The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is a leading global provider of objective, evidence-based food security information and analysis. Created in 1985 in response to famines in East and West Africa, the project provides global coverage with a mix of presence and remote monitoring countries. The FEWS NET implementing team includes NASA, NOAA, USGS, USDA, Kimetrica, and Chemonics International, the last of which manages the Washington-based technical office and more than 20 field offices.
Based on in-depth understanding of local livelihoods, FEWS NET analysts monitor information and data on factors that affect food security, such as weather conditions and climate, crops, pasture, markets and trade, and nutrition. FEWS NET produces regular reports including Food Security Outlooks and Outlook Updates, emergency alerts, market and price updates, and global weather hazards. The project also produces specialized research products on food security drivers and crosscutting issues, such as climate change and resilience. FEWS NET makes all reports available at www.fews.net and distributes them globally to governments, relief agencies, and other organizations engaged in humanitarian response and development programs.
The ongoing third phase of FEWS NET (2012-2017) relies on close collaboration with international, regional, and national partners on food security analysis and reinforcement of food security networks. Major activities include joint monitoring and assessments, data exchanges, collaborative analysis and report writing, and training. FEWS NET supports local and regional food security networks to contribute to achieving the global objective of food security for all.
Position Description
In Nigeria, Boko Haram conflict continues to limit food availability and access for households, particularly in the northeast region, for several consecutive year. In the absence of humanitarian assistance, approximately 3.3 million resident and displaced people throughout northeast Nigeria will face significant difficulty accessing adequate food through at least April 2017. Impacts of conflict in northeast Nigeria continues to leave a significant portion of the population with very limited access to food, water, and health services as the conflict persists in the region. Although data remains limited, information from recently liberated populations suggest that possible Famine (IPC Phase 5) acute food insecurity could be occurring in the worst affected and less accessible pockets of the state. Populations in several recently accessible LGA centers in Borno and Yobe States remain in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) acute food insecurity – recent information from these areas show larger gaps in basic food needs and suggest high levels of acute malnutrition. While there has been some improvement in food assistance delivery, market functioning and government services in these LGAs, there are still security risks and limited opportunities for both IDPs and returnees.
The availability of sound nutrition data from northeast Nigeria has been particularly limited since the start of the conflict. Limited representative household surveys (i.e. SMART surveys) have been carried out to assess the current prevalence of acute malnutrition and/or the mortality situation, so the nutrition community has been forced to rely mainly on spotty screening and admissions data. There are relatively few operational partners on the ground, and technical capacity to analyze data, coordinate information, and prioritize assessments is limited.
The position is expected to enhance nutrition support in northeast Nigeria, in collaboration with ACF, with the objectives of better understanding of the current nutrition and mortality situation and improving decision support. The Nutrition Analyst Consultant will provide logistical and technical support to improve the availability of nutrition information and quality of analysis throughout Nigeria.
The FEWS NET Nutrition Analyst Consultant will provide technical support services to the FEWS NET and ACF professional staff and will work under the direct supervision of the FEWS NET National Technical Manager, with further technical support from ACF. The position is expected to be based in either Abuja or Maiduguri, with the Nutrition Analyst Consultant required to travel within Nigeria. Some international travel may be required.
Chemonics International Inc. is looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world and demonstrate leadership, versatility, and integrity in their work. The full Terms of Reference for the position can be found at
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