Consultant to Develop a Module on Gender for the Global Nutrition Cluster’s Harmonized Training Package
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Consultant to Develop a Module on Gender for the Global Nutrition Cluster’s Harmonized Training Package 30th August, 2011
Contract type: SSA Duration: 1 October - 10 December 2011 (estimated 10 weeks of full time work) Deadline for End Product: 10 December 2011 Duty Station: Working from home Supervisor: Global Nutrition Cluster Coordinator, UNICEF Programme Division
- Purpose of assignment:
To develop a Module on Gender to be included in the Global Nutrition Cluster’s revised Harmonized Training Package - Justification/Rationale In the context of humantiarian crises, women, girls, boys and men face distinct risks in relation to a deterioration in their nutritional status. This is linked to their different age- and sex-related nutritional requirements as well as to gender-related socio-cultural factors. For example: • Pregnant or lactating women may be disproportionately affected by under-nutrition due to increased physiological requirements; • When food in short supply, women and girls may reduce intake as coping strategy in favour of other household members; • Women and girls may face constraints in accessing food as a result of insecurity, cultural discrimination and limited mobility. • Men who are single heads of households may be removed from their normal support structures during emergencies. If they do not know how to cook or care for young children, this will result in greater risk for under-nutrition for those children.
While there has been substantial progress in increasing awareness about the importance of addressing these distinct needs through gender equality programming in humanitarian action, recent reports have shown that in practice the majority of humanitarian sectoral response, including nutrition, remain ‘gender-blind,’ and fail to consider the differences within and among crisis-affected populations. For example, the IASC Report on the 2011 Gender Marker in CAPS and Pooled Funds notes that the Nutrition Cluster was one of two clusters that most often designed projects that were gender-blind or only addressed gender in a limited way.
One opportunity to address this gap is through the development of guidelines and training packages that outline practical approaches to applying gender considerations in nutrition response. Ultimately, applying such approaches can lead to improved nutrition outcomes by helping to generate a more accurate understanding of needs and opportunities, develop more targeted interventions, generate sustainable approaches through community engagement and facilitate the transition from relief to recovery.
In 2008, the Global Nutrition Cluster developed a Harmonized Training Package (HTP) for nutrition in emergencies consisting of 21 modules. In 2011, with financial support from OFDA, the Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) and Global Nutrition Cluster partners began a process of updating the HTP. In consultation with all of the cluster partners, the Global Nutrition Cluster decided to include a dedicated module on Gender and Nutrition in Emergencies (this would be module #22 of the HTP) in order to address the capacity gaps noted above. On behalf of the Global Nutrition Cluster, UNICEF is seeking a consultant to develop this module with a view to guiding Nutrition Cluster members in the application of gender-responsive nutrition emergency response.
Time Frame: 1 October - 10 December 2011 (estimated 12 weeks of full time work)
End Product The end product will be a user-friendly training module that details key elements of gender-sensitive approaches to nutrition in emergencies programming.
The primary audience for the Gender Module will be practitioners and technical experts working on Nutrition in Emergencies. The focus of the Module will be on the practical application of gender responsive programming in Nutrition. It should be written in English, using clear language (to facilitate future translations in to other languages), and interspersed with illustrative examples from various countries and regions.
The Gender Module will be approximately 40 pages long and will include the following sections (to be reviewed and possibly expanded, upon discussion with the consultant):
Rationale for applying gender-responsive programming in Nutrition Emergency Response Normative framework, key principles and accountability for gender equality programming in humanitarian action Key entry points for gender equality programming – linked specifically to existing frameworks and modalities for nutrition in emergency response, such as:
Nutrition needs assessments and analysis – this can include information on when and how to collect sex- and age-disaggregated data; how to conduct a gender analysis; examples of relevant questions to include during population assessments; suggestions for participatory information collection; ensuring mixed-sex assessment teams.
Interventions to prevent and treat malnutrition – this can include suggestions of gender considerations to factor in when planning food distribution and specific selective feeing programme such as the community based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) interventions with emphasis on Infant Feeding in Emergency (IFE), micronutrient interventions, livelihood interventions, and nutrition information, education and communication.
Monitoring, evaluation and accountability – this can include examples of gender-sensitive indicators that can be integrated into monitoring systems to enable more accurate assessment of impact; examples of the link between gender-responsive nutrition programmes and increased quality and accountability of response (linked to Sphere and related standards).
Examples of good practice from the field/ country level List of Resources The module will be consistent in style, editorial content and format with the other modules in the revised HTP and will cross reference relevant sections.
Suggested Methodology Proposed Timeline a) Gather existing data: Review existing gender guidance related to nutritional issues and contact related agencies (i.e. WFP, UNHCR and other organizations for discussion/material ) Week 1 (Oct 1-8) bi) Understand the HTP: Review of all 21 modules of the HTP. While reviewing, note ideas and recommendations on how to make these more gender sensitive for future revisions. bii) Share an Outline of the Gender module: Based on the format of other HTP modules, develop a draft module plan/outline and seek feedback from the coordination team, co-chairs and peer reviewers to be sure that the module outline is on the right track. Week 2-3 ( Oct 9-22) c) Draft the module: Prepare a strong first draft and seek comments from the GNC for coordination team, co-chairs and peer reviewers. Integrate comments. Weeks 4-7
(Oct 23- Nov 19) d) Submit final version of the module: Prepare a final draft and share with reviewers for any additional final comments and integrate. Submit the final print-ready version to the GNC. Weeks 8-10 (Nov20-Dec 10)
Minimum Qualifications At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience working on gender dimensions of nutrition and/or gender responsive programming in humanitarian/post-conflict settings. Proven professional experience preparing programme guidance for practical application. Excellent English-language writing and communication skills. Solid understanding of nutrition in emergencies and gender. Masters or Advanced Degree in a related subject area. Ability to synthesize and communicate ideas in a manner conducive to their practical application Excellent time management skills
- Application
Qualified candidates are requested to submit a cover letter, CV and P 11 form (which can be downloaded from our website at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html) to pdconsultants@unicef.org with subject line “Consultant, Gender Module – Nutrition HTP” by September 30th, 2011. Please indicate your ability, and daily/monthly rate and availability to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.
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