BACKGROUND
The Food Security Information Network (FSIN) is an internationally recognized platform that brings together key stakeholders in food security and nutrition from various sectors, including governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and academia. FSIN’s mission is to enhance the global evidence base on food security and nutrition through improved data collection, analysis, and sharing. This network plays a pivotal role in guiding global responses to food crises by fostering a collaborative approach among its partners One of FSIN’s flagship initiatives is the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), an annual report that provides a comprehensive analysis of acute food insecurity and malnutrition across the world. The GRFC is a result of a multi-partner collaboration, involving 16 key global and regional partners, including UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The report is a critical tool used by policymakers, humanitarian agencies, and development organizations to prioritize and plan interventions aimed at addressing food crises In preparation for the 2025 GRFC, Action Against Hunger Canada is seeking a highly qualified and experienced consultant to work closely with UNICEF, as the Global Lead Agency for Nutrition, and to ensure the robust representation of the nutrition sector within the report. This consultant will provide strategic oversight and technical expertise to ensure that nutrition content is aligned with UNICEF’s priorities and the broader objectives of the GRFC. The consultant will also play a critical role in synthesizing lessons learned from the GRFC process to inform future efforts.
OBJECTIVE
The consultant will work closely with Nutrition Technical working Group of the FSIN which includes UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR, GNC and IPC, to map out data, collate critical data, and support the drafting of the nutrition chapter of the global report. The consultant will work closely with the technical teams from FSIN tasked with drafting the food security sections of GRFC 2025 report to ensure complementarity. The consultant will also provide a detailed data mapping matrix, based on the revisions to the current data matrix used by the TWG.
SERVICE DESCRIPTION
Terms of Reference (ToR) for this support include the following activities:
A. Technical Representation in the GRFC Process
Active Participation in the Nutrition Technical Working Group (TWG):
Engage in regular TWG meetings organized by FSIN, both virtually and in person, to provide expert input on nutrition-related issues. The consultant will ensure that nutrition data and analysis methodologies are scientifically robust and aligned with international standards.
Strategic Liaison with FSIN Partners: Maintain close collaboration with FSIN partners, including WFP, FAO, and the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Global Support Unit, to ensure that nutrition content is integrated cohesively within the broader food security narrative of the GRFC.
Monitoring and Reporting: Provide continuous updates to UNICEF’s senior management on the progress of the GRFC process, highlighting key milestones, challenges, and recommendations for strategic adjustments.
B. Technical Support for Data Aggregation and Analysis Data Aggregation: Work closely with UNICEF’s regional and country offices to gather and validate nutrition data, ensuring that it is comprehensive, up-to-date, and accurately reflects the situation on the ground. The consultant will guide the analysis of this data to draw meaningful insights that can be included in the GRFC. Content Development: Lead the drafting and review of nutrition-specific chapters in the GRFC, ensuring they are evidence-based, well-structured, and aligned with UNICEF’s strategic priorities. This includes reviewing contributions from other partners to ensure consistency and accuracy. Validation and Quality Assurance: Coordinate with UNICEF HQ and other relevant stakeholders to validate the final nutrition content before submission to the GRFC editorial team.
C. Lessons Learned and advocacy recommendations Lessons-learned document: Develop a comprehensive lessons-learned document that outlines the successes and challenges encountered during the GRFC process, with a focus on the nutrition sector. This document should include actionable recommendations for improving UNICEF’s and the broader nutrition community’s engagement in future GRFC processes.
TIMELINE
The duration of this remote support is 6 months with LOE of 3 days/week. Looking to start October 1st , 2024.
PROFILE QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
• An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Nutrition, Public Health, Epidemiology, or a related field with a strong focus on food security and nutrition.
• At least 10-15 years of experience in nutrition and food security, including significant experience with international organizations, and a track record of contributing to large-scale reports or assessments.
• Deep understanding of nutrition data analysis, food security assessment methodologies, and the use of data in decision-making processes. Familiarity with FSIN, GRFC, and IPC protocols and methodologies is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Strong ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders, including high-level officials, technical experts, and field practitioners.
• Proven ability to work in fast-paced environments and manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines. • Fluency in English and French 2
• Another UN language an asset. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES • Demonstrated understanding and commitment to humanitarian principles.
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to liaise with a wide range of people at different levels and across different cultures and to act with credibility and diplomacy.
• Self-motivated and able to work with a high degree of autonomy with strong time management skills. • Ability to manage and coordinate efforts from multiple stakeholders for a common goal and purpose. • Highly developed communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to analyse diverse information and develop recommendations for an appropriate NiE response in humanitarian contexts.
• Excellent knowledge of CMAM protocols and CMAM programme management tools.
• Good understanding of the cluster approach and the humanitarian programme cycle.
Candidates with previous work experience in the country, or familiarity with the context, will be given a preference.
DUTY STATION/LOCATION
The consultant will provide remote support (home-based assignment) and may be required to apply flexible working hours.
SUPERVISORS
The consultant will be supervised by both the GNC Operations Team and UNICEF Nutrition Information Systems Specialist CONTRACT MODALITY Fixed-term deliverable-based contract. Applications are open to individuals, teams of people or organizations.
How to apply
Proposals responding to this RFQ should include:
• Updated CV. • Cover letter detailing experience in conducting similar work.
• Three references for which you have conducted similar work.
• Daily rate per service. Please provide your quotations in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
Signed Action Against Hunger Canada Good Business Regulations Form will be required prior to completion of contracting.
Please note: Consultants of the GNC Consultant Roster and GNC partners can simply share their interest via email, with an up-to-date CV and daily rate, and will be prioritized for this work.
Please submit the proposal before Monday 23rd of September 2024, at 23:59, EST to: procurement@actionagainsthunger.ca
Please highlight “Consultancy to support the Global Report on Food Crises” in the subject heading.
