetings and presentation of updates and progress reports

Meeting minutes, monthly update report compiled

Support training of new districts (when applicable)

Training reports

Review and update training package

Training package updated

8 weeks from assuming assignment

Review and update MNP guidelines

Guidelines updated informed by phase 1 and 2 implementation

12 weeks from assuming assignment

Review and update MNP Monitoring and evaluation framework and tools

MNP Monitoring and evaluation tools updated

16 weeks for assuming assignment

Review and update MNP IEC materials

MNP IEC materials updated

20 weeks from assuming assignment

Support national launch of MNPs in Malawi

MNP launch report

24 weeks from assuming assignment

Develop supply chain logistics standard operating procedures for MNPS

Standard operating procedures for MNPS in place

28 weeks from assuming assignment

Compile MNPs process documentation

MNP process document in place

32 weeks from assuming assignment

5. LOCATION AND DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

Assignment will be for 8 months based in Lilongwe, Malawi with monthly travel to implementation districts.

6. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALISED EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Nutrition, Public Health or other related Social Science
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in the area of Micronutrient powders
• Knowledge and experience on Nutrition and child health programs related to design and implementation of MNPs.
• Documentation experience in designing, coordinating and analysing quantitative and qualitative research
• Experience in C4D and communication methods for uptake of nutrition programs
• Previous experience in developing IEC materials, monitoring tools and reports for MNPs.
• Experience working with governments, NGOS, UN agencies or other relevant development partners.
  Language Required for the Consultancy:
• Proficient in English

7. CONDITIONS (IMPORTANT)

• The consultant will be paid based on the deliverables
• Consultant will not be paid for working weekends and public holidays
• All remunerations will be within the contract agreement
• No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant
• No consultant may travel without a signed travel authorisation prior to the commencement of the journey to the duty station.
• The consultant will be required to sign the health statement for consultants/individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to document that they have appropriate health insurance, if applicable.
• The Form 'Designation, change or revocation of beneficiary' has to be completed by the consultant upon arrival, at the HR Section.
• The consultant is not entitled to payment of overtime

[1] MDHS. Malawi Demographic Health Survey 2015-16. Zomba, Malawi, National Statistical Office, May 2016.

[2] MDHS. Malawi Demographic Health Survey 2010. Zomba, Malawi, National Statistical Office, September 2011.

[3] HF-TAG. A Manual for Developing and Implementing Monitoring Systems for Home Fortification Interventions. April 2013.

HOW TO APPLY:

METHOD OF APPLICATION

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:-

A cover letter, performance evaluation report (if applicable), CV and Personal History Form (P-11 form) to be downloaded from the website http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html), a financial proposal (including all eligible fees, transportations and DSA for desktop research, data collection, and fieldwork, communication, presentation costs) on or before 05 October 2016 via e-mail address: hrmalawi@unicef.org

NOTE:

• UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff. Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be acknowledged.
• Applications sent through the post office or hand delivered is not accepted.

UNICEF IS A SMOKE FREE ENVIRONMENT

Monitoring & Evaluation Manager

Location: Zomba, Malawi
Type of contract: Full-time fixed-term contract with possibility of renewal
Suggested start date: As soon as possible
Salary and Benefits: Salary commensurate with skills and experience, with a generous medical and health benefits package

DIGNITAS INTERNATIONAL (DI) is a global medical and research organization dedicated to improving health care for people facing a high burden of disease and unequal access to services. We deliver and support frontline care in Southern Malawi, and with First Nations communities in Canada. We also research ways to improve how health care is delivered, to make it more effective and accessible. Finally, we share our findings broadly and advocate for better health care policy and practice for underserved populations. By coupling the frontline experience of our clinicians with the expertise of our scientists, we generate, pilot and scale up sustainable models of care that address barriers and gaps in health services and policy. More information can be found at dignitasinternational.org.

DI began working in Malawi in 2004, at the height of the AIDS epidemic. Working in one of the hardest hit areas of the country, we witnessed the devastating impact of HIV and AIDS on families, communities and the health care system. By collaborating with the Government of Malawi and local partners, DI was able to dramatically increase access to quality treatment and care for HIV, TB and other related diseases.

