Consultant for Developing High Impact Nutrition Intervention (HINI) Framework and Action Plans for Solomon Islands

UNICEF is seeking an individual consultant to undertake the design of Solomon Island specific Evidence based High Impact Nutrition Intervention framework and action plans to augment existing efforts of the MHMS. The proposed actions are aligned with key result areas as identified in the Solomon Islands National Health Strategy Plan, 2016-2020 specifically related to improving service quality, enhancing service coverage and building partnerships with the aim of contributing to stronger future generations as envisioned in the Healthy Islands framework for the Pacific Island countries for healthy ‘children nurtured in body and mind’

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Assignment

Assignment Tasks

The consultant will undertake the following tasks to achieve the objectives of the assignment:

1. Conduct desk review of relevant literature, national and global guidelines and recommendations and best practices in developing countries on high impact nutrition interventions for improving maternal and infant and young child nutrition.
2. Collect and review available nutrition related policies/strategies and operational guidelines from health (Reproductive Health, MCH, IMCI, PMTCT, NCD), WASH and education sectors with nutrition lens; identify synergies and gaps to be addressed
3. Undertake in-country field visits for observing and contextualizing nutrition service delivery in health facilities and communities
4. Conduct consultation and review meetings with the MHMS and other relevant sectors (eg.WASH and education), UN agencies (WHO, UNFPA, FAO), NGOs for drafting the costed maternal, infant and young child nutrition strategy and action plan
5. Chart 4ws (who, where, when and what) to identify which services are being delivered where and by whom and when
6. Develop the high impact nutrition interventions (HINI) framework including a costing, action plan,  including details of key stakeholders and elucidating clear defined roles and responsibilities for the various actors from the health sector, other sectors, UN agencies, NGOs and community based organizations); support/update recommendations made in the review meetings.

Expected Deliverables

1. Inception Report including work plan detailing key steps with timelines (eg. simplified Gantt chart) for achieving the objectives and deliverables; and measures for engaging with relevant stakeholders
2. Gap analysis report (detailed gap analysis of the available nutrition policies/strategies/operational guidelines) with recommendations for the development of HINI guidelines and training materials and tools
3. Develop (i) HINI framework; (ii) outline Table of Content for guidelines, (iii) list of job aids and tools
4. Draft costed HINI strategy that reflects operational and technical components for the countries:

1. Key High Impact Nutrition Interventions
2. Key interventions for promotion of HINI at health facility level; at community outreach level; and through community based platforms including detailed linkages with WASH and Early Stimulation.
3. Costing of HIN interventions
4. Communication approaches
5. Propose monitoring, mentoring and supportive supervision plan

1. Mapping of partners (4ws)
2. Submission of final HINI guidelines incorporating final comments/suggestions from UNICEF

All products should be in electronic and hard copy submission.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education

• Post-graduate degree in Nutrition, Public Health, social sciences, global/international health and nutrition, or medicine

Years of relevant experience

• At least 7 years of recent documented work experience in developing nutrition policies, strategies and guidelines
• Solid understanding of integrated service delivery and community platforms for multi-sectoral nutrition service delivery
• Substantive knowledge on maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition (MNCHN) issues/ policies, strategies, guidelines, tools, checklists, SOPs  
• Strong inter-personal, teamwork and organizational skills
• Familiarity with information technology, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software
• Previous working experience in the Pacific and with health and nutrition programmes will be an asset.
• Proven analytical and report writing skills;
• Familiarity and experience of working with UN agencies is an asset

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English required.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

• Good analytical, facilitating, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills

 To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Detailed copy of the Terms of Reference is attached:  EXTERNAL TOR for HINI Framework Consultant _Solomon Islands.docx

TO APPLY: Interested applicants are to include the following documents in their submission:

• A cover letter describing how you meet each of the requirements listed above (max. 2 pages)
• A detailed proposal that includes  your ability, availability and daily/monthly rate (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference above (including travel and daily subsistence allowance, if applicable). Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

For any questions or clarifications in relation to the above consultancy please contact us at pacificvacancies@unicef.org. DO NOT forward any applications to this email address as they will not be considered, all applications must be submitted online on the UNICEF Employment page where this position is being advertised.  

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.