Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E) Consultant

PART ITitle of Assignment Regional Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E) ConsultantSectionNUTRITIONLocation Nairobi based if locally recruited or remote. 30-40% travel in all cases.Duration 3.5 months approximativelyStart date From:*01/10/2015From:15/01/2016*

Background and Justification

UNICEF and Save the Children share a common mission to promote children’s rights and meet the needs of the most disadvantaged children, their families and communities. In 2012, UNICEF and Save the Children signed a global Letter of Collaboration to encourage closer joint working in achieving this mission. The Letter of Collaboration sets out the commitment of the two organizations to work together in realizing the rights of children in the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region.

IYCF is core to Save the Children and UNICEF’s programming in development and humanitarian settings:

· The two agencies recognize, emphasize and promote the importance of good IYCF as a basic human right for children;

· Interventions promoting, protecting and supporting optimal IYCF are known to be lifesaving and cost effective (Lancet Series, 2003, 2008 and 2013);

· Supporting IYCF in emergency affected areas is one of the six nutrition strategic commitments described in UNICEF’s Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action; Furthermore for UNICEF, IYCF is a corporate priority overall and in the context of emergency programming the following references have been articulated in UNICEF CCC manual.

· IYCF-E is a central element in Save the Children’s Maternal, Infant and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) strategy for 2016-2018, which paves the way for the 2030 ambition that ‘No child dies of preventable causes before their fifth birthday’.

However a review by Save the Children in 2012 found that IYCF interventions are not delivered at scale during acute or protracted emergencies. The review of IYCF–E indicated the following as key bottlenecks to the scale up of IYCF in emergencies: limited technical capacity on IYCF/IYCF-E, insufficient preparedness for emergencies in IYCF, lack of national coordinating bodies, funding constraints, and low prioritisation of IYCF-E.

From the UNICEF perspective there is increasing demand for expertise in IYCF-E from nutrition programming stakeholders in countries facing chronic sustained emergencies or even those that experience acute emergencies. In particular there is growing awareness that when an emergency strikes not all the programme staff necessarily prioritize actions related to protecting, promoting and supporting IYCF-E.

In order to address the recommendations emerging from the May 2015 SCI workshop, and to address the observations from the programme side, and giventhe frequency and scale of emergencies in East Africa and consequential risks for children’s morbidity and mortality UNICEF and Save the Children have agreed to focus on IYCF-E as a key technical area in need of expert support and collaboration to achieve optimal results To this end the two organisations are seeking the assistance of a consultant to conduct country-level IYCF-E capacity mapping in the region, specifically[1] South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia.

This assignment falls under UNICEF ESARO 2015-6 nutrition section rolling workplan under “Development Effectiveness” output 2.4.6.”Technical Assistance: At least 10 COs supported in nutrition emergencies preparedness, response and/or resilience strengthening”. The desiganated workplan activity reference is “Review (capacity mapping) and define an IYCF-E preparedness and response”.

Scope of Work

1)Goal and Objective

Under the supervision of the Regional Nutrition Specialist-Emergency, the consultant will undertake a capacity mapping for IYCF-E capacity mapping in South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia, identify good practices, key bottlenecks and gaps and prepare a capacity development plan for these countries for IYCF-E.

2)Provide details/reference to AWP areas covered

This activity and its deliverables are derived from the framework of collaboration between UNICEF ESARO and Save the Children for East and Southern Africa.

This assignment falls under UNICEF ESARO 2015-6 nutrition section rolling workplan under “Development Effectiveness” output 2.4.6.” Technical Assistance: At least 10 COs supported in nutrition emergencies preparedness, response and/or resilience strengthening”. The desiganated workplan activity reference is “Review (capacity mapping) and define an IYCF-E preparedness and response”.

