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Consultancy Title: Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Nutrition Consultant

Section/Division/Duty Station: Nutrition and Child Development Section, Programme Group, UNICEF NYHQ

Duration: 3 February 2025 to 31 December 2027

Home/ Office Based: NYHQ / Remote

 

About UNICEF

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. UNICEF has over 12,000 staff in more than 145 countries.

 

BACKGROUND

Purpose of Activity/ Assignment: 

The IPC is a global multi-partner initiative to facilitate decision-making on food security and nutrition crises at national, regional and global level. The IPC uses a set of tools and procedures for classifying the magnitude and severity of food insecurity and malnutrition linked to implications for response. IPC incorporates a meta-analysis approach drawing on evidence from a broad range of sources to conduct consensus-based analysis among key stakeholders. The IPC is currently implemented in more than 30 countries around the world and keeps expanding in response to growing food insecurity and increased levels of malnutrition globally. The operational arm of the IPC Partnership is the Global Support Unit (GSU).

In response to the increasing demand for full integration of nutrition analysis within IPC food security analysis, the IPC Acute Malnutrition (IPC AMN) scale was first rolled out in 2016. Since then, the use of the IPC AMN scale has expanded reaching over 20 countries to date. The IPC AMN has been recommended by the Global Nutrition Cluster as the primary tool for nutrition situation analysis in all countries where acute malnutrition is of concern.

As the demand for IPC AMN findings has been growing, there is a need to step up human capacity to support high-quality IPC AMN analyses and ensure synergies with nutrition information systems and the humanitarian programme cycle, in order to better inform decision-making. To take up the challenge, the IPC GSU and global Nutrition partners have agreed to join forces and embark on the development and implementation of a joint road map to enhance the IPC AMN scale. This road map encompasses a wide range of activities that require multi-partner collaboration and engagement to mainstream and enhance nutrition within the IPC initiative. These include normative work, collaboration on data collection methods and nutrition assessments, hands-on technical support to country IPC technical working groups, quality assurance, enhanced communication and results dissemination, among others. 

UNICEF is one of the 19 organizations (including other United Nations agencies, international NGOs and Regional Inter-governmental bodies) that form the IPC global partnership. As such, UNICEF plays a key role in ensuring that nutrition is well integrated into IPC approaches and outputs. This includes active engagement in the delivery of quality IPC Acute Malnutrition analyses and communication products, where and when needed; as well as engagement and support to the integration of nutrition data, analysis and expertise in IPC Acute Food Insecurity analyses, in particular in countries/territories facing severe acute food insecurity and very high levels of acute malnutrition and thus at risk of Famine. 

As currently Child Nutrition and Development NYHQ doesn’t have sufficient funding to cover all planned activities, some deliverables are planned to be completed only if additional resources will become available especially in light of support to acute and protracted emergencies/vulnerable contexts.

 

Scope of Work:

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Nutrition Consultant will contribute to the implementation of the above-mentioned road map. This will include providing technical support to and quality assurance of IPC AMN analyses, guidance to country level partners on nutrition data collection and analyses as inputs to IPC exercises, and support to normative work among others.

Consultant will support pro-active exchange and collaboration between UNICEF, the IPC GSU, academic and national agencies, and relevant partners (e.g. Nutrition Cluster, WFP, regional intergovernmental organizations). Consultant will work in close collaboration with the members of the IPC GSU team, and in close collaboration with other IPC Nutrition Specialists and regional team members.

Under the direct supervision of UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, the IPC Nutrition Consultant will be responsible for:

Capacity building

• Conduct IPC AMN trainings for global, regional, and country-level partners.
• Conduct other training on thematic topics related to nutrition analysis and/or assessments methods.
• Support preparation of training and analysis packages, cross-country learning exchange package and facilitate the IPC Community of Practice at the country and global level.

Technical Support

• Support country IPC Technical Working Groups for the preparation of IPC AMN analyses, including gathering, re-analyzing, and organizing data.
• Facilitate IPC AMN analyses with IPC regional coordinators and partners at the country level.
• Provide remote technical support for IPC AMN analyses led by partners.
• Provide technical support to country IPC Technical Working Groups for nutrition analysis within IPC Acute Food Insecurity (AFI) analyses, and the analysis of linkages between IPC acute malnutrition and acute food insecurity.

Quality assurance

• Provide support for the development of IPC AMN reports and other communication outputs, including joint IPC AMN - AFI communication products.
• Conduct quality reviews of IPC AMN analyses and provide support to IPC Famine reviews preparation.

IPC AMN Road Map Activities

• Support activities included in the multi-partner road map, related to data collection, capacity development and quality assurance.
• Ensure pro-active exchange and collaboration with UNICEF team members, the IPC GSU and relevant partners (e.g. Nutrition Cluster, WFP, regional intergovernmental organizations).

