Recruitment at International Medical Corps

International Medical Corps has been working in Sokoto stale Northern Nigona since November 2013. The nutrition program (CMAM) is implemented in two local government areas namely Binji and Wamakko and started in response to the need to scale up the CMAM program to treat children under five suffering from malnutrition. Currently the program includes 10 OTPihealth facilities which also provide IYCF promotion as well as community outreach activities There is a need to carry out an integrated sustainable CMAM, IYCF &WASH implementation survey in the LGAs to evaluate the program, assess the nutrition situation in these areas and identify if there is need for adjustment or scale up of the current program CMAM is the integral part of this program, combined with community outreach activities as well as IYCF promotion In order to gain insights on the current nutrition status of children and the communities, International Medical Corps intends to conduct a SMART and Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey in the areas of IYCF, Health, Hygiene and Sanitation The SMART survey will determine the malnutrition situation in the Iwo LGAs among children under 5 years while the KAP survey will assess the WASH, health seeking behavior and IYCF practices among children 0-23 months, The SMART survey will inform on the impact of the program and the need to adjust or scale-up the CMAM program whereas the KAP study will provide the baseline data for IYCF, health and WASH practices. The IYCF, Health and WASH practices survey will be the first KAP surveys undertaken by International Medical Corps in the LGAs in Sokoto state. The results of the surveys will enable International Medical Corps develop a proposal on scaling up of integrated sustainable CMAM, WASH & IYCF programs in the state if deemed necessary, as well as to give an overall picture of the nutrition situation and factors for poor public health approach in all of the International Medical Corps assisted LGAs.

Job Title: Consultant

Location: Sokoto State

Objectives
The proposed surveys have the following objectives:

To determine the prevalence of acute malnutrition among children aged 6 to 59 monthsTo estimate under-five and crude retrospective death rates in the three months prior to the surveyTo assess the recent morbidity patterns among children 6- 59 monthsTo assess the immunization coverage for BCG, Measles and Polio I DPT3 and Vitamin A among children 659 monthsTo determine mothers/ caretakers knowledge and caring practice regarding infant and young child feedingTo assess the community’s knowledge, attitude, practice and beliefs regarding water sanitation and hygieneTo establish the source of drinking water arid water management at household level as well as at health facilities and presence and use of latrinesTo provide additional qualitative information on the likely causes of under-nutrition and barriers to optimal child health and nutrition practices in the area, (E.g. through focus group discussions).To formulate and provide practical and sustainable recommendations based on the survey findingsTo determine the effectiveness, relevance and appropriateness of the current nutrition programs (CMAM, IYCF).

Duties and Responsibilities of the Consultant
The consultant will, in coordination with the International Medical Corps team and under direct report to the Country Director and Nutrition Program Coordinator

Develop survey tools using’ the SMART methodology. This includes ensuring that the data collection forms are in line with international standards.Be responsible for preparation of the two surveys, including review of population statistics, calculating the sample size, selecting clusters, and developing an efficient survey scheduleTrain the survey learns (including pre-testing questionnaire).Assume overall responsibility for implementation of the two surveys, including recruiting (in collaboration with HR and senior management at country level) and training of enumerators, data entry clerks.Daily supervision of survey learns and daily data quality assurance Supervise data entry and assure data entry quality.Be responsible for data cleaning and analysis using anthropometric software for the core anthropometric arid additional indicators, including analysis using WHO 2006 Growth Standards, PROPAN & UNICEF field manual process for the promotion of child feeding 2nd, edition PAHO 2013Present Preliminary findings and present the final findings at nutrition working group upon sharing with IMCPresent the draft report of the findings in a stakeholder forum for comments and feedbackRevise and submit a final copy of the survey report including recommendations to International Medical Corps.Lead the synthesis and sharing of findings during meetings and discussions with International Medical Corps and relevant field team members as well as other relevant stakeholders

Expected outputs: Two final survey reports: Consultant submits these for review and then based on the feedback, revises and submits the final reports including conclusion, recommendation outlined per each sector to International Medical Corps.
Feedback on findings: The Consultant gives a briefing on the preliminary findings from the surveys to International Medical Corps & SMoH staff in Sokoto and / or in Abuja.
Timeframe: The whole assignment is expected to lake no more than 30 days starting May 15th - July 7th, 2014.

Qualifications

PhD or Masters Degree in Public Health or Nutrition or related fields- training in research methods is an advantageExtensive experience in health program preferably in nutrition and WASH research demonstrated by assignments conductedExperience in conducting KAP and SMART surveys including training teams, analyzing data and writing up reportsExperience in the Nutrition assessment in Northern Nigeria is an advantageKnowledge of the socio-economic and health development issues in relation to Northern Nigeria is desired.Excellent interpersonal, communication, training and report writing skillsMust be computer literate with undoubted proficiency in analytical packages such as ENA for SMART (2013), SPSS, CSPro, STATA, and SASFluent in both oral and written English Hausa language skills are desirable but not essential

How to Apply:
Interested applicants who meet the above requirements should submit in hard copies the following:

CV & cover letter demonstrating capability and availabilityTelephone and email contacts of at least three references that can validate their technical expertise must be included.A technical proposal including methodology, work plan and activity schedule and a financial proposal which should include professional fees and other expenses, inclusive of all taxes, required to undertake the two surveys.

Applications should be sent to the following Address:
International Medical Corps Plot 3, Tsafe Road, Off Sama Road, Sokoto, Nigeria. Any enquiries related to the delivery of applications can be directed to Tel: +234 8030402931.

All envelopes must be sealed and marked with the subject as ‘CONSULTANT SMART & KAP SURVEY-SOKOTO, NIGERIA’ and delivered to the above listed address on or before 5th June 2014. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview