BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

UNICEF Malawi with funding from the European Union will be implementing The Ulimi ndi Chilengedwe m’Malawi (UCHI) Project, a component of the larger UCHI Programme, an EU-funded initiative that aims to contribute to sustainable inclusive economic growth and transformation of food systems in Malawi. The project is built on the premise that healthier diets for young children, adolescents, and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are at the heart of achieving nutrition security. The project will work to enhance access to diversified, nutrient-dense foods coupled with contextual, innovative, and evidence-based Social Behaviour Change (SBC) initiatives to promote the production of nutrient-dense foods, optimal feeding practices, parenting, healthy diets, adequate hygiene practices and consumption patterns, and timely screening and referral of cases of acute malnutrition.   The UCHI Programme will be implemented over a five-year period from September 2024 to August 2029, in 10 districts of Chitipa, Karonga, Nkhata Bay, Mzimba, Nkhotakota, Salima, Kasungu, Thyolo, Mulanje and Chiradzulu.

How can you make a difference?

• Take the responsibility for the day-to-day management of the programme in the respective programme districts and coordination of planning, implementation supervision of activities to ensure efficient provision of both administrative and technical support services at district level.
• Initiate, coordinate and supervise scheduled capacity development and support activities for frontline workers, care groups and Farmer Organizations (FOs)/ Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in respective project district.
• Identify catchment areas per district in which women of childbearing age, adolescents, and infant and young children (with emphasis on children under 2 years old) and other vulnerable household members are at risk of malnutrition to prioritize their targeting under UCHI.
• Provide guidance and training on a regular basis to Nutrition and Agriculture Extension Workers, particularly fostering exchange of knowledge and integration of activities with the UCHI Agriculture Commercialization component.
• Monitor the provision of training at Care group level, facilitating the establishment of demonstration plots, organizing nutrition field days, cooking demonstrations, community-based learning activities that motivate behaviour change at household level.
• Cascade training materials adapted to the district for front line workers or communities in close collaboration with UCHI Agricultural Commercialization partners at District level.
• Coordinate efforts with DNCC, Health, Agriculture, and other relevant Government counterparts at district level to elaborate joint work plans and joint activities in the UCHI communities.
• Work in collaboration with UNDP and other relevant partners at district level in order to foster positive synergies within UCHI Programme components.
• Support in the day-to-day supervision of the Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Associate deployed in his /her respective Regional Office.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the UCHI Nutrition Programme Implementation Unit (PIU).

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

Academic qualification:

• A university degree in one of the following fields is required: nutrition, public health, nutritional epidemiology, global/international health, food science and nutrition, agrifood systems, health/nutrition research, policy and/or management, health sciences, nutritional epidemiology, or another health-related science field.

Work experience:

• A minimum of five years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas is required: nutrition, public health, nutrition planning and management, food science and technology, or food systems for children.
• Experience in nutrition programme/project implementation is required.
• Experience working with national and sub-national nutrition coordination and governance structures is a requirement.
• Experience in health/nutrition programme/food systems/project development within a UN system agency is an asset.

Technical knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of Malawi’s nutrition landscape is required.
• Background and/or familiarity with emergency is considered as an asset.
• Technical skills in programme planning, support and implementation are required.
• Proven networking and partnership-building skills are an asset.
• Excellent report writing skills

Language:

• Fluency in English and a local language both strong verbal and written skills, are essential.

Please refer to the attached full Terms of Reference  Terms of Reference_ Regional Programme Coordinator.pdf for more details on the consultancy and requirements.