NEW Consultancy, Landscape Analysis of overweight and obesity prevention in Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia (for Internationals only) Consultancy – Consultant – Contractors Agreement UNICEF – United Nations Children’s Fund Closing in 8 days Windhoek

UNICEF Namibia is seeking the services of an individual consultant to undertake such landscape analysis that would inform a set of priority activities and interventions for overweight and obesity prevention among children and adolescents in the country, inspired by the UNICEF Programming Guidance. Additionally, the results of the landscape analysis would complement current nutrition interventions of the national Food Security and Nutrition implementation plan and inform the new UNICEF country programme development 2025-2029.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.  Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.  And we never give up.  For every child, good health 

Purpose of Assignment:  UNICEF has taken a lead in supporting the Government of Namibia to address all forms of malnutrition through providing technical support, programmes, and aid to improve children’s quality of foods, food environments and food practices. In the changing nutritional context of Namibia, UNICEF is taking a multidimensional approach that addresses both undernutrition and overweight and obesity.  The landscape analysis is a comprehensive overview of the country context with regard to overweight and obesity including a deep analysis of data; review of published literature; a sweep and evaluation of existing legislation, policies, programmes and interventions for overweight and obesity; assessment of school food and nutrition environments; relationship to other relevant nutrition initiatives such a stunting prevention programmes, as well as to other areas such as non-communicable diseases.

How can you make a difference? 

Objectives:  The overall purposes of the consultancy are to provide a comprehensive overview of the current overweight and obesity situation, trends, and main risk factors, focusing on children, adolescents and women, and accounting for differences across genders and geographies. It also incorporates an in-depth analysis of the enabling environment for overweight and obesity prevention in the country, including policies, legislations, and programmes currently in place including at school level, the level of political commitment and awareness, and evidence gaps.  

The objectives of the study are to: 

• Analyze available data sources to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children, adolescents and adult women by age group, gender, geography, and socio-economic status, along with the trends over time. 
• Assesses the risk factors and environmental conditions contributing to childhood and adult overweight and obesity levels, including early influences (breastfeeding, complementary feeding, stunting) and childhood dietary patterns and physical activity.
• Review and evaluate existing policies, legislation, and programmes with relevance to overweight and obesity prevention, including measures addressing unhealthy food environments, physical inactivity, identifying gaps and opportunities for enhancement while analyzing the influence of political, institutional, and cultural factors on these initiatives.
• Conduct a youth survey to gather and analyze data on dietary and physical activity habits, influences on these choices, exposure to unhealthy food marketing, school food environments, and available nutrition services, along with recommendations for improvement.
• Identify key stakeholders across various sectors relevant to overweight prevention efforts, mapping out their roles and influence to facilitate collaboration and collective action.
• To organize and convene a stakeholder consultation to develop consensus on a set of priority policies and actions to effectively prevent child overweight.
• Weight and obesity in Namibia.

Scope of Work:  The consultancy will result in the following deliverables:  i.  A comprehensive landscape analysis of overweight and obesity prevention among children and adolescents in Namibia.  ii.  A set of dissemination materials based on the landscape analysis (such as academic publication, and policy briefs).  iii.  An identified set of priority policies and actions for child overweight and obesity prevention, based on stakeholder consensus.

The consultancy will follow the below process:  Familiarization and preparation of the database

• The consultant will familiarize themselves with the UNICEF Programming Guidance on the Prevention of Overweight and Obesity in Children and Adolescents, and the UNICEF protocol and guide on how to conduct the landscape analysis.
• The consultant will use and adapt the UNICEF protocol and guide to set up a database to collect the relevant information for Namibia.

Activity 1 – Completion of the landscape analysis:  The consultant will follow the methods set out in the UNICEF protocol and guide to gather and analyses the relevant information to complete the landscape analysis. The methods are likely to include collation of documents and data from internet searches and directly from government and other sources, interviews with key stakeholders etc. Elements of the landscape analysis are likely to include:

1. Epidemiological situation with regards to overweight/obesity among children aged 0-18 years and women.

• Review of available data from MICs, DHS surveys, Vulnerability Assessment Surveys, school-based surveys and/or national nutrition surveys.
• Dis-aggregation of data across age and socioeconomic groups, geographical area and over time.
• Analysis of connections between obesity/overweight and other forms of malnutrition.
• Analysis of inequities by income, geography, ethnicity, or gender.
• Identification of gaps in data/knowledge.

