Consultant to Conduct Political Economy Analysis on Nutrition Development at the National and Focal States 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

• The political landscape in any country is influenced by certain individuals; they may be influential media personnel, religious, traditional or even political leaders who are interested in issues or can be educated to speak up for advocacy issues.
• The need to identify, educate and engage them as allies/champions is vital to the success of any campaign. Doing a proper power mapping/political economy analysis in project locations to identify relevant person(s) with needed influence/contacts, will bring to the table access, stimulus on the primary target who has the power to bring the required change to pass.
• CS-SUNN is therefore looking for a competent consultant who will identify key influential individuals (In-government persons, Influential media, traditional leaders, religious leaders and gatekeepers) to be engaged as champions of the PINNS project.
• The consultant looking at the PINNS project is also expected to define how they will be engaged, educated, monitored and measured. S/He will also develop tools that will be used by the project to assess the impact of each champion/champions contributes to attaining the projects investment outcomes.

Purpose of Assignment

• The purpose of this assignment is to conduct a Political Economy Analysis at National level and in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Nasarawa and Niger states on Nutrition Development in line with PINNS project.

Specific Tasks
The specific tasks include:

• Develop a plan of action for the assignment and secure approval by the PINNS project team
• Carry out the assignment
• Submit a Political Economy Analysis report on Nutrition Development to guide National level advocacy work and in Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Niger and Nasarawa states.

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

• Study design and tool to be used including
• Champions engagement and action plan template
• Mapping report showing the political dynamics of project locations, relevant influencers and the process of engaging them for results.

Type of Consultants Required

• The consultant should have extensive knowledge of the Nigerian Health/Nutrition systems and policy landscape with experience in political economy analysis and working with champions for amplified results.
• The consultant will be expected to have an advanced degree in Public Health, Health Planning, Policy and Management, Health Economics and Financing, Public Policy, Nutrition, Sociology or related disciplines.
• S/He should have an indepth understanding of how the Nigeria Nutrition Systems work, the challenges and how to address gaps and way forwards.
• S/He must also have a proven quantitative and qualitative research and drafting skills.
• S/He must show previous experience in this capacity with ability and clear display of developing appraisal tools for measuring performance.

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 on the 3rd of August, 2018.