Consultant to Conduct Organization/Capacity Assessment and Develop a Business Plan for Growth and Sustainability of CS-SUNN 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 and structures 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 Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) is a non-governmental, non-profit making coalition, made up of organizations with a shared vision to transform Nigeria into a country where every citizen has food and is nutrition secured.
• CS-SUNN pursues this lofty goal by engaging and mobilizing Non-state actors to advocate for relevant policy implementation, raise awareness, generate evidence, build capacity and stimulate communities to scale-up nutrition in Nigeria, with special focus on maternal and child nutrition.
• There is no doubt, CS-SUNN organization’s capacity over time has improved in terms of governance, project planning/delivery, internal control etc. Nevertheless, there is a need to step-up in terms of organizational growth and sustainability through a well thought out road map designed to engender scaled-up nutrition interventions in Nigeria.
• A Key component of the PINNS project investment outcome is to ensure Increased Momentum for Scaling up Nutrition in Nigeria, through concerted Civil Society Action. To attain this outcome, CS-SUNN and its networks at the sub-national level must grow to become an organization with the requisite expertise and capacity to attract sustainable funding and a leading voice for nutrition advocacy in Nigeria.
• To this end CS-SUNN seeks the services of a reputable consultant who will review, update its existing strategic plan, assess its organization/capacity and develop a business/resources mobilization plan that will set it on the path of growth and sustainability.

Purpose of Assignment

• The overall objective of the exercise is to carry out an Organizational-wide Capacity Assessment (OCA) which would include identifying the strengths and gaps in management systems, structures, processes and people in CS-SUNN and its Nutrition networks from PINNS focal states (Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Niger, Nasarawa and FCT).
• The consultant will also review, update existing strategic plan and develop a business plan that will guide its fund mobilization mandate.

Specific Tasks

• Develop a plan of action for the assignment
• Review and update CS-SUNN’s existing Strategic Plan (2017-2021),
• Conduct organization/capacity assessment for CS-SUNN national secretariat,
• Assess the organization’s capacity with respect to its systems, processes and people to effectively and efficiently manage the project, human resources, finances, logistics & infrastructure, and stakeholders.
• Make realistic suggestions and recommendations on how CS-SUNN can address the highlighted capacity gaps in the short, mid and long-term.
• Develop a resource mobilization/business plan that will position the organization to source and secure funds that will facilitate implementation of its strategic plan and implement capacity gaps found during the assessment.
• Develop a CS-SUNN M&E framework and review the Key Performance Indicators,
• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of potential global and local donors to map the feasibility of securing multi-year and thematic funding. Map donors’ strategic areas of interest, funds available, grantees, funding windows, requirements and guidelines and interest in funding key CS-SUNN result areas.
• Recommend how to develop and maintain strategic partnerships and engagement with key donors.

Expected outputs

• An updated 20-page five (5) year Strategic Plan (2017-2021)
• Organization Capacity Assessment draft and final report
• A 15-page resource mobilization strategy that will facilitate sustained funding for key CS-SUNN results.
• An annex that maps donor interests, priorities, funding windows and points to clear actions that should be taken to mobilize funds and develop/maintain relationships with these donors
• An annex that outlines a series of fundraising materials that need to be produced to secure funding/raise the profile of key CS-SUNN results
• An action plan that outlines clear time lines for the action proposed
• A plan for building the capacity of key staff in mobilizing and leveraging resources and developing and maintaining partnerships for the CS-SUNN

Qualification or specialized Knowledge/ Experience Required

• Academic Qualifications in an advanced degree in organizational development, Business management, Economics, Finance, or related technical field.
• The consultant should have vast knowledge in Institutional development with experience of strategic planning, capacity assessment, financial management, management etc.
• This consultant must rely on and make use of the substantial body of knowledge and experience within CS-SUNN and its state chapters regarding growth, sustainability and stakeholder relations.

Timing of Consultancy:

• The Business Plan shall incorporate and be built on the CS-SUNN strategic plan. 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 31st July, 2018.