DI supports people living with HIV by providing frontline health care in our flagship Tisungane Clinic, a hub for innovation, teaching and knowledge sharing. At this Clinic, we have developed and implemented specialized models of care for vulnerable groups, including HIV+ teens, health care workers and prisoners. To extend our impact, DI provides comprehensive training and mentorship to health care workers in 127 clinics, ranging from urban hospitals to small rural health centres.

Today DI operates a large office in Zomba, Malawi with over 250 staff, supported by the organisation’s headquarters in Toronto, Canada. The Malawi program is funded by USAID, as well as a number of other private and institutional donors, including several research grants.

THE POSITION

The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Manager leads the M&E tem to ensure that the impact of programmes and interventions is accurately measured, documented and communicated to staff in DI’s Medical, Research and Data Departments. S/he provides the aforementioned departments with timely and accurate information regarding project progress and contributes input in support of research and grant proposals, publications and conference presentations. The M&E Manager builds capacity within DI staff and partners while maintaining high technical standards of M&E principles.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Actively contribute to the strategic thinking on M&E integration throughout the program

· Identify key M&E successes, challenges and solutions in medical and research programming

· Support quarterly HIV data collection in DI’s Southeast Zone districts

· Cultivate and maintain good relations with Department of HIV/AIDS Supervision Teams and DI District Teams

· Collaborate with DI District and Zonal Teams to strengthen reporting and monitoring of activities at project or district level

· Ensure DI’s sector-specific assessments meet quality and technical standards

· Provide program performance reviews and data dissemination on a quarterly schedule

· Provide supervision and mentorship of M&E activities

· Ensure adequate coordination for data quality, accuracy and timeliness for ongoing and new programmes

· Perform regular data audits with the support of Data Team

· Ensure M&E data and reports’ organization, privacy, security and backup protocols are implemented in the field and office

· Create plans, including logical frameworks and accurate budgets, to conduct evaluations, ensuring that people, tools and processes are properly resourced and supported to carry out M&E function

· Supervise and manage the M&E team, providing leadership and capacity building for M&E Officers and other staff to maintain high technical standards

· Supervise the tracking of country-wide program indicators across all program operations

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

· Master’s Degree in Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics or equivalent

· Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in designing and implementing M&E activities, preferably in HIV/AIDS programming

· Demonstrated ability in the use of quantitative and qualitative methods including questionnaire design, survey techniques, and participatory approaches

· Strong report writing skills, ability to present monitoring data and survey findings clearly

· Strong organisational development skills and experience in the development of and training for information and monitoring systems

· Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through informal and formal trainings of staff

· Proven strong participatory management and supervisory skills

· Professional drive and ability to manage tight timelines and potential stressful, shifting priorities and deadlines

· Computer proficiency with MS Excel, MS Access, Statistical Programs (eg. STATA, SAS, SPSS), experience with Open MRS an asset

· Knowledge of Data Management methods and applications DHIS 2 and HMIS preferred

· Familiarity with Standardised Malawi MoH/PEPFAR/USAID/HIV Programme M&E standards preferred

· Understanding of USAID funding expectations and trends for M&E preferred

· Fluent in English, excellent oral and written communication skills

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified applicants should send a CV and detailed cover letter explaining their interest and suitability for the post to jobs@dignitasinternational.org with the subject heading “Monitoring & Evaluation Manager”. Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis. Deadline to submit an application is October 17, 2016 EDT. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. DI thanks all applicants for their interest.

Communication for Development Specialist

The consultant will report to the C4D Manager who is the supervisor of this assignment. A technical management team comprising UNICEF MCO Emergency Cluster (lead), OIC Chief of Communication, Chief of Nutrition, Chief of HIV/AIDs, Chief of Protection, Chief of Water-sanitation and Program Specialists from relevant sections will oversee the technical part of the assignment. The technical management team will provide regular guidance and required logistical support, avail required documents and other relevant report to the exercise.

