Fortification Consultant P3 level II

BACKGROUND

The Malnutrition is a serious development and public health issue in Burundi. Burundi is the country most affected by stunting in the world.  The average prevalence of stunting is 56% with 5 provinces having a prevalence over 60% (DHS 2017). Acute malnutrition (GAM) is also becoming a greater problem as a result of worsening socio-economic trends and as well as deteriorating food security indicators. The prevalence of GAM is 5 percent at national level ranging from 1.5 percent to 8.1 percent depending on the province (JANFSA). 

The micronutrient deficiencies are also of grave concern. There is a high prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, at 61% amongst children under five and 39 % for women of reproductive age (DHS 2016/17). Between 2010 and 2016 anemia in children increased from 44% to 61% (DHS). Over the same period the prevalence of anemia in women doubled from 18% to 35%. A comprehensive micronutrient survey has not been conducted in Burundi, however, given the information that is available and the significant burden of chronic malnutrition it is evident that much needs to be done in addressing micronutrient deficiencies especially given the role of specific micronutrients in the development of stunting in children under 5.

The government of Burundi has shown a commitment to addressing micronutrient deficiencies. With the support of WFP and other partners, in 2015 a presidential decree was issued which outlined the mandatory fortification of wheat, vegetable oil and maize. The application of this decree has been weak and significant support is needed in ensuring that commodities are fortified in line with the national standards. In addition, UNICEF and other partners including WFP are working on the process of salt iodization.

In its commitment to effectively combat essential micronutrient deficiencies (iron, folic acid, vitamin A, zinc and iodine), the Burundian government has identified food fortification as a priority strategy in the various sectoral and multisectoral nutrition strategic plans. Fortification is one of the effective strategies for increasing the intake of vitamins and minerals in the general population. In 2011, Burundi adhered to the policy of harmonization of food fortification standards of the countries of the East African Community, with a view to contributing to the improvement of nutritional quality and competitiveness. locally produced foods. By Decree No. 100/68 of 18 March 2015, Burundi has mandatory the fortification of refined vegetable oil and corn, wheat and cassava flour mandatory. In 2016, the Ministry of Public Health and the fight against AIDS adopted the national strategic plan for fortification for the period 2016-2020.

Burundi joined the SUN movement in 2013. And since 2014, the government has set up the Multisectoral Platform for Food Security and Nutrition (PMSAN) with a strategic plan to strengthen nutrition interventions at all levels and make it a national priority. This platform takes into account not only the multisectoral approach, but also the goals of the World Health Assembly and other continental and international orientations.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

WFP is the leading UN agency in Burundi for the prevention and treatment of Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) and develops food-based programmatic approaches for the prevention of stunting and micronutrient deficiencies. WFP is the lead for fortification in a number of joint projects with UNICEF/FAO in Ngozi. Over the past five years, WFP has been instrumental in supporting the government of Burundi to develop and implement food fortification policies and multisectoral platforms for food security and nutrition. Activities supported by WFP include facilitating the development of national fortification policies and regulatory framework as well as supporting private sector food manufacturers to embark in food fortification. This support focus on the production, quality control and promotion of the consumption of fortified flour. Fortification equipment must be installed across the country.

To promote the production and quality control of fortified flour, WFP collaborates with the Burundian Bureau of Standardization and Quality Control and the National Center for Food Technology (CNTA) for the monitoring and accompaniment of millers.

In December 2018, with support from WFP, the SUN Business Network provisional Committee has been set up and a roadmap has been defined. There is a political commitment for the SUN Business Network, but the private sector is not sufficiently informed about its role in nutrition. Burundi’s SUN Business Network is in its early stages and therefore needs further support. Despite this progress, significant challenges still exist with food fortification and SUN business network in Burundi. At present there are a number of working groups established including Burundi National Food Fortification Alliance where issues of fortification are discussed however these groups do not meet and there is a need to consolidate the dialogue on fortification into one structure.

As part of its interventions, WFP purchases and distributes food to beneficiaries. The logistics and handling of these foods require the Food technologist advice and support on national standards compliance and food incidence management.

