National Micronutrient Survey Coordinator

There is no recent national data on micronutrient status in Zimbabwe, the last national micronutrient survey dates 1999 and documented high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (key micronutrient for growth and immunity) with 33.8% of children under the age of 5 years, classified as Vitamin A deficient. Following the results of the survey, the government of Zimbabwe, though MOHCW strengthened the national vitamin A supplementation program, targeting children 6 – 59 months and postpartum women, including mass supplementation to children though NIDs (National Immunization Days). However, the impact of this intervention has never been evaluated, while various surveys assessed the coverage of VAS and suggest coverage is good (>80%) when reinforced by campaigns such as Child Health Days (CHDs) and in absence of CHDs coverage is usually around 20%. Iron status (key micronutrient in growth and development), has never been documented in Zimbabwe, at a population/national level. But anaemia prevalence has been assessed in various localized surveys and in DHS. The DHS survey in 2005 reported anaemia as a severe public health problem affecting 58% of children 6 – 59 months old, 37% of women aged 15 – 49 years and 47% of pregnant women. It should be noted that anaemia often underestimates iron deficiency prevalence.
Data on USI and IDD has been available on regular basis (now yearly) and continues to play a key role in maintaining effective USI strategy in Zimbabwe. Last data on IDD/USI was collected in 2009 and due for collection in 2011. The inclusion of IDD/USI indicators in a national survey would assist to further examine and advice representativeness of the sentinel site surveillance system.

Introduction: Investment and efforts to improve micronutrient status through food based approaches such as fortification of staples, complimentary foods as well as behaviour change is very low, in Zimbabwe, and might partly be attributed to the lack of evidence on magnitude of the problem. A study to determine the public health significance of micronutrient malnutrition in Zimbabwe would provide the urgently necessary detailed information that enables further understanding of overall nutritional vulnerability. This, in turn, will contribute to developing a more appropriate and evidence based response to tackle the causes of micronutrient malnutrition. Micronutrient status of children and women is one of the impact indicators identified for recently scaled-up nutrition interventions through the Health transition fund (HTF) and the ZUNDAF nutrition flagship initiative initiated in 2012. Therefore MOHCW in collaboration with FNC, UNICEF and other partners is planning to conduct a national micronutrient survey in Zimbabwe and data collection is planned during late second quarter/early third quarter.

While a number of preparations have already taken place, in terms of designing the survey methodology and tools, a number of critical preparations (including procurement of lab and other supplies, planning and ensuring high quality training and pre-testing (including biological sample and cold chain management), designing and managing data entry, analysis and write up. This requires a full time attention from UNICEF from now on, as the key technical agency supporting the survey and accountable to donor funding, in order to ensure timeliness and quality requirements are met; while ensuring full government ownership and leadership in the survey (specially of MOHCW and FNC).

Objective (s): To ensure that national micronutrient survey is conducted, analyzed and reported, by end of 2012, to the highest technical and ethical standards through supporting the MOHCW and FNC in ensuring: • Ensuring timely and high quality technical and logistical input from UNICEF and other partners to the various stages of the survey • Ensuring coordination and participation of various partners

Methodology & Expected Output:

The Consultant will be a full time focal person from UNICEF, closely collaborating with focal persons from MOHCW, FNC and the technical support team of CDC Atlanta, to finalize the logistical and technical preparations, to organize and manage training and pilot testing, manage the data collection; sample processing, storage and shipment; manage data entry and analysis; and report writing.

Expected outputs include: • Finalized budget and supplies planning (including advice on procurement, finalization/translation of survey tools and distribution) • Well-coordinated training and pretesting • High quality data and biological specimens collected, processed and shipped for analysis, as per protocol • Accurate and efficient data entry and analysis • Preparation of high quality report and presentations of findings

Deliverables 1. Logistical and technical preparations done as per agreed timeline. (e.g. Supplies, tools, survey manual, training schedule/content etc.).Technical partners providing timely and high quality support to the survey.
2. Training conducted and demonstrated skills and knowledge required by enumerators 3. Data and specimens collected, on timely and accurate manner, cold chin requirements fully met. 4. Draft survey report

Consultancy Requirements A minimum of Master’s degree in Nutrition, Public health or related fields At least 5 - 8 years’ progressive work experience, at senior level Demonstrated skills in coordination, planning, influencing, decision making Experience in managing large scale micronutrient studies/surveys is advantage Knowledge of local language Experience in lab and cold-chain requirements/processing of biological samples is an advantage Demonstrated analytical and writing skills, etc.

How to apply:

If you have experience of working in a similar capacity, meet the above profile and want to make an active and lasting contribution to build a better world for children, send your application letter and curriculum vitae, quoting vacancy notice number to the following address.

Human Resources Manager Consultancy Notice No. Zim/2012:04 UNICEF, 6 Fairbridge Avenue, P O Box 1250 Belgravia, Harare

or email: hararevacancies@gmail.com