Technical Assistance to Coordinate the Implementation of the National Food Fortification Program Monitoring and Evaluation Capacity Building Plan

Background:

Under the National Nutrition Program II (2016-2020) and National Food and Nutrition Policy (Nov., 2018), the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) has committed to reducing micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations in the country. The GoE, with support from Nutrition International (NI), UNICEF and GAIN, has launched a national food fortification program. NI has been supporting the Government of Ethiopia to implement the national Food Fortification Plan of Action (FF PoA) that was jointly developed with other partners in September 2017. The FF PoA identifies fortification of wheat flour, salt and edible oils as potential interventions to address micronutrient deficiencies. One of the key aspects identified in the FF PoA is to put in place a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system that ensures effective monitoring and reporting of results, and allows for important checks and balances in program implementation for course correction and decision making. Under the BMGF-funded UNICEF-led food fortification project in Ethiopia, NI’s role is to lead the development of the monitoring and evaluation system of the National Fortification Program (FFP) as well as build the capacity of regulatory agencies, national and regional Food Fortification Technical Coordination (FFTC) bodies to implement the system.

 Nutrition International, Ethiopia Country office intends to recruit a technical advisor on a consultancy basis to coordinate the planning and implementation of the aforementioned Monitoring & Evaluation capacity building plan and advocacy of mandatory Food Fortification Program (FFP).

Overall purpose:

The consultant will provide technical assistance to build the capacities of national and regional FFTC bodies to use the FF information generated from the monitoring and evaluation system to effectively steer and coordinate the FFP, enhance information flow between regional and federal regulator bodies and advocate the need for mandatory legislation that increases the commitment and accountability of the food fortification stakeholders. 

Specific objectives:

• To train and improve the capacity of Food Fortification Program Coordinators & regulatory agents to implement the Monitoring and Evaluation plan using the food fortification information system developed
• To support and capacitate the regional &/or national FF coordination bodies to conduct quarterly supervision & review meetings, and reports are produced to improve quality of the food fortification program:
• To supervise and coordinate the National food fortification program  process evaluation or related evaluation surveys  

Reporting and Supervision:

• The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the NI Deputy Country Director. He will be supported by the NI Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and the Senior Program Officer for Food Fortification.  And, observe NI Ethiopia country office working hours

Duration of consultancy service:

• The consultant will be engaged for a period of 12 months. Start-date for the service is expected to be Dec. 05, 2019

Payment Schedule:  

• Monthly payment based on satisfactory completion of tasks assigned, and submission of activity report and bill for number of days/hours worked. Supervisor and Consultant will establish an estimate of time required for each report/assignment.

Education/Competencies and Experience

Education:

• A Master’s Degree from a recognized university in Food technology and Engineering or in Food Science and Nutrition and at least 3 years experience in food fortification program. 

Experience required 

• Minimum of five years’ experience in nutrition programming both in government and NGO with emphasis on food fortification program management, program planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Sound knowledge of the Ethiopian National Nutrition Strategy, the National Nutrition Program, micronutrient intervention strategies, food fortification initiatives
• Background in the following technical areas: Quality assurance and quality control of food production, micronutrient prevention and control strategies, nutrition assessment, survey, program evaluation and research and public- private partnership.
• Experience in providing technical assistance and advice (like and advisory role at higher teaching institutions) 

Technical skills and knowledge:

• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Power Point; database software desirable.
• Ability and experience with group communication applications – Skype,
• Knowledge of food safety and quality management system

Other competencies:

• Effective management of personal workload and capacity to meet competing deadlines 
• Ability to work independently on technical matters with minimum supervision, identify issues and recommend technical solutions
• Ability to develop action plans, training modules and provide training
• Good analytical skills, critical reasoning and detail oriented
• Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing
• Ability to work well in group situations and participate and contribute to a team effort
• Excellent follow-up and sensitivity to deadlines