 

Terms of Reference / Key Deliverables:

Delivery year 1 (31 December 2025), Delivery year 2 (31 December 2026), Delivery year 3 (31 December 2027)

       1.       Capacity building

1.1  Conduct IPC AMN trainings for global, regional, and country-level partners.     

-       Deliver 8-10 IPC Acute Malnutrition (AMN) training sessions for global, regional, and country-level partners.      

1.2  Conduct other training on thematic topics related to nutrition analysis and/or assessments methods   

-       Deliver 2-4 training sessions on specific topics related to nutrition analysis and/or assessment methods.

1.3  Support preparation of training and analysis packages, cross-country learning exchange package and at the country and global level.  

-       Prepare 4-5 trainings and analysis packages for Cycle 1

-       Develop 2 cross-country learning exchange (CCLE) information packages for Cycle 1.

       2.       Technical Support

2.1.Support country IPC Technical Working Groups for the preparation of IPC AMN analyses, including gathering, re-analyzing, and organizing data.   

-       Coordinate and deliver pre-analysis activities including completing data collection, conducting data re-analysis, and establishing analysis teams for 4-5 countries during Cycle 1 with progress tracked through 1 detailed report for each country

2.2.facilitate IPC AMN analyses with IPC regional coordinators and partners at the country level. (In person or remote support based on need)    

-       4 - 5 IPC AMN analysis at the country level in coordination with regional and country partners completed

2.3.Provide technical support to country IPC Technical Working Groups for nutrition analysis within IPC Acute Food Insecurity (AFI) analyses, and the analysis of linkages between IPC acute malnutrition and acute food insecurity.     

-       8-10 country analyses reviewed to ensure clear guidance on linkages between IPC AFI and AMN scales in Cycle 1  

       3.       Quality assurance

3.1.Provide support for the development of IPC AMN reports and other communication outputs, including joint IPC AMN - AFI communication products.    

-       8-10 IPC AMN reports drafted and published representing 8-10 countries implementing IPC AMN in Cycle 1

3.2.Conduct quality reviews of IPC AMN analyses and provide support to IPC Famine reviews preparation and Secretariat, as needed.

-       Conduct 4-5 quality reviews of IPC AMN analyses in 4-5 countries.

-       Prepare a comprehensive database of all relevant IPC data for the FRC and write the Famine Review Committee report based on the conclusions of the FRC in at least 1 country identified as having famine conditions.

       4.       IPC AMN Road Map Activities

4.1.Support other activities included in the multi-partner road map, related to data collection, capacity development and quality assurance.

-       Organize 1-2 sensitization sessions focused on data quality assurance, such as MUAC assessments, to meet IPC criteria.

4.2.Ensure pro-active exchange and collaboration with UNICEF team members, the IPC GSU and relevant partners (e.g. Nutrition Cluster, WFP, regional intergovernmental organizations).     

-       Create 4-5 advocacy products to strengthen IPC partnerships and enhance awareness.      

 

Qualifications

Education: 

Advanced university degree (Masters) in Nutrition, Public Health, Humanitarian Management, Business Management, Data and Epidemiology, or any other related discipline.

 

Work experience:

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required *: 

• Minimum 10-year experience in nutrition in emergencies
• Minimum 5 years’ experience working on Nutrition Information Systems in emergency contexts.
•  Experience in the IPC Acute Malnutrition
• Excellent communication, influencing, negotiation and problem-solving skills
•  Fluency in English and French
•  Another UN language an asset.

 

Requirements:

Completed profile in UNICEF's e-Recruitment system and

- Upload copy of academic credentials

- Financial proposal that will include/ reflect :

• • the costs per each deliverable and the total lump-sum for the whole assignment (in US$) to undertake the terms of reference.
  • travel costs and daily subsistence allowance, if internationally recruited or travel is required as per TOR.
  • Any other estimated costs: visa, health insurance, and living costs as applicable.
  • Indicate your availability

- Any emergent / unforeseen duty travel and related expenses will be covered by UNICEF.

- At the time the contract is awarded, the selected candidate must have in place current health insurance coverage.

- Payment of professional fees will be based on submission of agreed satisfactory deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

U.S. Visa information:

With the exception of the US Citizens, G4 Visa and Green Card holders, should the selected candidate and his/her household members reside in the United States under a different visa, the consultant and his/her household members are required to change their visa status to G4, and the consultant’s household members (spouse) will require an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) to be able to work, even if he/she was authorized to work under the visa held prior to switching to G4.  

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

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. View our competency framework at: Here

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment. 

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:  

Individuals engaged under a consultancy 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. Consultants 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. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.