National Consultancy: Support the Government in Revitalising of the National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Programme and Implementation of National Decree 09 on Mandatory Food Fortification in Viet Nam (Ha Noi, Viet Nam)

To support MARD, MOH and other related agencies in revitalizing of the national iodine deficiency disorders control programme in Viet Nam and implementation of Decree 09 on mandatory food fortification in Viet Nam

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Background: 

Viet Nam was part of the global success story toward achieving elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs) as it was one of the first countries in the world to achieve Universal Salt Iodisation (USI) and the elimination of IDD. In 2005, Viet Nam reached the national targets of universal salt iodisation (USI) at 93.2 per cent, medium urinary iodine levels above 100 µg/L and goiter rate among school aged children below 5 per cent in 2005. However, these achievements were not maintained with reduction of USI to only 45 per cent (MICS 2011) and medium urinary iodine level at 83 g/dl among women at reproductive age (survey 2009).

The dramatic decline in iodized salt coverage and UICs has caused concern among health authorities in Viet Nam. The objective in Viet Nam is therefore to create an environment in which salt iodization is effective and sustainable. In 2016 a new government decree 09 on food fortification was approved by the Government, which regulates mandatory iodisation of salt and for food processing. There is now agreement within the government that the NIDDC program has to be reformulated and revived, and new legislation to be fully enforced. Reestablishment of the program was also recommended by the International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (ICCIDD) Global Network, UNICEF, and WHO in 2012.

Approval of the new government decree regulating mandatory iodisation of salt is a critical entry point for the revitalisation of the NIDDC programme in Viet Nam.  Revitalisation of the programme is not only the responsibility of the MOH, but requires Inter-sectoral collaboration with a strong national stakeholdership.

Although the Decree went to effect in March 2017 for mandatory iodisation of salt and use of iodised salt for food processing, the enforcement has not been in place.  There are many reasons including lack of multi-sectorial coordination among state management agencies, strong resistance and non-compliance by the companies, inadequate communications for behaviour change on food fortification. Especially, given the political complexity when the Government prioritizes economic development by putting on weights of business profits, the enforcement of the decree 09 as well as the revitalisation of the NIDDC programme in Viet Nam indeed become a challenge. 

In 2018 - 2019, UNICEF continues focusing on: 1) Strengthening iodization of food grade salt, 2) Strengthening use of iodized salt for processed foods, 3) Monitoring Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) indicators in National General Nutrition Survey, and 4) Advocating for enforcement of mandatory fortification of wheat flour (iron and zinc) and oil (vitamin A).

Target

The selected consultant will support the nutrition team, UNICEF Viet Nam's Child Survival and Development Programme to work with Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Ministry of Health (MOH) and relevant stakeholders and effectively coordinate them in continuing the revitalization the National IDDC programme through leading the information, coordination, implementation, monitoring and support of the planned interventions/activities.

Specific Tasks

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Advocate for establishment of a working group on food fortification under SUN committee to oversee implementation of Decree 09.
2. Follow up and support MARD in enforcing the iodization of salt with updated checklist for external monitoring and NTRs for food grade salt.
3. Follow up and provide technical support to MOH, MARD and other stakeholders in preparing for and implementing technical guidelines on use of iodized salt for processed food production.
4. Follow up and support NIN (National Institute of Nutrition) and Hospital of Endocrinology (HoE) to monitor and evaluate the national iodine deficiency control program system.
5. Undertake field visits to monitor programme implementation, in particular iodization of consumption salt, use of iodized salt by food processors, and provide assistance to implementing stakeholders as requested.
6. Coordinate PR/Communications for enforcement of salt iodization and use of iodized salt for processed food production.
7. Prepare monitoring and intervention reports and situation analysis updates.
8. Support UNICEF in preparation of programme funding proposals and donor reports.
9. Participate in coordination meetings with other agencies/INGOs in relation to NIDDC programme including planning, operations, coordination and information sharing.
10. Work closely with relevant UN agencies to advocate Government and National Assembly for enforcement of the decree 09.
11. Support other areas of nutrition policy work including advocacy for health insurance, breastfeeding protection and promotion, SUN/Nutrition Plan of Action implementation when required

Methodology & Expected Deliverables

To achieve the above-mentioned tasks, the assignment requires regular interaction with Department of Economic Cooperation and Rural Development/MARD, NIN and relevant partners at MOH, donors and technical partners.  The main work will include 1) Strengthening iodization of edible salt, 2) Strengthening use of iodized salt for processed foods, 3) Monitoring Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) indicators in National General Nutrition Survey, and 4) Advocating for enforcement of mandatory fortification of wheat flour (iron and zinc) and oil (vitamin A).

For specific tasks and deliverables, please see attached TOR   Consultancy for the National Consultant.docx

Reporting

The national consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Policy Specialist of UNICEF and overall guidance of the Chief, CSD programme, at UNICEF. The consultant will operate in close cooperation with the nutrition team, delegated staffs at relevant ministries, national institute of nutrition as required.

Performance indicators for evaluation

Indicators for completion and satisfaction measurement will be based on UNICEF Viet Nam own evaluation and judgement, and not that of the Consultant. This means that deliverables will be deemed satisfactory only if said so by the Supervisor of the Consultancy. The Supervisor is required to provide timely and written feedback to the Consultant in order to avoid miscommunication.

Qualification/Specialised Knowledge and Experience

• Advanced university degree in Nutrition, Social Sciences, Economics, Development Studies or a related field is preferred
• Proven strong experiences on policy advocacy and coordination for nutrition program interventions are required as an asset
• A minimum of 8 years' experience in the field of health and nutrition
• Experience in supervising/implementing public health/nutrition programmes in Viet Nam
• Advanced skills on analyzing relevant documents from various sources to generate/summarize required reports.
• Strong networking and communication skills (written and verbal) in English and Vietnamese required.
• Sound judgment is required in follow-up on requests; high degree of accuracy is important. Ability to meet tight deadlines through excellent time management, organization and multi-tasking skills.
• Good computer knowledge. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, including Microsoft Office (Word, Access, PowerPoint), various email applications, data entry using proprietary databases, and using the Internet for researches and reports i.e. Analysis, proposal, etc.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

Interested candidates are kindly requested to apply online and submit the following documents:

1) Letter of interest and confirmation of availability.

2) A lump sum financial proposal that includes all expected costs for the entire consultancy period.

3) The consultant must complete and submit a P-11 form ( UN Personal History Form )

4) Three references.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 1 July 2018 at 23:55 hours Viet Nam Time.

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 organization.