National Nutrition consultant - to support MOHS in developing the Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) (Open to Myanmar Nationals Only)

Consultant Programme & Policy

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National Nutrition consultant to support MOHS in developing the Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs)

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Background:

Despite poverty reduction and macroeconomic growth over the last decade, Myanmar remains in the stage of public health concern regarding high prevalence of maternal and children malnutrition. Myanmar suffers the double burden of malnutrition because of high rate of undernutrition and increasing trend of over nutrition and diet-related chronic diseases with marked disparity at the states, regional and township levels. “Myanmar loses an estimated 11% of GDP each year due to poor nutrition”. According to two Cost of Diet studies (WFP and IFPRI), at national level, 60% households cannot afford a nutritious diet due to poverty. Further, food availability, regional differences, cost, food preferences and cultural backgrounds aggravate malnutrition.

Under the umbrella of the Myanmar Sustainable Development Plan, the Government of Myanmar has prioritized access, availability, production and efficient use of food as a strategy to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition. The Multisectoral National Plan of Action on Nutrition (MS-NPAN) promotes healthy and balanced diets to address malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women, adolescents and children.

Myanmar is currently working based on a draft set of FBDGs, available online. The Technical Taskforce will be formed which composed on technical experts from the Ministry and UN agencies to guide and review the scientific process and results.

This consultancy proposes to revisit these FBDGs and undertake a rigorous consultation process, present a globally accepted methodology for analysis (FAO-WHO), and package for piloting, use and dissemination. In the absence of evidenced based national dietary guidelines for healthy population, a graphic food plate developed by LEARN (2015) is being used to offer advice on food & nutrition to general population for the time being but is not adequate to ensure optimal use of available foods for improved nutritious status among most vulnerable children and women. Based on the evidence review, a country report will be prepared and submitted to the Steering Committee and the Technical Task Force members for their input. This report should identify the priority problems to be addressed by the FBDGs After reviewing the country report, the recommendations will be submitted to NNC and task force members. Consensus should be reached by the experts on steering the future direction of food choice, diet patterns for improved nutrition and health. It should be forward looking including policy recommendations.

Objectives of the consultancy:

The purpose of this consultancy is to contribute to the process of developing the food based dietary guidelines (FBDG) for Myanmar in close consultation with National Nutrition Centre, MoHS who leads the process, Health Literacy Promotion Unit, and technical partners including FAO, WFP, WHO, UN Network, and UNICEF. This is a joint UN effort to support MoHS to develop a FBDG, and its roll out and dissemination which is critical for MoHS to fight against all types of malnutrition. The Nutrition consultant will be responsible for providing support to NNC and FBDG technical task force members mainly at the national level and at sub-national levels sometimes if requires.

Geographic Area:

The Consultant will be based in Nay Pyi Taw and work closely with National Nutrition Centre (NNC), Ministry of Health and Sports, technical taskforce, and FAO regional team. The consultant will be expected to travel widely to the field according to the agreed plan with NNC and technical task force members. Regular meetings and phone calls with NNC and technical taskforce members will be conducted.

Duration:

11 months, full-time, office hours, between September 2020, to July 2021.

Description of Assignment:

Tasks:

Support NNC to develop the National Food Based Dietary Guideline by reviewing the evidence and in consultation with technical task force.

To perform evidence-based review to develop the National Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs). The Consultant and Technical Task Force (TTF) will perform the evidence review on the following.

1. Risk factors and problems associated with diet – for the country
2. Food – Part 1: food consumption, dietary patterns, nutrients intake (in the country)
3. Foods part 2: availability, access, safety (in the country)
4. Policy review
5. National programme review
6. Behaviour and food -related habits (knowledge, attitudes, practices)
7. Other behaviour pattern
8. Food environment and settings
9. Food sustainability

10. Dietary patterns and health outcomes

11. Food composition tables

Deliverables 1:

Upon completion of detailed work plan and first consultative meeting with NNC, UNICEF and technical taskforce.

By end of September 2020 (10% of payment)

Deliverables 2:

Evidence-based review on at least three areas out of eleven (mentioned on the left column) completed

By end of October 2020 (10% of payment)

Deliverables 3:

Evidence-based review on at least three areas out of eleven (mentioned on the left column) completed

By end of November 2020 (10% of payment)

Deliverables 4:

Evidence-based review on at least three areas out of eleven (mentioned on the left column) completed

By end of December 2020 (10% of payment)

Deliverables 5:

Evidence-based review on at least two areas out of eleven (mentioned on the left column) completed

By end of January 2021 (10% of payment)

Deliverables 6:

Evidence Report document to inform the development of FBDGs for Myanmar was drafted.

By end of February 2021 (10% of payment)

Deliverables 7:

The validation workshop about the information collected in the Evidence Report document with other technical task force and external experts

By end of March 2021 (10% of payment)

Deliverables 8:

Parameters and key messages for FBDG are identified and implementation strategy that includes a communication plan developed.

By end of May 2021 (10% of payment)

Deliverables 9:

A tool for integrated strategy to improve food security, food safety, nutrition and health including the draft document on advocacy and dissemination strategy for varied audiences (health professionals, trainers, and media people) is developed.

By end of June 2021 (10% of payment)

Deliverables 10:

Key messages together with a food graphic, and link them to nutrition education, agriculture and food policies are tested. And, the visualization document and key messages are disseminated. Together with FAO consultant, the FBDG guidance is translated into Myanmar language.

By end of July 2021 (10% of payment)

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

Qualification and specialized knowledge/experience required for the assignment:

• Completed Master's degree from an accredited academic institution preferably in Nutrition, Public Health or any discipline related to Nutrition
• Minimum of 3 years professional experience in health and nutrition; In lieu of Master’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree could be acceptable with 5 years of relevant experience in nutrition, health and related sectors
• Excellent knowledge of Myanmar health system is mandatory
• Knowledge and experience in nutrition, food security or health related surveys and assessments an asset
• Knowledge and experience on FBDG is an asset
• Knowledge and experience with development of nutrition and food security guidelines is an asset
• Knowledge and experience in working with UN and NGOs is an asset
• Proactively establish and maintain working relations, and share ideas through technical task force and promote synergies with other sectors
• Facilitation and capacity-building skills
• Ability to write clearly and precisely in English. Fluency in spoken English also required.
• Ability to take initiatives and work independently and systematically.
• Ability to work well with others and in a multiple partner environment
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills
• Ability and willingness to travel as assigned
• Knowledge of health system strengthening approach is an asset
• Strong skills in using Excel and Powerpoint

Detail TOR for reference can be accessed here;

(2) UNICEF_ToR_National Consultant_FBDG_20200805.docx

The Expression of Interest Form to complete and include in the application is as follows;

(2) Expression of Interest_ National Consultant FBDG.doc

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

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:

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.

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Added 3 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unicef.org