Individual Consultancy on support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry in organization and conducting Turkmenistan National Micronutrients Survey (TNMS) For phase 2

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Application deadline 2 years ago: Thursday 24 Feb 2022 at 18:55 UTC

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UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, health and nutrition

Turkmenistan pays high attention to maternal and child health and nutrition. There have been tangible efforts to fight iron deficiency and anemia over the past two decades leading to the introduction and nation-wide implementation of flour fortification and universal salt iodization (USI) programmes by the Government. The flour fortification and salt iodization interventions were started in early 2000 by the Government and have gradually achieved universal coverage. Since 2008 all premium and first-grade flour produced in the country has been fortified with iron and folic acid, according to the decree of President of Turkmenistan. In 2004, the country was certified as having achieved universal salt iodization.

The country implemented and evaluated a National Nutrition Strategy for 2013-2017, adopted Sustainable Development Goal related to nutrition (SDG2), and recently adopted a new National Nutrition Strategy for 2020-2025.

According to MICS data (2016), the prevalence of chronic malnutrition (stunting), that reflects the long-term exposure of a child to repeated infections and inadequate nutrition and diets, has decreased from 19 per cent in 2006 to 11 per cent in 2016. The MICS6 2019 will be official released soon, thus the malnutrition status will be updated accordingly to reflect the current situation of children in Turkmenistan.

However, the data on anemia, iron deficiency, folic acid deficiency, and Vitamin A deficiency are outdated as the last study of anemia among women and children was conducted in 2011. On average, the anemia prevalence in the country was at 44.3% in 6-59 months old children; 52.9% - in pregnant women; 56.5% - in non-pregnant women of reproductive age; and at 38.3% - in men. Although the causes of the high anemia prevalence are not fully understood in Turkmenistan, the hypothesis is that direct risk factors are likely iron, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and folate deficiencies. Other contributing factors may be inadequate coverage of iron/folic acid supplementation for women and children, gaps in exclusive breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary feeding practices, poor dietary diversity in young children, poor dietary diversity in pregnant women and non-pregnant women of reproductive age, poor socio-economic status, and lack of adequate hygiene and sanitation.

Due to logistic and feasibility reasons, the anemia components were not included in the 2019 MICS. In order to ensure that all relevant data is collected, and the quality of the data is also preserved, it was decided to conduct a standalone micronutrient survey.

Given the significant impact of micronutrient deficiencies on the wellbeing of children and women and considering the fact that the current evidence on micronutrient deficiencies is outdated, undertaking a national micronutrient survey is critical. The national micronutrient survey will support the policy makers to understand how the flour fortification and supplementation programmes are working and will also provide fresh and applied evidence needed for policy advocacy and programming to address the priority micronutrients.

As per the signed work plan for 2020 and draft 2021 workplan, UNICEF’s office in Turkmenistan is committed to support the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry (MoHMI) to undertake this survey.

UNICEF retain the services of an National Consultant to collaborate with the research agency contracted by UNICEF Turkmenistan CO to work closely with MoHMI, the Scientific and Clinical Centre of Mother and Child Health (MCH),and the assigned National Laboratories, to provide technical assistance in designing and implementing this nutrition survey.

Taking into account, that survey will be conducted with support of the International Research Agency and the government entities is under-resourced to collaborate with the International Research Agency to organize, coordinate and implement the Survey on their own, especially during pandemic, and there is an existence of a language barrier, expertise and trilingual support as Liaison Person between all involved parties will be required.

Scope of Turkmenistan National Micronutrient Survey (TNMS)

The survey will assess the nutritional and micronutrients status of children 6 – 59 months of age, non-pregnant women of reproductive age (i.e. 15-49 years of age), and pregnant women. In addition, the survey will estimate the household coverage of the wheat flour fortification and salt iodization programs. The results of the survey will be representative to national and sub-national levels of all 6 regions.

The TNMS 2021 will be nationwide in scope and will collect data about four target groups: 1) households, 2) children 6-59 months of age, 3) non-pregnant women 15-49 years of age, and 4) pregnant women.

