Nutrition Consultant - CMAM Continuum of Care Analysis Job at UNICEF Nigeria

[Jobrib]

Job Title: Nutrition Consultant (CMAM Continuum of Care Analysis)

Employer: United Nations Children's Fund / UN Children's Fund (UNICEF)

Vacancy number: VN-NGR-38-2013  

Level: International Professional (L4)

Contract Type: Short Service Agreement (SSA)

Duration: 6 months.

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Purpose of Assignment:

To conduct Continuum of Care Analysis of the Community Management of Acute Malnutrition programme across 11 states in Northern Nigeria. The CMAM programme continuum consists of;

1) community activities comprised of community mobilization and nutrition screening,

2) outpatient (OTP) treatment of children with Severe Acute Malnutrition in Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM) sites, and

3) referral from community and OTP sites to inpatient (ITP) for stabilization services for the children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and medical complications. The analysis which could consists of both qualitative and quantitate methods would provide results/findings and specific recommendations for further improvement of quality of services through effective linkages across the Continuum of Care.

The project objectives include;

•   To conduct a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the existing situation of the CMAM services implemented for the treatment of children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) across the Continuum of Care mainly the linkages between the components of community,

•   OTP and referral/stabilization services at ITP centers.

•   To assess and analyze the factors/challenges causing low level of performance indicators reported from a number of CMAM sites e.g. low admissions and high defaulter rate and low recovery rate in some areas,

•   To analyze the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) of overall program with specific focus on linkages between the components of the program (community, OTP and ITP); current methods/tools for supportive supervision and monitoring/evaluation of the program at different levels; and put forward concrete recommendations for the measures to be taken to improve quality of services with effective functional linkages between community level; CMAM OTP sites and referral/stabilization services at ITP centers,

Major Tasks to be accomplished:

•   To design appropriate study tools and methodology to assess and analyze the CMAM Continuum of Care.

•   To conduct desk review of available resources and documents concerning Continuum of Care on CMAM services at various levels i.e. community, PHC/CMAM sites for OTP services and Hospitals/Referral Facilities for ITP stabilization services for the children with SAM.

•   To conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) concerned partners and stakeholders including government nutrition authorities and civil society partners at federal and state levels.

•   To conduct data collection through field visits to the selected states to carry out assessment in the CMAM community activities, OTP and ITP services in PHCs and referral health facilities / hospitals.

•   To conduct focus group discussions (FGDs) with state level stakeholders on the issues of quality of services across the Continuum of Care including community, OTP and ITP stabilization services.

•   To carry out the study of factors causing inadequate mobilization and low performance of community volunteers and gaps in linking up with Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) in view to effective community mobilization, screening, referral and defaulters tracking.

•   To study the challenges concerning low admissions, low cure rates and high defaulters in some of the CMAM centers in some of the states/LGAs.

•   To carry out data analysis and report writing of findings and results of assessment carried out at various levels using appropriate tools and methods.

•   To prepare and submit a draft report with details on findings/results including the existing situation of CMAM Continuum of Care at community, PHC-OTP and ITP at referral health facilities/hospitals with concrete recommendations for further improvement/strengthening of CMAM services.

•   To make presentation of draft report including key findings/results and specific recommendations for improvement of CMAM services with involvement of Nutrition Sector Partners.

•   To prepare a final report based on Review the report in line with the comments and inputs provided by UNICEF, government and other partners/stakeholders within the given time frame.

Qualifications or specialized knowledge/experience required:

• Advanced University Degree on Nutrition or Public Health or Epidemiology or Statistics or Social Science.

• Relevant professional experience for a minimum of 10 years in the job related field.

• Strong technical knowledge of Continuum of Care of CMAM including community interventions, outpatient treatment (OTP) service and stabilization/inpatient (ITP) services to children with SAM.

• Documented experience on planning and conducting assessment, survey and analysis of comprehensive information concerning management of acute malnutrition.

• Excellent proficiency in written and oral English language, interaction and communication skills.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in the position and meet the requirements, please apply online or send cover letter (one-page summary statement that describes how your experience and qualification relate to the job description) and a scanned/PDF copy of the completed and signed UN Personal History Form (which can be downloaded here http://s.jobnavy.com/UN-P11-Form) to nrecruit@unicef.org.

Deadline: 12th December, 2013

Please mention the position title you are applying for on the subject line of your email.

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[Jobrib]

[Nifemi Donald]

UNICEF can never be toyed with in this country. Abuja is also the best location for such so this is very cool and intact. Good one

[Nifemi Donald]