Assignment Details
Our client, a leading independent non profit foundation based in Geneva, Switzerland is looking for a consultant or a group of consultants to conduct an assessment of their investments in the delivery of micronutrient powders (MNP). Specifically, they want to learn more about the conditions required for efficient, effective and sustainable MNP delivery models and how they could support governments and others to achieve this through a detailed study.
Background
Point-of-use fortification of complementary foods with iron-containing micronutrient powders (MNP) is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a strategy to improve iron status and reduce anaemia in infants and young children (World Health Organization, 2016). Although MNP interventions have been implemented across 50 countries (UNICEF, 2015), achieving high program coverage and adherence to MNP recommendations is an ongoing challenge (Reerink et al., 2017). Countries have adopted a wide variety of MNP delivery strategies. MNP have most commonly been distributed through the health sector free of charge as part of infant and young child feeding programmes. Increasingly fee-based models are being considered with the intention of lowering intervention costs and building sustainability. Fee-based models include: full-cost models, where commercial entities market MNP with the aim of recovering costs and/or making a profit; subsidized models, where the cost of MNP has been viewed as a more viable option for partial cost recovery; and mixed models where a free and a fee-based product coexist, or price differentials for different segments of the populations were created (Reerink et al., 2017)
The main objectives of the study are:
1. Describe the conditions required for fee-based models to extend coverage to the less vulnerable whereas simultaneously improving overall market equity and efficiency.
2. Describe how and the extent to which our investments, in the delivery of MNP have contributed to building and maintaining equitable and sustainable fee-based models.
3. Describe how and the extent to which our investments in free- and fee-based models have contributed to increasing demand for MNP and supported its appropriate use and intake adherence.
4. Considering our organization strategy and positioning, identify how we could support governments, private sector and other key actors to facilitate the efficient, effective and sustainable MNP delivery models
5. Concept note of study plans; draft report; final report with concrete recommendations to the client; peer-review publication and summary brief.
Although the study will be externally contracted, the client may present the results of the study with acknowledgement to the authors.
The preferred timeline for the study and its reports to be completed by the end of 2018. Consultants will also need to submit an overview of proposed study plans and timelines if shortlisted for this assignment. Support for data gathering/research can be jointly organised as required.
Skills Required
1. Ability to synthesise complex data and develop the strategy
2. Previous work in the field of health and nutrition
2. Comfort with doing hands-on research & data analysis
3. Comfort with speaking to industry experts to validate hypotheses & points of view as needed
4. Examine existing evidence and potentially less documented delivery models
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6 month(s)
3+ years 
Hybrid
