Terms of Reference - The Independent External Evaluation of Action Against Hunger’s Buffer Stocks USAID Project at Action Against Hunger | ACF-International

Project and Study Summary Table

Reference of the Assessment

PD-ABU-01755-001

Project Name   Ensuring Continuation of CMAM Intervention through Provision of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) Buffer Stock In North East Nigeria

Location (country region/s)

Borno, Yobe & Adamawa States, North-East, Nigeria

Sector    Nutrition & Health
Implementing Partners (if applicable)

N/A

1. Project Background
1.1. Rationale for the Project
The humanitarian crisis in North-East Nigeria has become protracted, with the populace bearing the brunt of the conflict that has resulted in widespread displacement, destroyed infrastructure and collapsed basic social services. Threats of attacks by non-state armed groups and restrictions in movements continue to have negative impacts on trade, livelihoods and markets, leaving a
substantial proportion of the population relying on humanitarian assistance. As at November 2020,
2,144,135 people are still displaced in the three most affected states - Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States – with 80 percent of the displaced population being women and children.
The overall levels of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates in the BAY states has not significantly changed since 2017. In Borno State, the GAM rates have slightly decreased over the past year from
11.6% to the current 8.1%. The GAM rates in Yobe State have remained persistently high at above the 10% threshold for the past three years. In 2020 the Nutrition Sector will directly target 808,536
people including 255,619 severely malnourished children under five, 283,425 moderately malnourished children under five and 269,492 pregnant and breastfeeding women and caregivers of
children 0-23 months. These population sub-groups are most disproportionately affected by the impact of conflict and drought, and are most physiologically vulnerable to nutrition-related diseases
and a higher risk of mortality.
The nutrition sector capacity slightly increased from 17 partners in 2019 to 22 active in 2020, the majority of whom are in Borno State. This includes 17 INGOs, two NNGOs, and three UN
agencies. The Sector's capacity for treatment of SAM through outpatient therapeutic programme (OTP) is high while moderate in the inpatient treatment of SAM cases and moderate acute
malnutrition (MAM) especially in Adamawa and Yobe states. AAH is supporting RUTF to 11 partners through MoU and monitoring of the distribution,
utilization and consumption of RUTF at facility level with the aim of ensuring proper service delivery and accountability in the program.

1.2 Geographical scope covered by the analysis
The geographical scope of the evaluation will cover Borno, Yobe & Adamawa States, North-East,
Nigeria (This is subjected to change depending on security concerns).
2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
2.1. Objectives of the Evaluation
This evaluation will be conducted as an exercise of accountability towards the donor. It aims to provide useful insights for program learning and accountability especially in light of the
transitioning process. To ensure supply of RUTF for treatment of SAM children in BAY states
in North-East Nigeria during the break in regular RUTF pipeline.
3. Profile of the Evaluator
The evaluation will be carried out by an international/national evaluation consultant(s) with the following profile:

• Knowledge in Nutrition (CMAM, SAM, MAM, GAM) sector with particular experience on RUTF supply chain management;
• Significant field experience in the evaluation of humanitarian / development projects;
• Significant field experience in the evaluation of humanitarian/ development supply chain management for INGOs.
• Relevant degree / equivalent experience related to the evaluation to be undertaken;
• Significant experience in coordination, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs preferably Nutrition sector;
• Good communications skills and experience of workshop facilitation;
• Ability to write clear and useful reports (may be required to produce examples of previous work);
• Fluent in English;
• Understanding of donor requirements (USAID) including donor evaluation guidelines;
• Ability to manage the available time and resources and to work to tight deadlines;
• Independence from the parties involved;
• Familiarity with the context of the humanitarian situation in (BAY States) Northeast
• Nigeria will be an added as advantage.