The primary objectives for the various target groups are as follows:

  • To measure the prevalence and severity of anemia in children 6-59 months of age, non-pregnant women 15-49 years of age, and pregnant women based on blood hemoglobin concentrations;
  • To assess the prevalence and severity of iron deficiency in children 6–59 months of age and non-pregnant women 15-49 years of age by measuring serum ferritin adjusted for the presence of inflammation as indicated by elevated levels of C- reactive protein (CRP) and Alpha-1 glycoprotein (AGP). It is currently unknown if laboratories in Turkmenistan can analyze AGP, but all efforts should be undertaken to include this biomarker since current recommendations include adjusting iron and vitamin A status measurements for inflammation;
  • To assess the prevalence and severity of folate deficiency in children 6–59 months of age and non-pregnant women 15-49 years of age measuring serum folate levels;
  • To assess the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency of children 6-59 months of age and non-pregnant women 15-49 years of age by measuring serum retinol or retinol- binding protein adjusted for the presence of inflammation (in children only) as indicated by elevated levels of C- reactive protein (CRP) and Alpha-1 glycoprotein (AGP). It is currently unknown if laboratories in Turkmenistan can analyze AGP, but all efforts should be undertaken to include this biomarker since current recommendations include adjusting iron and vitamin A status measurements for inflammation.
  • To assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among children 6–59 months of age and non-pregnant women 15-49 years of age using serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D concentrations;
  • To estimate the median concentration of urinary iodine in samples of pregnant women and non-pregnant women 15-49 years of age;
  • Measure the household coverage of adequately fortified wheat flour and adequately iodized salt;
  • Estimate the prevalence of children 6–23 months of age with minimum dietary diversity using the WHO’s infant and young child feeding (IYCF) guidelines;
  • Estimate the prevalence of non-pregnant women 15-49 years of age with minimum dietary diversity using FANTA’s module of minimum dietary diversity in women (MDD- W) or a similar method

How can you make a difference?

Purpose of Assignment:

The purpose of the assignment is to provide liaison support to the MoHMI and their institutions, namely National Scientific MCH Center (field team); International Training Research Center and Public Health and Nutrition Center (both for lab tests) and International Research Agency in conducting the 2nd phase of the Turkmenistan National Micronutrient Survey (TNMS).

Scope of Work/ Work Assignments:

Support the survey implementation with all required logistic and liaison assistance, including translation the relevant correspondence in preparation, training, implementation, technical supervision, quality assurance, data collection and analysis, and reporting of the survey. Specifically, the National consultant will contribute to the TNM Survey, as follows:

  1. Liaise and collaborate with the International Research Agency and MOHMI with their entities and ensure effective communication with translation of the relevant discussion and correspondence (excepts the protocols/tools/reports);
  2. Ensure close communication with all other stakeholders in Turkmenistan to ensure a wide representation of different organizations at crucial stages;
  3. Organize the calls/meetings and discussion: with providing support to MOHMI with their entities in critical review the terms of references prepared by International Research Agency for the interviewers, phlebotomists, anthropometrics and team leaders;
  4. Organize the calls/meetings and discussion between the MOHMI and the International Research Agency in process of the pre-selection of the various survey teams;
  5. Organize community sensitization activities, coordinate with MOH and their entities timely obtaining of the required permits and authorizations for the field teams;
  6. Organize and ensure translation of questionnaires and other relevant documents into Russian and/or Turkmen, as appropriate;
  7. In accordance with TNMS schedule and under the guide of the Health and Nutrition Specialist plan and organize logistic requirements, including arranging meetings, hiring survey workers, and arranging transport for survey teams;
  8. In consultation with the MOHMI and International Research Agency, support UNICEF CO in procurement planning and finalization of the list of supplies with specifications for all required for TNMS supplies: e.g. stationary, blood sampling material, blood processing utensils, laboratory equipment or reagents, etc.;
  9. Organize the Validation workshop in close collaboration with MOHMI and UNICEF CO.

Work Assignment Overview

The consultancy will support implementation of the second phase of the Turkmenistan National Micronutrient Survey (TNMS) and will be based on the monthly reports in accordance with TNMS schedule below in table 1. The consultant is expected to work from home and with his/her own computer/equipment with visits to the office when required or scheduled by the Supervisor;

Travel to the 5 velayats at least for 5 working days each is expected for this consultancy and cost of the in-country travel need to be included into the contract.

The deliverables and timeline of the Consultancy is in line with the TNMS Schedule below table.

