The objective of this consultancy is to recommend: i) an evidence-based, context-specific, and fit-for-purpose institutional set-up / structure within MoHs in RMI and Tonga, which will allow optimal delivery of nutrition services through health systems and effective coordination of nutrition interventions across sectors; and ii) nutrition human resource capacity needed in other Ministries to deliver in full, required multisectoral interventions for nutrition.

Specifically, the assignment includes:

1. Undertake a desk review of organizational structures of public institutions (MoH, other line ministries and government institutions) for delivery of nutrition services in different countries, including the Oceania / Asian region, and identify good practices relevant to RMI and Tonga context.
2. Review the current organizational structures and institutional capacity in MoH, other line ministries and government institutions in RMI and Tonga against the country’s public nutrition needs, challenges as well as expected roles of each agency in delivery and coordination of nutrition services, as well as civil service regulations.
3. Recommend a fit-for-purpose, context-specific organizational set-up with human resource prototype for a unit/department/division (including graded positions) under the MoH to deliver the required nutrition-specific services and coordinate multi-sectoral nutrition-sensitive interventions for each country. In consultation with MoH, recommend the same for nutrition positions in other relevant line ministries and government institutions (e.g., Agriculture, Education, Commerce/trade, and social protection & any other relevant government institution depending on the context) to ensure delivery of nutrition sensitive interventions in respective sectors.
4. Estimate the annual cost of the implementation of above recommendations
5. Develop a roadmap for gradually operationalizing the recommended institutional set-up in phases, taking into account the priority nutrition interventions and the existing in-country human resource capacity and the need for short-term measures (engagement of consultants / expatriates, task shifting, etc.) and long-term measures (workforce production through pre-service and in-service education and overseas partnership arrangement, etc.).

The consultant needs to travel to RMI and Tonga (one visit each) to perform most of the assignment which involves extensive stakeholder consultation, while s/he can work remotely at the beginning and end of the assignment. The expected duration of the contract is 4 months. The exercise should be completed in RMI first, and then Tonga. The consultant is expected to spend approximately 50 working days for in-country assignment in 2 countries, while the remaining 14 days’ worth of work may be completed remotely. All costs related to the work will be included in the financial proposal and subsequent contract. Monitoring and overall supervision will be provided by the Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country Office, in close collaboration with the Chief of Health and Nutrition. While in RMI, the consultant will report to the UNICEF Maternal Child Health Specialist based in Majuro on a day-to-day basis.

Please refer to the ToR ( TOR Nutrition Governance Consultant.pdf) for further information on the deliverables and the timelines.

Requirements: 

Education:

• An advanced University degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or Public Health, Organisational Development, Public policy, Governance, or other related disciplines is required. A PhD would be an added advantage.

Experience, Skills and Knowledge

• A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in nutrition programming, including at policy level is required.
• Experience with nutrition governance review, organizational review, public sector reform, and institutional strengthening work is required.
• Experience in working with government institutions is required.
• Work experience in the Oceania / Asian region, particularly in the Pacific is an asset.
• Ability to work effectively with people.
• Clear and concise communication.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills.
• Proven ability to work independently under difficult conditions.
• Government systems, Nutrition service delivery.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required.