2.  Review of data on dietary intake, food availability, affordability and promotion among children aged 0-18 years and women.

• Review and dis-aggregation (by group and time trends) of available data on dietary intake including potentially unhealthy food and drink e.g. savory snack foods; confectionery; sugar-sweetened beverages; low fruit and vegetable intake.
• Review of available studies on the promotion, marketing and sale data of food including potentially unhealthy food and drink targeted at younger and school aged children e.g. studies conducted by academia, development partners and/or government.
• Review of current knowledge, attitudes, and practices as well as social norms with regards to the consumption of unhealthy food and beverages e.g. studies conducted by academia, development partners and/or government.
• Analysis of inequities by income, geography, ethnicity, or gender.
• Identification of gaps in data/knowledge.  Findings to be used for adapting primary data collection tool #2 under Activity 2 on dietary and physical activity habits, influences on these choices, exposure to unhealthy food marketing, and school food environments.

3.  Review of policies, legislations, standards and programs that are in place to address overweight and obesity among children aged 0-19 years and women.

• Review of national, sub-national, local, and school level policies strategies, programmes and action plans already in place that relate to the prevention of overweight among children and adolescents aged 0-19 years and women.
• Analysis of approaches being adopted e.g. children’s rights approach.
• Review of specific policies mentioned in the UNICEF programming guidance, including those that address food promotion, labelling, composition, retail, price as well as governance dimensions such as policy coordination, monitoring and evaluation. Specific attention should be given to review Code legislation, rules on marketing of commercial foods for infants/young children, restrictions on marketing of foods and non-alcoholic beverages to children, school food standards and policies on sale and promotion of unhealthy foods in and around schools, front of pack labelling and sugar-sweetened beverage taxation.
• Review of existing services and key interventions relevant to preventing overweight and obesity via health, education, social welfare and WASH systems, as well as social and behavior change communication strategies.
• Identification of gaps. Findings to be used for designing a primary data collection tool #1 under Activity 2.

4.  Stakeholder mapping

• Identification of the main stakeholders, their role and influence in the policy and program discourse on overweight and obesity prevention in children including key ministries and agencies in government, political actors (e.g. parliamentary committees), school stakeholders, civil society organizations including youth led community- and school-level initiative, the private sector, academia, scientific/professional groups, consumer groups, food industry funded groups etc.

Activity 2 – To conduct food and nutrition environment assessment in schools including survey on overweight and obesity prevention:  The consultant will familiarize themselves with the UNICEF Nutrition Environment Assessment Toolkit for Schools (NEAT-S) and adapt this to for Namibia guided by Activity 1 findings.  The consultant will follow instructions on the three stages and 15 key steps of the NEAT-S. Tasks associated with the assessment are likely to include:

 Activity 2.1. Preparation for school assessment:  Toolkit familiarization and appointment of data collection and analysis team.  Collation of existing school nutrition contextual data at a national level (e.g., policies, standards, guidelines relevant to health and nutrition, # of schools, type of schools, enrolment and attendance rates)

Activity 2.2. School-level assessment

• Adaptation of data collection tools #1 and #2 of the NEAT-S to context guided by Activity 1 findings.
• Training of data collection teams (need: identification of 1-2 field workers, support from UNICEF NCO)
• Field-testing data collection tools (approx. 2 schools per identified category)
• Determining appropriate sampling for school-level data schools per school category deemed important to represent)
• Determining appropriate sampling for school student surveys (data collection tool #2)
• Obtaining school permission for data collection (support from UNICEF NCO)
• Supporting and overseeing data collection from schools through direct observation and a questionnaire for school administrators (data collection tool #1)
• Obtaining parental consent for children’s participation in survey (data collection tool #2 with support from field workers, UNICEF NCO)
• Supporting and overseeing data collection (tool #2) from students on:
  •  dietary intake, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors around nutrition and overweight and obesity prevention,
  •  their perceptions of food and nutrition environments within and outside of school
  • the idea of implementing new policies to improve food environments.

 Activity 3. Analyze and synthesize findings data:  Review, clean, and analyze NEAT-S data.  Report on national core (recommended) indicators and any optional indicators and provide recommendations for priority actions to improve school nutrition environments.  Triangulating findings with that of the landscape analysis and integrating these into final report.

