Vacancy for Consultant – Nutrition Survey at Save the Children Nigeria

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. Each year, we and our partners reach millions of children in communities around the world. Join our dedicated and diverse staff in their work to improve the well-being of children everywhere.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Consultant – Nutrition Survey Using SMART Methodology

Job ID: 1900018G
Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Employee Status: Fixed Term

Background
Save the Children has been working in Nigeria since 2001. The early focus was on getting children actively involved in shaping the decisions that affect their lives.  Today, SC is working in 20 states focusing on child survival, education and protecting children in both development and humanitarian contexts. The humanitarian response started in 2014 with Save the Children among one of the first responders to the conflict.

The ongoing conflict in the North East continues to increase population displacements, restrict income generating opportunities, limit trade flows and escalate food prices. As a result of the reduced food availability and access, local and IDP populations in worst-affected areas of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states continue to experience food gaps, in line with crisis (IPC Phase 4) acute food insecurity, with an estimated 4.6M people in Phase 3-5 (Cadre Harmonizé (CH) Analysis).

Survey Methodology

• The consultant/s will prepare and conduct a SMART survey in Borno state. He/she will develop and design survey tools using SMART Methodology i.e. sampling procedure, sample size for anthropometric data, selection of households and children, training and supervision of teams during data collection
• Generally, he/she assume overall responsibility of carrying out the survey.

Specific Objectives of the Consultancy

• To determine prevalence of Malnutrition (acute malnutrition, chronic malnutrition, underweight, overweight and obesity) among children 6-59 months in the target population
• To assess retrospective morbidity among children under 5 in the target population
• To assess retrospective mortality (Crude Mortality and U5 Mortality rates) over 3 months’ recall period among target populations.
• To estimate measles vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation coverage in the target population.
• To assess IYCF practices among the households with children under two years of age in the target population
• To estimate the prevalence of malnutrition in women of reproductive age in the target population
• To establish recommendations on actions to address identified gaps, to support planning, advocacy, decision making and monitoring.

Scope of Work

• Develop and design SMART survey protocol, including sample size estimation, population size, clustering of the villages etc., and validate contextual tools using the SMART methodology
• Train the SMART data collection teams and data clerks (including field testing)
• Organize survey: Ensure accurate data collection at field level. Ensure adequate supervision and coordination of the survey teams in the field and collect relevant reference materials for report writing
• Be responsible for data cleaning and analysis using appropriate software i.e. Epi Info, SPSS, ENA for SMART
• Prepare a draft SMART survey report for review by SCI, ensuring that the assessment is comprehensive and includes all relevant indicators
• Prepare a final report including background, methodology, results, limitations, conclusions and recommendations incorporating feedback from SCI staff on the draft report and Nutrition Information Management working group for validation.

Reporting:

• The preliminary assessment report will be sent to the SCI within 3 days of completion of data collection; the consultant will present preliminary findings of the survey to SCI, and SCI team will upon review, send it to the nutrition cluster and or Inter Agency Working Group for validation purpose.
• The consultant will lead in the presentation of the survey summary before the Nutrition sector/ Inter Agency Working Group members
• The final report, incorporating all comments and inputs received, will be submitted to SCI within 5 days after validation of the preliminary report.

The Consultant is expected to provide (Required Deliverables):

• Inception report explaining the methodology, sample size calculation and means of analyses following the sector guideline.
• Final nutrition survey Methodology (agreed following consultant selection).
• Power point presentation of preliminary findings.
• A preliminary and final survey report.
• An Itemized price quotation for consultancy fee (Exclusive of international and domestic travel expenses which will be provided separately by SCI)

Time Frame and Work Schedule
The duration of the consultancy will be 30 days. The start date will be the date indicated in the Contract. See here bellow the survey schedule:

• Travel days: 1 days
• Preparation of survey protocols, developing tools and collection of secondary data: 5 days
• Training and pre-testing of SCI staff and Survey enumerators: 5 days
• Data collection and entry: 10 days
• Analysis and Submission of Preliminary Report:3 days
• Develop and submit final Report: 5 days
• Total: 30 days

General Conditions of the Consultancy

• SCI will provide accommodation for the consultant in team guest house
• Meals and other incidentals will be the responsibility of the consultant while in the primary location of the consultancy
• Payment of per diem for the period of Consultancy (Where it applicable) will be in apply  SCI perdiem policies
• The consultant will conduct his/her work using his/her own computer equipment.
• Other miscellaneous costs directly related to the task that can include photocopying of questionnaires etc. shall be covered by SCI. Any cost needs to have prior approval from SCI.
• The movement of the consultant and team to and from the field will be facilitated by SCI.
• SCI will provide survey enumerators, translators as may be required.
• The cost related to travel from/ to Field of the survey teams will be covered by SCI.
• Payments will be paid in three instalments: First instalment 30% paid upon finalisation of inception report; 30% paid upon submission of first full draft of the report; the remaining 40% paid upon validation of the report by the Nutrition Sector/Inter Agency Working Groups.

Profile of the Consultant
Education:

• Postgraduate Degree in Public Health, Social Sciences or related discipline.
• Qualified and experienced consultant with Health and Nutrition background in surveys and assessments using SMART methodology.

Work Experience:

• Led at least 2 SMART Surveys (reports to be presented as evidence)
• Experience working in conflict-affected areas

Languages:

• Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of local language is an added advantage.

Technical Competencies:

• The consultant must have a strong background in statistics and data analysis. Must know SMART survey methodology and ENA for SMART, SPSS, Epi/ENA or Epi Info software.
• Excellent reporting and presentation skills.
• Excellent knowledge of and experience with humanitarian guidelines and principles.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work under pressure & meeting deadlines
• Ability to work in a multicultural and inter-sectoral environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team with the other team members.
• Ability to coordinate, direct and supervise others to achieve a common goal.
• Ability to live and work in an isolated area in conditions of limited comfort
• The candidate must present an approved final report of the most recent SMART survey that he or she has conducted.

Deadline: 29th May, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications (CV, and technical proposal detailing survey methodology, work plan and budget). Copies of relevant previous evaluation reports (to be kept confidential)
• Due to the volume of applications received, Save the Children may not provide feedback to all applicants. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed as received. Save the Children reserves the right to change the closing date, if considered necessary.