To address these gaps and to reach majority of the Burundi population with essential vitamins and minerals, WFP Burundi wants to hire a consultant to support the development of food fortification, SUN Business Network and support the country office in term of quality control and food technology. This consultant will work closely with these partners to avoid duplication and in a spirit of cooperation and partnership will ensure that the comparative advantages of WFP is maximized in food fortification and SUN Business Network.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES (not all-inclusive)

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Nutrition, the consultant will be responsible for the overall management of fortification activities. The consultant will provide overall management for fortification activities in the joint projects in which WFP is the lead for fortification. Working in close collaboration with the relevant government authorities, the consultant will support the strengthening of institutional coordination mechanisms, ensure the appropriate national policies and strategies related to food fortification and micronutrient deficiencies are in place. The consultant will assume the role of food technologist and will collaborate, support and work closely with the logistic and supply Chain teams. The consultant may also be called up to lead in the development of new funding proposals and the elaboration of new joint initiatives.

SPEFICIC TASK AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Food fortification

1. Implement fortification program activities, conducting field visits;
2. Provide capacity building of industry and government partners in fortification practices, quality control and assurance;
3. Provide technical support to implement the WFP MNPs program and look for opportunities to expand the scope in close partnership with GOB and UNICEF;
4. Review program monitoring data and provide assistance to country office on routine data to inform and modify program design
5. The consultant will work closely with program management to look for opportunities to expand the scope of WFP’s work on fortification;
6. Facilitate linkages between civil society, government, private sector, and International agencies that promote and build awareness of food fortification.
7. Ensure that the partnerships with DSM and BASF are established and that joint plans of action are put in place

SUN Business Network

1. Support development of SBN annual work plan aligned to the strategic plan objectives;
2. Develop a database of SBN members (current and potential) to identify areas of support required by business to take action or invest in nutrition;
3. Identify new partnerships to address the challenges and opportunities facing business in scaling up the specific nutrition strategies;  
4. Organize and facilitate in meetings of SNB quarterly steering committee to review progress and garner support for the strategic plan;
5. Represent the WFP in SUN Business Network meetings and other relevant national and international meetings to build visibility on initiatives and goals of the SBN.
6. Lead the development of funding proposals for WFP within the sphere of the SBN

Food Technologist

1. Support Country Office on the food technology aspects of food assistance programs, ensuring compliance with WFP food and safety regulations;
2. Help in growing the partnerships with BBN, CNTA and Ministry of Agriculture to address the challenges and opportunities facing in scaling up the specific food quality and standard;
3. Collate and analyze data that will contribute to the preparation of reports relating to food quality and safety, to inform risk management and mitigation plans;
4. Prepare recommendations based on evidence for staff on control measures to combat and reduce food commodity losses and, food quality and safety issues;
5. Support the capacity building of partners (BBN, CNTA, and Ministry of Agriculture) for efficient and effective delivery of food assistance to beneficiaries;
6. Monitor the Food quality standards compliance at industry level.

Reporting/dissemination and proposal writing

1. Contribute to the preparation and review quarterly and annual reports;
2. Document and publish/ related food fortification;
3. Support WFP office to build the capacity of government counterparts in analysis and use of fortification data, including industry assessment, surveillance, consumption, and compliance data;
4. Support the writing of publications related to WFP’s fortification work and SUN Business network, including making presentations to partners and at conferences.
5. Seek out funding opportunities for WFP in the area of food technology and food fortification to allow the CO to bring activities to scale

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Education:

Advanced University degree in Food Technology, Health Sciences, Food Control, Nutrition or other related disciplines. The University needs to be recognized by UNESCO.

Desired experience:

• 5+ years of relevant experience with progressively increasing responsibilities in the field of Food fortification, nutrition and food technology in low income and/or middle-income environments.
• Proven experience managing complex mulitstakeholder projects in a related field either as a team leader or a manager of a specific output.
• Strong analytical, networking, and coordination skills with excellent written and oral communication. Ability to negotiate with a variety of actors from the public sector and civil society.
• Experience in implementing food technology-related tools and protocols.
• Experience working on food assistance programs and development projects.
• Experience coaching and mentoring junior staff.
• Leadership, resistance to stress, ability to work within and lead a team, strong drive for results, cultural sensitivity

Language: English and a strong working knowledge of French is desirable for this role

Location and duration: The post is based in Bujumbura (with field visits to selected areas of Burundi) for a period of 11 months with the possibility of extension.

APPLICATIONS:

Female applicants and qualified applicants from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply.

WFP has zero tolerance for discrimination and does not discriminate.