The consultant is expected to produce the following deliverables:

• • Inception Report: Design the approach for data collection and analysis including relevant tools, implementation plan and key stakeholders to be involved. Relevant and available global protocols and guidance meant for this age group should be used and adapted to the Namibia context. Data collection tools should be included in the inception report.
  • Stakeholder Meetings: With the support of UNICEF Namibia CO, organize bilateral meetings (in person preferred) with various stakeholder including the Ministry of Health/National Integrated Food and Nutrition Programme, and Ministry of Education. Seek stakeholders’ feedback on the inception report and engage with them in validating findings, refining study purpose, including scope of primary data collection. Finalize the inception report by incorporating feedback.
  • Draft Landscape Analysis Report: Conduct the landscape analysis and compile a draft report (including all aspects detailed in the TOR). Present the draft report to the technical team for inputs and formulation of key recommendations. Recommendations should also encompass suggestions for modifying data collection tools to address any gaps in the existing data.
  • School Food and Nutrition Environment and overweight and obesity Report: Production of a systems framework for action on nutrition of children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 years with a clear set of sector specific recommendations for policy, programmes and services and ways to address the evidence gaps.
  • A full final report: Finalize the landscape analysis report and survey report while incorporating comments/changes suggested by the technical team.
  • A policy brief: no more than four pages, describing the main findings from the landscape analysis, including current trends in overweight and obesity, risk factors and obesogenic environments and current policy initiatives, and key recommendations for action.
  • A PowerPoint presentation:  what is in the executive summary in a few words, using pictures and graphics to describe the situation, what can be done, and who might do it.
  • Dissemination workshop: to Namibia country office and government stakeholders.

Preparation of dissemination materials:  The consultant will prepare a set of communication materials based on the landscape analysis. This will include:  two summary evidence academic paper for publication in a peer review journal:  1.  1 paper on Obesity and overweight landscape analysis.  2.  1 paper on the food and nutrition environment.  3.  A policy brief presenting key findings and policy recommendations.

Identification of priority policies and actions through stakeholder workshop:  The consultant will support organization of a key stakeholder workshop to build consensus on context specific priority policies and actions for child overweight and obesity prevention. The workshop is likely to last for half a day and bring together nutrition and public health specialists in Namibia.

Work Assignment Overview:   Overview of Assignment Landscape Analysis of overweight and obesity prevention.pdf

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• An advanced university degree (master’s) in Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Epidemiology, International Health and Nutrition, Maternal and Child Nutrition, or a related nutrition field is required.  
  *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree. 

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:  At least 5 years of experience in working in the field of overweight and obesity, preferably in a research capacity in Southern Africa.  Proven experience in conducting nutrition policy and programming landscape analyses including Infant and Young Child Feeding policy and programme, analyzing and synthesizing policy and programme information, and in conducting literature reviews on health and nutrition is a major asset.  Good computer knowledge. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint), various email applications, data entry using proprietary databases, and using the internet for research and reports i.e. analysis, proposal, etc.  Advanced skills on analyzing relevant documents from various sources, statistic data analysis to generate/summarize required reports.  Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in diverse settings, tailoring language, tone, style, and format to match audience needs.  Strong networking and communication skills (written and verbal) in English required.  Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.  Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a local language is an asset. 

Advantageous:  Understanding the life course, growth, and nutritional status of children.  Understanding statistical reports on child anthropometrics (including trends over time).  Familiarity with existing WHO recommendations and WHO and UNICEF guidance on overweight and obesity.  Familiarity with using on-line databases e.g. hosted by UNICEF, WHO and FAO.  Ability to summaries evidence succinctly and provide clear recommendations.  Experience working in UNICEF/UN or NGO organizations.

Administrative issues:  The Namibia Country Office will cover all costs associated with in-country stakeholder meetings and primary data collection.  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.

How to Apply – Please submit expression of interest together with:  A cover letter, no longer than 1 page, and curriculum vitae showing how the consultant meets the required qualifications, experience, and expertise.  Technical Proposal demonstrating the consultant’s understanding of the ToRs, the proposed methodology/approach, and timelines for the respective deliverables.  Examples of similar previous work may be requested during recruitment.  A financial proposal/budget, which must be inclusive of all activities and expenses related to the assignment, including professional fee, relevant travel costs and other related cost, using the sample template below.

Incomplete applications e.g. without financial/budget proposal will not be considered.

For every Child, you demonstrate… UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

 To view our competency framework, please visit  here.   UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

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

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract 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 and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors 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. 

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