3)Activities and Tasks

Specific activities to be completed include the following:

• Undertake a desk review[2] on IYCF-E emergency preparedness and response (and capacity status) including the identification of key gaps, bottlenecks and good practices, with a focus in South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia.
• Define the methods and tools required to conduct comprehensive IYCF-E capacity mapping and pre-test the tools (including an on-line survey, key informants interviews, etc.) to be administered in selected countries, along with a bottleneck analysis.
• Lead the technical organization and facilitation of country level workshop with country stakeholders.
• Consolidate and analyse findings gathered from the countries and prepare a report that will serve as a basis to develop/propose a capacity development/strengthening programme for IYCF-E in consultation with stakeholders in selected countries. This shall include all the materials and roll-out plans by country.
• Prepare and submit a final report that will (1) establish current country level capacity, (2) indicate country readiness to respond with IYCF programming prior and during an emergency and the challenges faced that prevent an effective response, (3) list and explain country level capacity gaps, (4) and propose a framework for action. This will include the capacity-building activities for response to acute/rapid onset emergencies, protracted emergencies and acute emergency ‘spikes’ within protracted emergencies.

4)Work relationships

• Under the contractual arrangement with UNICEF ESARO, the consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Regional Nutrition Specialist-Emergency, UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office for administrative purposes. Given the framework of collaboration between UNICEF ESARO and Save the Children, the consultant will be technically supervised by UNICEF Regional Nutrition Specialist-Emergency and Save the Children Humanitarian Nutrition Adviser - East Africa Region.
• The consultant will be expected to implement the tasks above or any reasonable tasks that will allow him/her to produce quality deliverables as proposed in these TORs.
• The consultant will travel to Nairobi within one week of contract signing to develop a detailed work plan and discuss with the Nutrition team (inception phase). During this inception phase, a detaied calendar of activities will be validated and this would include the necessary trips.
• Performance reviews will be undertaken by UNICEF Regional Nutrition Specialist-Emergency and Save the Children Humanitarian Nutrition Adviser - East Africa Region on a regular and frequent basis through formal submissions of deliverables, their reviews, feed-back to the consultant. Telephone (SKYPE) updates could also be used in between the monthly progress review. Mission(s) to Nairobi to have in-depth review of work will be conducted during the inception phase.
• Visits to countries in the region will be conducted as necessary.
• End consultancy performance review after receipt of all deliverables.
• Performance indicators for evaluation of results: (i) Timeliness of draft and final report submissions; (ii) Quality of analysis and reports.

5)Outputs/Deliverables:

Key tasksDeliverables Duration

(Estimated # of days or weeks) Timeline / Deadline Schedule of payment Develop a detailed consultancy plan Inception report 5 days By end of week 1 Combined payments by end of week 4:

15% payment upon submission and acceptance of inception report

15% payment upon submission and acceptance of finalized mapping tools Review of country level readiness and capacities for IYCF emergency preparedness and response, and document existing gaps, bottlenecks, good practices IYCF-E preparedness, response and capacity mapping tools developed, tested and finalized Up to 3 weeks By end of week 4 Report on IYCF-E preparedness, response and capacity status including gaps, bottlenecks, good practices in South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia Up to 10 weeks By end of week 10 25% payment upon submission and acceptance of IYCF-E capacity situation Develop a framework/plan of action for IYCF emergency preparedness and response that includes identification of key advocacy, capacity-building actions for preparedness and response for IYCF-E, including the roll-out of the IYCF-E toolkit (with a specific focus on developing awareness and knowledge of pre-crisis and response planning, advocacy, institutional capacities and funding in acute and protracted emergencies) Framework for action to strengthen IYCF-E preparedness and response in South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia, including country level roll-out of the IYCF-E toolkit and highlighting IYCF-E integration opportunities within country level EPR processes Up to 4 weeks By end of week 12 25% payment upon submission and acceptance of IYCF-E plan of action Identify joint opportunities to incorporate the framework/plan of action into country level emergency preparedness and response plans Support resource mobilization efforts for IYCF-E framework/plan to be operationalized and ensure sustainable continuation of IYCF-E after the end of this project Concept note and funding proposal to support country and regional level actions for IYCF-E preparedness and response. Up to one week By end of week 14 20% payment upon submission and acceptance of concept note and funding proposal

Payment Schedule

Payments are linked to deliverables and made upon satisfactory completion of deliverables.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

This consultancy is open to Kenya Nationals and International professionals.

