Location: Islamabad, Pakistan with frequent trips to Karachi and field locations Duration: 4 months with possibility of extension Reporting to: Nutrition Unit, WFP Pakistan CO Start date: end of May 2013 Salary level: UN level pay scale P3/P4 Application deadline: 10 May 2013 In case you are interested in the position please send your CV and application to Ferdinand.siregar@wfp.org Background World Food Programme, Pakistan has started a three years PRRO 200250 (Protracted, Relief and Recovery Operation) 2013-2015, with a strong focus on nutrition. The main interventions are continuation of CMAM (Community management of acute malnutrition) in the selected 36 districts of the country. In addition, a pilot Stunting prevention project is to be initiated in one of the districts. This activity is part of the approved PRRO which has Food and Nutrition security as the main theme. In Pakistan, high rates of stunting are attributable to multiple factors compounded by an environment of shocks and deteriorating food security situation. While the CMAM initiative, stimulated by the floods and their media attention as a lifesaving intervention, created a sense of achievement in the country’s health sector, the NNS findings of increasing chronic malnutrition has generated a broad recognition in the government and within the donor community that a preventive approach was also needed. Although a number of nutrition approaches and actions have been implemented in the country at various times, there hasn’t been a comprehensive approach to prevent undernutrition in general, and stunting specifically. The project aims to contribute towards the evidence base for food based interventions for the prevention of stunting embedded in existing and proposed IYCF provincial plans. The SP project has an overall objective of Prevention of Stunting in Children under two from targeted communities and additionally proposes to strengthen evidence on preventive food based approaches for reducing stunting and developing viable programmes. Specific objectives of the project are: - To reduce stunting in children 6-23 months using a locally produced LNS (Wawamum) - To reduce micronutrient deficiencies in children 24-59 months using MNP - To improve maternal nutritional status - To study effectiveness of a food based approach to address stunting Existing and proposed IYCF plans put a lot of emphasis on awareness raising. The project will support the implementation of IYCF but complete where needed with an appropriate food based intervention to assist families in getting the ‘right food at the right time’. There is an urgent need to build local evidence for suitability or otherwise of food based approaches. Globally, there is limited evidence available on the effectiveness of food assistance in prevention of stunting, and there is a need for operations research of such programmes to document the impact and comparative advantage over other interventions. This project proposes to strengthen the evidence on preventive food based approaches for reducing stunting and developing viable programmes while also investing in national capacity development on nutrition. The broad objectives of the research are: 1) to assess the effectiveness of the food-based interventions on reduction of stunting among children under five, 2) to assess the design and operational factors at the different stages of the programme cycle that may have affected the outcome, 3) to determine unintended consequences of the interventions, both positive and negative, 4) to determine cost-effectiveness; and 5) to provide recommendations for improved programme design and evaluation. In order to launch the project, WFP CO Pakistan is looking for consultant support to assist the country office to prepare a Research framework for the stunting Prevention Project. This would include the following main tasks: i. Prepare a detailed project document defining detailed scope of work, research protocol and methodology framework for reporting outputs and outcomes of the project; in consultation and guidance from WFP CO and regional Nutrition colleagues and with coordination with relevant stakeholders and partners. ii. Explore and initiate partnerships (international and local) and define arrangements for baseline, periodic and end project data collection and analysis iii. Align the study design with related activities of other nutrition actors in the project area iv. Plan and make arrangements for the baseline study with the assistance of a local group/provincial office and supervise the implementation of the baseline study v. Write analysis and report for baseline study vi. Other related tasks as may be required MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The consultant will be an individual with track record of experience in nutrition surveys and assessments in particular operational research design. They will preferably have demonstrated experience and expertise in Stunting Prevention programmes and health system strengthening. Education • Advanced University Degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Epidemiology or related fields with orientation to nutrition problems in developing countries. • The candidate should be a qualified nutritionist with experience of carrying out nutritional surveys and operations research design. Work Experience and Competencies • At least 8 years of professional experience in nutrition of which at least 3 in developing countries preferably Asia. • Knowledge and experience of supplementary feeding programmes, and associated logistical demands and Nutrition surveys/surveillance as well as programmes related to essential nutrition actions. • Experience in developing/conducting large studies, operational research design • Good knowledge of UN and WFP and priorities in Nutrition, and good understanding of the ‘1000 days’. • Excellent analytical and communication skills and the ability to work in a team. • Ability to work under light supervision and experience in gathering and compilation of sound information from diverse sources. • Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization. Previous experience in Asia is an advantage Language • Fluency in English required; Personal Characteristics • Proactive with the ability to focus on solutions. • Good analytical skills. • Good interpersonal skills. • Previous experience with NGOs/ UN is an added advantage EXPECTED OUTPUTS • Project document with detailed scope of work, operations research framework and workplans. • Well defined and agreed partnerships to support the implementation of above. • Baseline analysis and report