Consultant to Develop 2018 Socrecard on the Level of Implementation of the NMSPAN with Focus on IYCF, Maternal Nutrition and Staple Food Fortification at Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN)

Background
The Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS) 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 government accountable on commitments made to allocate, release and use transparently funds for 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).

PINNS project adopts a systems approach to strengthening bodies burdened with the responsibility of reducing malnutrition in Nigeria. It pays attention to the unpredictable interaction among factors, sectors, disciplines and determinants of nutrition, bringing to the table key tools and technical support required for the effective coordination and implementation of programs. PINNS seeks to focus on strengthening governance, policy implementation, effective coordination, financing, building the capacity of state actors, generation and effective communication of evidence and promoting accountability. This collective effort will contribute to a reduction in malnutrition, thereby improving the nutritional status of Nigerians, particularly women and children. The organizational capacity of CS-SUNN to become a leading voice on nutrition advocacy in Nigeria by deepening expertise gained from the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) project and building new ones is also one of the goals the project intends to achieve.

Rationale

• As an advocacy tool, the PINNS project intends to develop a scorecard to measure the level of implementation of the NSPAN.
• The scorecard to be developed is to use the most up to date evidence to assess policy actions at National and state levels in a manners that policy makers will understand and be willing to take actions that will address the challenges PINNS is out to address.
• Results from the scorecard will be promote accountability, enhance advocacy and engender healthy competition among the PINNS focal states as they share best practices to improve on the state-specific identified gaps.

Purpose of Assignment

• The purpose of this assignment is to develop a scorecard that CS-SUNN will use to advocate to the government on the level of implementation of the National Multi Sectorial Plan of Action for Nutrition (NMSPAN) with focus on IYCF, Maternal nutrition and staple food fortification at the National level and PINNS focal states (Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Niger and Nasarawa states.)

Specific Tasks
The specific tasks for the consultants are to:

• Develop a plan and a tool for the assignment to be approved by the project team
• Select scoring elements to be approved by project team
• Develop a scorecard
• Present the draft scorecard for review with PINNS project team
• Present the draft scorecard in collaboration with CS-SUNN to relevant stakeholders for feedback/input in a one-day validation meeting.

Expected Outputs
By the end of the assignment the following outputs will be expected:

• Scorecard assessment tool developed and pre-tested
• Scorecard with recommendations/call to action to the government on the level of implementation of the National Multi Sectorial Plan of Action for Nutrition (NMSPAN) with focus on IYCF, Maternal nutrition and staple food fortification.
• PowerPoint of scorecard development process and results to be presented by consultant in a one-day validation meeting.
• A comprehensive report of development process, results and recommendations.

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 or related disciplines.
• S/He should have an indebt understanding of performance scorecard development and how the Nigeria Nutrition Systems work.
• The consultant knowledge and experience of M&E is also an asset in the development of this scorecard.

Timing of Consultancy:

• The duration for the assignment is a total of 20 working days. Assignment must be completed and final submissions made by close of business of the 17th of August, 2018.