• Masters degree in Human Nutrition preferably with corresponding degree in Public Health, Food Security, Medicine or other related field.
• At least five years of relevant and substantial experience in Nutrition in Emergency programmes, Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) programming with emphasis on Infant Feeding in Emergency (IFE).
• Experience in policies and legislations on the code of marketing of Breast Milk Substitute (BMS).
• Experience in programme communications (C4D) around issues such as breast feeding promotions and IYFC/IFE programming at large.
• Trained on and direct practical experience in infant and young child feeding in emergencies and disaster situations.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices, the International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes and the Operational Guidance on IYCF-E and Sphere.
• Experience in developing and implementing IYCF-E programmes
• Certification and accreditation in lactation management or proven IYCF expertise is essential
• Strong communications skills and the ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders, including nutrition clusters, partners and Ministry of Health
• Highly developed writing skills
• Ability to analyse diverse information and develop recommendations for an appropriate capacity-building plan
• Demonstrated capacity in delivering high quality training

Desired Competencies

1. Communication - Ability to express complex technical concepts effectively, both verbally and in writing; effectively presenting thoughts and ideas in a clear, concise, and readily understood manner. Listen to and acknowledges others' perspectives and views.
2. Builds, maintains, and leverages a diverse network of contacts, strategic partnerships and alliances with donors, as well as other UN Agencies, NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, international financial institutions, media and civil society.
3. Team Leadership - Energizes, inspires, and develops others by creating a shared vision, demonstrates model performance and professionalism, and recognizes and rewards results. Cooperates and works effectively with others in the pursuit of common goals respecting different gender, culture, opinions, values, perspectives, ideas, skills, expertise, knowledge, and experiences
4. Judgement - Able to make effective, realistic, and impactful decisions based on limited information and time, logical inferences, experiences, and the consideration of implications, alternatives, and consequences.
5. Flexibility - Works effectively on multiple assignments simultaneously in an emergency setting and adapts to changing demands and circumstances; adaptable and ready to travel with little or short notice.
6. Managing stress - Performs effectively in unstable, uncertain, or potentially dangerous environments while maintaining physical and mental health.

Administrative issues

The consultancy is based remotely with travel to ESARO and travel to selected country(ies) in ESA.

The consultancy duration will be for 3.5 months effective 1st October 2015 to 15 January 2016.

Conditions

The consultancy is based remotely. No office space or equipment will be provided from UNICEF and will be the sole responsibility of the consultant, except when the consultant is in Nairobi on mission for the inception report and for any other consultations pre-approved by ESARO.

All travel is by most economical fare and reimbursement as per UNICEF policy.

As per UNICEF DFAM policy, payment is made against approved deliverables. No advance payment is allowed unless in exceptional circumstances against bank guarantee, subject to a maximum of 30 per cent of the total contract value in cases where advance purchases, for example for supplies or travel, may be necessary.

The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF’s General Terms and Conditions for individual contracts.

Risks

Risks include emergencies and crises that might affect some or all of the focus countries and regions during the duration of the consultancy that will affect the implementation of the grant and its reporting. Personal hardship on the part of the consultant may also constrain timely and good quality outputs from the consultant. The contract with the consultant will specify terms in which a termination of contract can be done if the work will be compromised.

[1] These three countries represent various programming environment in term of exposure to emergencies and IYCF programming. It is expected that the learnings from the development in these three countries will serve the other countries in the region.

[2] Materials for the desk review includes the May 2015 regional IYCF-E workshop report but are not limited to these ones.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested and suitable candidates should ensure that they forward their applications (a cover letter, CV, and signed P11 form which can be downloaded at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/P11.doc), quoting the indicative all-inclusive fee range and the consultancy reference ESARO/SSA/NUTR/2015-030 on or before 01/10/2015 to:

The Human Resources Manager

UNICEF Kenya Country Office

Email address: kenhrvacanciesE@unicef.org

Applications submitted without an all-inclusive fee/ rate will not be considered. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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 the organization.