Nutrition Data Consultant at UNICEF

Background

• In Nigeria, malnutrition and food insecurity are prevalent. Nigeria is ranked number one in Africa and number two in the world in terms of the magnitude of malnourished children (under 5 years).
• An estimated 15 million children are stunted, while about 3.5 million are wasted.  
• The Northwest region is affected with high acute malnutrition levels (Sokoto 11%, Kebbi 11% and Zamfara 8.5%). Stunting is very high with almost 1 in 2 children being stunted.
• Children in this region are also suffering from anaemia at 42%, which is of great public health concern.
• The UNICEF nutrition programme aims to deliver high-impact nutrition services in an integrated manner with a focus on the prevention of malnutrition in both humanitarian and development settings.
• With a focus on system strengthening, UNICEF works with the government and other partners in scaling up nutrition services in the targeted states. Monitoring of the nutrition situation and programme performance is of high value to ensure accountability for resources and results.
• Nutrition data systems in Northwest requires strengthening to ensure the key components (people, data, technology, processes, and procedures) are functional. There are two main nutrition data types in Nigeria – population level survey data and administrative routine programme data.
• At population level the key surveys implemented in Northwest include Nutrition SMART surveys.
• The routine programme data includes District Health Information System 2 (DHIS-2) and programme monitoring of data managed by various organizations.
• UNICEF is also supporting the focus states in the rollout of the Nigeria Health Logistics Management Information System. This is expected to build institutional capacity on nutrition commodity management, distribution and reporting.

Purpose of Activity / Assignment

• The purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical support in nutrition programme delivery in the focus states as well as strengthening nutrition data systems (nutrition data and logistics) in the states under the Sokoto Field.

Scope of Work
The consultant will be required to among others:

• Support nutrition programme design and implementation in the targeted states
• Support the roll out of the nutrition module of District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2) in the targeted states and LGAs
• Support the roll out and operationalization of the  Nigeria  Health Logistics Management Information System
• Coordinate planning and implementation of Nutrition SMART surveys in the states under the Sokoto Field Office
• Technical support in food security analysis and IPC Acute Malnutrition Analysis
• Support programme performance analysis, monitoring and reporting
• Support the capacity development of government and partners on nutrition data
• Support the collation and analysis of third-party monitoring reports/checklists for patterns, trends and field observations.

Work Assignment Overview
Tasks / Milestone:

• Nutrition programme support, evidence generation, reporting, and data quality assurance 

Deliverables / Outputs:

•  Finalize SMART survey report for Sokoto FO
• Update monthly nutrition bulletin or dashboard
• Provide technical assistance during the MNCHW campaign exercise.
• Update the PMS for the Nutrition Section and IMAM database for Sokoto FO states.
• Conduct nutrition data management and IMAM training for government and partner staff.
• Facilitate monthly reporting on NHLMIS for the three states

Tasks / Milestone:

• Capacity building, scale-up of programme implementation and knowledge sharing were enhanced.

Deliverables / Outputs:

• Conduct nutrition data management and IMAM training for government and partner’s staff.
• Validate MNCHW data for the Sokoto FO states
• Ensure monthly reporting on NHLMIS for the Sokoto FO states
• Update PMS for the Nutrition Section and IMAM database for Sokoto FO states.
• Support the scale-up of nutrition programming in the states
• Prepare nutrition supply inventory report
• Consolidate and analyze third third-party facilitators' report with recommendations

Tasks / Milestone:

• Routine programming, data compilation, and cleaning process strengthened.

Deliverables / Outputs:

• Ensure monthly reporting on NHLMIS for the three states
• Update PMS for the Nutrition Section and IMAM database for Sokoto FO states.
• Initiate the planning for round 1 MNCHW campaign.
• Technical support provided on DHIS2 data entry and consistency checks.
• Support the scale-up of nutrition programmes in the states
• Prepare nutrition supply inventory report
• Consolidate and analyze third third-party facilitators' reports with recommendations

Tasks / Milestone:

• Programme support, evidence generation through survey, reporting, and data quality assurance

Deliverables / Outputs:

• Support the FO operational plan for MNCHW
• Support the implementation of MNCHW in the targeted states
• PMS for the Nutrition Section and IMAM database updated for Sokoto FO states.
• Ensure monthly reporting on NHLMIS for the three states
• Plan for annual SMART survey and survey protocol finalized.
• Prepare nutrition supply inventory report from the state CMS
• Consolidate and analyze third-party facilitators' reports with recommendations

Tasks / Milestone:

• CH/IPC AMN pre-analysis activities completed and 2027 HAC preparation

Deliverables / Outputs:

• Data quality assurance plan developed
• Pre-analysis dataset prepared for CH/IPC completed and reported
• PMS for the Nutrition Section and IMAM database updated for Sokoto FO states.
• Ensure monthly reporting on NHLMIS for the three states
• End of assignment report

Minimum Requirements

• A professional with over 3 years experience in nutrition or public health
• Evidence of planning, implementing, analyzing, and reporting on routine nutrition programme data, nutrition SMART surveys, IPC Acute Malnutrition, and Food security analysis.
• Experience working in public health/food security/nutrition-related activities.
• Experience in both development and humanitarian contexts is an added advantage.
• Experience in health/nutrition program/project development, especially within a UN system agency or organization, is an asset. 
• Evidence of developing communication and knowledge management products in health and nutrition
• Strong communication skills - both oral and written in English
• Experience in working for UNICEF or UN agencies.