TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT A STUDY AND PRODUCE SCORECARDS ON THE LEVEL OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE N/SMSPFAN- REFERENCE: CS-SUNN/2021 – 11/00013
About CS-SUNN:
The Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) is a non-governmental, non-profit making alliance, made up of organizations with a shared vision to transform Nigeria into a country where every citizen has food and is nutrition secured. We pursue this lofty goal by engaging government and non-state actors to raise awareness, sustain commitment and actions to effectively tackle under-nutrition in Nigeria. We have grown to an alliance with over 400 members and have a full presence in 26 out of 36 states in Nigeria. We are one of the leading vanguards for nutrition in Nigeria since 2013.
About PINNS 2.0 Project
The Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS) 2.0 is a project designed to strengthen the Nigeria nutrition systems to be more Result-driven, Effective, Serviceable, Efficient, and Transparent (RESET). This is to facilitate the delivery of Nutrition interventions and to hold the government accountable on commitments made to allocate, release, and use transparently funds for the implementation of high impact Nutrition interventions in Nigeria through evidence-based advocacy**.**
Malnutrition in Nigeria is caused by several factors including lack of food, improper feeding and caring practices, economic and political structures, low status, and lack of education among women, etc. Therefore, a multi-sectoral approach is required for a reduction and eventual eradication of the scourge. The UNICEF conceptual framework (UNICEF 2013) brings to the fore the need for multi-actors, disciplines, sectors, and systems in this effort as evidence increasingly suggests that solving malnutrition can benefit from a systems approach (WHO 2009; Hammond & Dube’ 2012).
The project is a continuation of the just-completed PINNS 1.0 and connects the importance of optimal nutrition to attaining Nigeria’s Human Capital Development goal by 2025. The project will continue to support the Nigeria nutrition system to be more Result-Driven, Effective, Serviceable, Efficient, and Transparent (RESET).
National and State Multi Sectorial Plan of Action for Nutrition:
The National/State Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Nutrition (NMSPAN) is expected to aid the implementation of nutrition-related interventions at both the national and state levels in Nigeria. Full Implementation of the strategy will lead to the improved nutritional status of women and children and will inadvertently improve the health status of families, thereby reducing the risk of malnutrition among vulnerable groups in the country. Information garnered during the study, will be utilized by CS-SUNN to conduct evidence-based advocacy for improved funding and implementation of the NMSPAN with a particular focus on high-impact interventions.
The National Multi-Sectoral Plan of Action for Nutrition (NMSPAN) has been finalized by nutrition stakeholders in Nigeria under the leadership of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. The plan was approved by the National Council on Nutrition (NCN) led by the Vice president.
The PINNS project supported the development of the plan at the national level until it was approved and domesticated in the five project states and have been advocating for the Implementation of the NMSPAN focusing more on evidenced-based advocacy for high impacts nutrition interventions such as IYCN, Maternal nutrition and staple food fortification in the first phase of the project. It is paramount to know the level of implementation of the policy and plan at the national and focal states to measure the successes of the PINNS project as well as know where to tailor advocacy in the PINNS 2.0 project for complete implementation of the policy and plan.
Purpose of Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a study on the level of implementation of the NMSPFAN at the national and in focal states (Lagos, Kaduna, Niger, Kano, Nasarawa). This will serve as a baseline for the PINNS 2.0 project as the consultant will also produce national and state-specific policy briefs and factsheets from the studies, to be used for advocacy**.**
Specific Tasks
The specific tasks for the consultants are:
- Develop a baseline study design to track Policy, budget allocation, and releases for Implementation of the National Multisectoral Strategic Plan of Action for Nutrition (NMSPFAN) in nutrition-related Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) at the National and focal states. The study design must clearly bring out the level of funding and implementation of high-impact interventions like IYCF, Maternal nutrition, staple food fortification, etc.
- Develop and produce baseline study tool
- Conduct baseline study
- Identify regulatory barriers to the smooth implementation of nutrition programmes, allocation, and release of funds
- Triangulate findings against regional/global best practices
- Develop a comprehensive report which should be peer-reviewed for quality and output at the end of the assignment
- Develop state-specific policy briefs and factsheets proffering policy-related recommendations and calls to action to policymakers and other key stakeholders.
Expected Outputs
By the end of the assignment the following outputs will be expected:
- A final report on baseline study on the level of implementation of the NMSPAN with focus on maternal and child nutrition and IYCF at the National and focal states.
- Final state-specific policy briefs and fact sheets with recommendations and calls to action on the implementation of the NMSPAN.
- Study design, tools used
Type of Consultants Required
The consultant should have extensive knowledge of the Nigerian health/Nutrition systems and policy landscape with experience in implementing public health programmes, especially MNCH and nutrition-related services. The consultant will be expected to have an advanced degree in Public Health, Health Planning, Policy and Management, Epidemiology, Health Economics and Financing, Public Policy, Nutrition, Sociology, and related disciplines. S/He should have an in-depth understanding of how the Nigeria Nutrition System works, the challenges, and how to address gaps and way forwards. S/He must also be vast in collecting and analyzing both quantitative/qualitative data.
Timing of Consultancy
The assignment will be carried out in Abuja and focal states (Lagos, Kano, Niger, Nasarawa, and Kaduna) and will last for 20 working days in January/February 2022.
Activities:
Preparations: 2 days
Study design and development of tools: 5 days
Data Collection: 5 days
Report writing (Draft and Final reports of baseline and policy briefs): 8 days
How to apply
Application
Interested consultants who meet the qualifications are to send an expression of interest by submitting a formal application with the following:
– Curriculum Vitae
– Technical offer containing work plan and methodology
– Confirmed availability for the completion of the job
– Financial offer including (a) daily consultancy fee– all taxes and duties included; (b) travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs (if applicable) to [email protected] on or before Tuesday 7th of December, 2021.
Please address correspondence to:
The Executive Secretary,
Civil Society Scaling-up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN)
Plot 203 Cadastral Zone B02, Off Oladipo Diya Way (Beside Coded Suites), Durumi District, Abuja.
Anti-Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
CS-SUNN has a zero-tolerance for sexual exploitation and sexual abuse in all ramifications.
This is considered gross misconduct. ‘Sexual abuse’ means the actual or threatened physical intrusion
Of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.
Successful consultants will be contacted for a formal meeting **
More Information
- Job City FCT