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

1. C4D emergency programme strategies are implemented for behavioral change at family and community levels.
2. Culturally relevant programme communication materials designed, pre-tested, and produced timely, meeting requirements and quality standards.
3. Strong partnerships with government ministries, civil society organizations, community groups, leaders and other partners in the community and civil society developed and enhanced for promotion of participation of children, adolescents and other stakeholders in social and behavioral changes supportive of programme goals.
4. Effective training materials and activities organized, developed and implemented to build capacity in participatory and behavior communication at various government levels.
5. Monitoring and evaluation of programme activities and preparation of reports timely and properly undertaken. Findings, experiences, lessons learned, best practices and new methods effectively shared with government officials, programme staff, and other partners.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, performance evaluation report (if applicable), CV and Personal History Form and financial proposal on or before 10 October 2016 via e-mail address:hrmalawi@unicef.org.**

The detailed Terms of Reference is available from the UNICEF Malawi website: http://www.unicef.org/malawi/

Head of Base- Malawi

ACF is an international non-governmental, private, apolitical, non-religious and non-profit organization created in 1979. Its goal is to combat hunger and dangerous situations that threaten men, women and children. Currently 500 expats and more than 5,000 employees are working for ACF in more than forty-six countries working in projects concerning four areas of focus: nutrition, health, food security and water and sanitation.

ACF-Spain is present in the occupied Palestinian Territory since September 2002. ACF’s mission mandate in the Palestinian Territories is to support the vulnerable population affected by the crisis. ACF aims to reinforce communities’ autonomy by improving their coping strategies and their access to basic services and a sustainable livelihood.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The Head of Base will manage appropriately the Mwanza office in Malawi, improving the relevance and impact of the interventions according to ACF-Spain’s mandate and country strategy. The Head of Base is the Country Director Representative for the area covered by the office. The Country Director will delegate responsibility to the Head of Base who will report back to the Country Director on a regular basis or when needed.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

· To represent all ACF activities, staff and assets.

· In charge of security at the base level, leading the context and risk analysis and the adoption of the necessary measures to protect the staff and the Organisation

· To improve the relevance and impact of ACF’s programming based on ACF’s mandate and country strategy

· To update and follow up all ACF procedures with the support of CD and Headquarters

· The CD will delegate all relevant responsibility to the Head of Base who will report back on a regular basis

· To coordinate the work at base level and upgrade the capacity of the Base Logistician through ongoing training and support. Employing ACF kitlog to guarantee the correct planning, implementation and integration of logistic activities in the base

· To support the Administrator through supervision of work and specific support when needed

· To make sure that all departments follow ACF procedures and have a unified and coherent management

CANDIDATE PROFILE

· Degree and/or Master Degree in Education, Economics, Sociology, International Development, Political Science or International Relations

· Previous experience in the humanitarian field (at least 5 years) and preferably with ACF

· Previous experience in base management

· Good experience in accountancy, finance, budget management, donor rules, ACF procedures and Cost Coverage Plan

· Experience in logistics and security management.

· Ability to write donor reports and proposals in English

· Training and capacity building experience

· Diplomatic and tactful, professional and transparent

· Team spirit and good communication skills

· Organized and rigorous

REMUNERATIVE PACKAGE

We offer immediate incorporation to a dynamic international network with the following remuneration package:

· Work contract: 6 months

· Base: Mwanza

· Salary: from 1700€ to 2200€ gross per month according to candidate’s previous experience (according to standard list of ACF- Spain). ACF- Spain remuneration system allows a salary progression based on the annual development appraisal.

· Up to 20% additional remuneration regarding the position’s context and responsibilities (according the grading scale set by ACF-E)

· House and maintenance cover by the organization (including per diem): package estimated according to the destination.

· Travel costs to and from the mission.

· 25 working days of holidays per year.

· Break: additional rest period, including travel cost to a reference area and economic help.

· Travel and accident insurance and repatriation on account of the organization.

· Extra per month and per child (Under 18 years old): from 100€ to 225€ monthly (according to standard list of ACF-Spain).

HOW TO APPLY:

We will only consider the candidacies received by our online service. Please click in the following link to accede to the service:

https://employ.acf-e.org/

Note. - Given the urgency of this position, the vacancy may close before the deadline. For more information about this position, visit our Website www.accioncontraelhambre.org in case of not find it published here means that the selection process has been closed.