Country: Maldives
Closing date: 28 Feb 2019
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Purpose of assignment & Background:
The nutrition status of Maldivian population has shown slight gains over the past decades; however, these improvements are not in pace with major other developments the country has witnessed. Malnutrition of under-five children is still at a worrying level - with stunting (18.9%), wasting (10.5%) and obesity (7% and on the rise) (DHS, 2009). More recent assessments indicate that inadequate child feeding skills, lack of support to caregivers leading to low food diversity and density, coupled with heavy reliance on packaged food, and other related factors contributing the malnutrition problem.
The first 1000 days of life -from the start of a woman's pregnancy until her child's second birthday- offers a critical window of opportunity to develop a strong foundation to shape a child's future and the future of a society. The right nutrition during this period is critical for brain development, healthy growth, a strong immune system, and protection from chronic disease later in life. If children do not get the right nutrients in then right quantities during this period, the damage is often irreversible. It provides an opportunity to reduce the double burden of malnutrition in the Maldives. Social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) interventions are key interventions for addressing social and cultural barriers to achieving nutrition goals, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality from nutrition-preventable health causes.
The Health Protection Agency with the support of UNICEF and other donor agencies had designed a Social Behaviour Change Communication Strategy for the first 1000 days of life has been developed to coordinated SBCC package of activities that effectively protect, promote and support appropriate maternal nutrition and infant and young child feeding (IYCF). The strategy presents key evidence-based SBCC actions at five levels of society -individual, household, community, healthcare service and the wider environmental level, to enable individual and social behaviour change to take place. The SBCC Strategy and an accompanying action plan, provides detailed guidance for implementing the strategy, including concrete actions and timelines.
In this regard, UNICEF is seeking a national consultant to provide technical and operational support to roll-out the SBCC strategy and action plan.
What are the objectives to which the consultancy is related?
The purpose of the assignment is to support the coordination and implementation of activities planned under the SBCC Strategy and other relevant nutrition activities implemented in the target islands, and advice relevant departments and managers at the MoH and HPA on best ways to strengthen the existing service delivery platforms. The main objective is to provide technical expertise and operational support to roll out activities of the SBCC Strategy and action plan. The specific objectives are to:
Duty station:
Consultant will be mainly based in the Health Protection Agency and work closely with UNICEF. There will be travel / outreach support to SBCC demonstration sites and islands.
Supervisor
UNICEF Programme Specialist for Health, Nutrition & HIV/AIDS. From the Government, the Head of Nutrition section in Health Protection Agency, Male, Maldives will provide support and guidance.
Major tasks to be Accomplished
The consultant will be coordinating and implementing the activities outlined in SBCC strategy and action plan. Key tasks include, but is not limited to:
Main Purpose: Support the coordination and implementation of activities planned under the SBCC Strategy and other relevant nutrition activities implemented in the target islands, and advice relevant departments and managers at the MoH and HPA on best ways to strengthen the existing service delivery platforms
Tasks
Deliverable
Objective:
Support the implementation and coordination of the SBCC strategy at central level, and support implementation in public health units of 12 target islands
Objective
In consultation with relevant managers and decision makers in HPA, design and coordinate the implementation of activities in the SBCC strategy for the first 1000 days of life, to improve health workers' capacity in optimal maternal nutrition and infant & young child feeding, and early childhood care
Objective:
Supportthe integrationof SBCC key messages within the Growth Monitoring Promotion and Infant Young Child Feeding Counselling services as well as anti-natal care programme provided at health centersin the target 12 islands.
Note: detailed activities are included in the SBCC action plan
Estimated duration of contract:
it is estimated that the project will take approximately 11 months between February 2019 - Jan 2020.
Official travel involved (itinerary and duration):
Frequent travel to project islands
Qualifications or specialized knowledge and/or experience required:
Deadline for application: 28th February 2019, before 06:00 pm
Application link:
https://secure.dc7.pageuppeople.com/apply/671/gateway/Default.aspx?c=app...
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
How to apply:
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 our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=519977