Work Assignment Overview

The consultancy will support implementation of the second phase of the Turkmenistan National Micronutrient Survey (TNMS) and will be based on the monthly reports in accordance with TNMS schedule below in table 1. The consultant is expected to work from home and with his/her own computer/equipment with visits to the office when required or scheduled by the Supervisor;

Travel to the 5 velayats at least for 5 working days each is expected for this consultancy and cost of the in-country travel need to be included into the contract.

The deliverables and timeline of the Consultancy is in line with the TNMS Schedule below table.

Payment schedule

The payment in US dollars will be made monthly upon delivery the monthly report, according to the following schedule:

In 2022: March 30, April 30, May 30, June 30, July 30, August 30, September 30, October 30, November 30, December 31.

Work arrangements

Day to day supervision and guidance will be provided by UNICEF Turkmenistan Health and Nutrition Specialist. UNICEF will regularly communicate with the National Survey Consultant and provide UNICEF and UN requirements, guidance on specific questions, feedback on performance and all other necessary support to achieve objectives of the consultancy.

General Terms and Conditions:

UNICEF’s general terms and conditions will apply to the contract awarded to the vendor. Please note that, in the evaluation of the technical merits of each proposal, UNICEF will take into consideration any proposed amendments to the UNICEF General Terms and Conditions. Proposed amendments to the UNICEF general terms and conditions may negatively affect the evaluation of the technical merits of the proposal.

UNICEF retains the right to patent and intellectual rights, as well as copyright and other similar intellectual property rights for any discoveries, inventions, products or works arising specifically from the implementation of the project in cooperation with UNICEF. The right to reproduce or use materials shall be transferred with a written approval of UNICEF based on the consideration of each separate case. Consultant should always refer to UNICEF Turkmenistan support in developing the materials when publishing the results of the research conducted while in Turkmenistan in academic journals, books and websites.

In the event of unsatisfactory performance, UNICEF reserves the right to terminate the Agreement. In case of partially satisfactory performance, such as serious delays causing the negative impact on meeting the programme objectives, low quality or insufficient depth and/or scope of the assignment completion, UNICEF is entitled to decrease the payment by the range from 30% to 50% of the contract value as decided jointly by the Contract Supervisor and Operations Manager.

Technical Proposal

The technical proposal should include

  • A cover letter, including
    • Assessment of suitability vis-à-vis the requirements of this ToR;
    • One-pager with a proposal on the approach to ensure the quality of services;
    • A summary of experience in similar assignments;
    • Links to/attachments of examples of similar work;
  • CV of the candidate
  • References

Technical Criteria

Criteria

Technical Sub-Criteria

Maximum Points

70

Overall Response.

Completeness of proposal

Understanding of objectives and how they propose to perform the tasks in order to meet the objectives and requirements of the ToR

5

10

Key tasks and Qualification

Individual experience with similar projects

Samples of previous work

Qualifications for the assignment

10

10

20

Proposed Approach

Description of approach to ensure quality of services,

Absence of conflict of interest and respect of ethical standards

10

5

The minimum passing score for the technical evaluation is 50. The technical evaluation will be followed by review of the financial offers of the technically compliant candidates. The proposal obtaining the highest overall score after adding the scores for the technical and financial proposals together, that offers the best value for money will be recommended for award of the contract.

Financial Proposal

Candidates are expected to submit a lump sum financial proposal in US dollars to complete the entire assignment based on the terms of reference. The lump sum should cover deliverables indicated above and the expected in-country travels for the period of March 1 – December 31,2022.

Evaluation

Each proposal will be assessed first on its technical merits and subsequently on its price. In making the final decision, UNICEF considers both technical and financial aspects to ensure best value for money. The Evaluation Team first reviews the technical aspects of the offer (on the basis of the qualifications described above), followed by review of the financial offers of the technically compliant candidates. The proposal obtaining the highest overall score after adding the scores for the technical and financial proposals together, that offers the best value for money will be recommended for award of the contract.

A cumulative analysis will be used to evaluate and award proposals. The evaluation criteria associated with this TOR is split between technical and financial as follows: 70% Technical, 30% Financial, 100 % Total.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

  • University/advanced degree in statistics, health, nutrition, nursery, sociology, social sciences, international relations, or other relevant fields;
  • Experience in statistical analysis and social analytics;
  • Experience in assisting the survey/project planning and implementation
  • Statistical software knowledge is an asset
  • Good communication and networking skills;
  • Knowledge of the national aspects of work with the ministries, and especially in the area health;
  • Knowledge of English; Turkmen and Russian;

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unicef.org