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Consultancy: Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) Incidence Research, Nutrition Section, PD - NYHQ, Requisition #514653

New York City

  • Organization: UNICEF - United Nations Children’s Fund
  • Location: New York City
  • Grade: Consultancy - International Consultant - Internationally recruited Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Logistics
    • Nutrition
    • Supply Chain
    • Scientist and Researcher
  • Closing Date: Closed

The aim of this consultancy is to extend ongoing efforts to estimate incidence correction factors by developing a global protocol for prospective cohort studies that are designed to 1) estimate the incidence of SAM and 2) assess the validity of alternative, operational methods of estimating the incidence correction factor compared to the cohort gold standard. The consultant will present the global protocol to stakeholders to build consensus on the proposed methods and analyses and support UNICEF Country Offices that may wish to adapt the global protocol to their country contexts. As needed, the consultant will also participate in technical discussions related to the updating of technical guidance on SAM estimation.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

Background & Rationale

Children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) face an increased risk of infection and mortality, but timely and quality care for children with SAM can be lifesaving.  To inform national priority-setting and program planning for the management of SAM, it is important to have accurate estimates the number of children affected.  The calculated estimates of SAM should include existing SAM cases, as well as new cases anticipated to occur within a given time period.  This information is essential for priority-setting at the national and global levels and for SAM programmes to adequately plan for human, institutional and financial resources required.

Current guidelines recommend that the burden or caseload of SAM be estimated using the prevalence of SAM, the population of children 6-59 months and a global incidence correction factor.  The single incidence correction factor currently used was derived from historical data from two African settings.  Recent research suggests that the incidence correction factor may vary over place and time. 

UNICEF, in collaboration with Harvard T. H Chan School of Public Health (Harvard Chan) University, and under the technical guidance of a technical advisory group (TAG), embarked on research to derive incidence correction factors at the country-level using existing data.   Following a call for data in February 2017, routine secondary data including prevalence surveys, coverage surveys, population estimates and program admissions reports, have been submitted by UNICEF country office programmes, governments and international NGOs in 35 countries.  In a TAG meeting in December 2017, preliminary review of the analysis highlighted the limitations of routine secondary data and suggested the most accurate way of estimating the incidence correction factor would be through the analysis of prospective cohort studies that are designed to monitor children over a period of time.  UNICEF Country Offices have expressed interest to conduct prospective cohort studies that are designed to inform estimation of an incidence correction factor for their context. 

Purpose

The aim of this consultancy is to extend ongoing efforts to estimate incidence correction factors by developing a global protocol for prospective cohort studies that are designed to 1) estimate the incidence of SAM and 2) assess the validity of alternative, operational methods of estimating the incidence correction factor compared to the cohort gold standard.  The consultant will present the global protocol to stakeholders to build consensus on the proposed methods and analyses and support UNICEF Country Offices that may wish to adapt the global protocol to their country contexts.  As needed, the consultant will also participate in technical discussions related to the updating of technical guidance on SAM estimation.

Objectives:

The specific objectives of this consultancy will include:

  • The development of a global protocol outlining the appropriate study design and data collection methods to undertake a prospective cohort study that will be used to derive a country and/or context specific incidence correction factor and assess the validity of alternative, operational methods of estimation compared to the cohort gold standard.
  • Participate in the development of technical guidance for SAM caseload estimation, such including participation in technical stakeholder meetings and consultations aimed at updating global guidance for estimating the burden and caseloads of SAM.

Expected results: (measurable results)

  • A global protocol that highlights an appropriate study design and data collection methods to be used by countries to derive an incidence correction factor and assess the validity of alternative, operational methods of estimation compared to the cohort gold standard.
  • Participation in key stakeholder’s technical meetings as needed, to support technical discussions that will inform guidance on SAM estimation and policy implications.

Duty Station: Remote based, travel anticipated.

 Timeframe

Start date:  1 September 2018                                                                        
End date:  31 July  2019

Deliverables

Duration

(Estimated # of Days)

Deadline

Review existing data submitted for the SAM incidence study to identify and document possible opportunities and challenges for countries to undertake a rigorous cohort study.

10

10 September 2018

Develop a global protocol with appropriate study design and methodology to estimate the incidence of SAM.

40

20 October 2018

Discuss draft global protocol with programmatic and technical stakeholders for feedback and inputs.

15

5 November 2018

Finalize global protocol.

15

31 December 2018

Provide start-up technical guidance to Country Offices wishing to adapt the global protocol to their programs.

57

30 May 2019

Final adaptations to global protocol based on country experiences and inputs from technical stakeholders.

15

31 July 2019

Total

152

 

Key competences, technical background, and experience required

  • An advanced university degree (Master's) or PhD in Epidemiology and Nutrition with specific knowledge and expertise in epidemiological and biostatistical methods as applied to nutrition data analysis.
  • At least 10 years professional experience in nutrition research and programming.
  • Familiarity with SAM programming operations at country-level, with knowledge of the global nutrition architecture and strategic stakeholders/partners.
  • Experience writing scientific research protocols and conducting longitudinal data collection in field settings. 
  • Proven track record in publishing nutrition research in high-impact, peer-reviewed scientific journals.
  • Outstanding communication skills, with ability to write and speak in a clear and practical manner in English is mandatory, French is an added advantage.

Please indicate 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.

Remarks

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.  

At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

This vacancy is now closed.
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