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BACKGROUND
Alive & Thrive (A&T) is a global nutrition initiative to save lives, prevent illness, and ensure healthy growth of mothers and children. From 2009–2014, A&T demonstrated that rapid improvements in infant and young child feeding (IYCF) are possible in settings as diverse as Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Viet Nam. In 2014, A&T began working in Burkina Faso, India, Nigeria, and throughout the Southeast Asia region, expanding its scope to include maternal and adolescent nutrition, and using agriculture and social protection programs as delivery mechanisms for maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN). Currently, A&T is leveraging its robust network and knowledge base to strengthen systems and build capacity in these and other countries across Africa and Asia, and disseminate innovations, tools, and lessons worldwide. A&T is managed by FHI 360 with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other donors.
In Madagascar, A&T is working with the Unité de Programme National de Nutrition Communautaire (UPNNC) in the design and implementation of a social and behavior change (SBC) strategy for improving MIYCN in the context of the World Bank-funded Projet d’Amélioration des Résultats Nutritionnels (PARN). From February to September 2018, A&T supported UPNNC and the Ministry of Health (MOH) to design of the SBC strategy. On the basis of existing and newly collected data on the determinants and influential groups for key behaviors, as well as coverage of mass media channels and assessment of health systems bottlenecks, the SBC strategy was developed through a consultative process involving key stakeholders from the government, United Nations agencies, and civil society organizations. In the second phase (anticipated start- April 2019), A&T will provide technical assistance to the PARN project for the implementation of the strategy over a period of four years, with a focus on transferring competencies to the government for their eventual appropriation of the approaches and interventions. Priority behaviors include:
1. Consumption of at least 180 iron/folic acid (IFA) supplements during pregnancy
2. Dietary diversity during pregnancy (consumption of at least 5 of 10 food groups per day)
3. Early initiation of breastfeeding
4. Exclusive breastfeeding for at least 6 months
5. Dietary diversity among children 6-23 months (at least four of seven food groups per day)
6. Meal frequency among children 6-23 months (solid, semi-solid, and semi-liquid foods the minimum number of times per day)
PURPOSE
Alive & Thrive (A&T) is seeking a well- qualified and motivated international consultant with demonstrated expertise in MIYCN social and behavior change programming, experience in developing SBC strategies, operational plans, and tools and materials, and fluency in French. The consultant will be responsible for supporting the planning and implementation of a multi-component SBC strategy for the Madagascar PARN project, guided by Alive & Thrive headquarters and country-based staff and in collaboration with the government of Madagascar and other stakeholders.
SCOPE OF WORK
Under the guidance of A&T headquarters and country-based staff, the consultant will be expected to:
1. Conduct an inventory of existing SBC materials and tools for advocacy, interpersonal communication (IPC) and community mobilization (CM) for improving MIYCN behaviors and manage sub-contractors and consultants to develop and concept test new messages and tools as needed.
2. Develop detailed SBC strategies and operational plans for mass media, IPC and community mobilization through consultative workshops with key stakeholders including UPNNC, MOH, UNICEF and others
3. Develop scopes of work for sub-contractors and consultants to support SBC-related program activities
4. Hold consultative workshops to develop operational plans and validate newly developed tools and materials
5. Draft implementation manual for mass media component, and provide input on advocacy and IPC/CM implementation manuals
6. Participate and assist in organizing coordination meetings with relevant stakeholders for various program components
7. Draft project final year 1 report and contribute to developing workplan for years 2-4.
Travel Requirements
This consultancy will require at least two trips to Madagascar and will require travel within at least four regions of Madagascar. The first trip is anticipated to occur in May/June 2019, and the second trip in September/October 2019.
Candidate Profile
At least a Master’s degree in Public Health, Nutrition, or related fields, with at least 10 years of experience in SBC programming in developing country contexts. Experience in infant and young child feeding (IYCF) programs required, and maternal nutrition experience desired. Fluency in spoken and written French and English required. Prior experience in mass media communications within public health arena, preferably in nutrition.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To be considered, interested consultants must submit the following information in English as an application for the consultancy:
• An updated CV, including educational credentials, with experience related to the technical assistance areas listed above and language skills.
• A brief summary (no more than one page) that details areas of expertise.
• Two professional references (including name, job title, company, contact information, and your relationship with the referee).
• A completed biodata form (in the application template), indicating a proposed daily rate.
• Confirmation of availability for the proposed travel times.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RESPONSE INFORMATION
Interested parties should submit their application via email to kjosiah@fhi360.org, with a copy to jemerson@fhi360.org by 5pm EST on May 17, 2019. Submissions received after this date and time may not be accepted. A&T will acknowledge receipt of your submission by email.
Any questions or requests for clarification need to be submitted via email to kjosiah@fhi360.org, with a copy to jemerson@fhi360.org by May 7th, 2019; answers will be shared with all parties that have submitted questions or expressed interest, as well as posted on the website. No telephone inquiries will be answered.
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