Nutrition & Home Economics Strategy Review Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impacts of climate change. Established in 1961, WFP operates in over 80 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to the mission of eradicating hunger and improving nutrition. WFP is recognized for its efforts in providing food assistance and is a 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, highlighting its significant contributions to global peace and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated equally and fairly, regardless of their background or identity. WFP invests in the personal and professional development of its employees through various training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for internal mobility, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this position is to conduct a comprehensive review of the Nutrition & Home Economics Strategy (2020-2024) to assess its effectiveness and impact. The consultant will be responsible for evaluating the progress made against the strategic objectives and targets set forth in the current strategy. This role involves identifying gaps, challenges, and lessons learned during the implementation phase, as well as proposing new approaches that align with emerging priorities such as climate resilience, gender equity, and digital innovations. The consultant will also assess the effectiveness of sectoral integration within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and Nutrition (MAFSN) and review the institutional arrangements for coordination and implementation at various levels. The findings from this review will provide critical insights and evidence-based recommendations to inform the design and development of the new strategy, ensuring that it addresses the current and future needs of food security and nutrition in Lesotho.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assessing the progress made against the key strategic objectives and targets of the current Nutrition & Home Economics Strategy; identifying gaps, challenges, and lessons learned regarding the strategy's relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and impact; evaluating the effectiveness of sectoral integration within MAFSN; reviewing institutional arrangements for coordination and implementation at national, district, and resource center levels; proposing new approaches for the upcoming strategy that align with emerging priorities; identifying and articulating emerging issues affecting food and nutrition security; assessing the extent to which gender equity and inclusion issues were incorporated into the strategy; reviewing monitoring arrangements and identifying relevant indicators; assessing the quality and consistency of reporting; examining resource allocation for monitoring activities; and determining the adequacy of tools and systems used for data collection and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Nutrition, Food Security, Public Health, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of experience in nutrition policy, food systems, and program evaluation is required. Proven expertise in climate-smart agriculture, resilience, and gender mainstreaming is essential. Familiarity with global and regional frameworks such as the SUN Movement and African Union nutrition strategies is also necessary. Strong analytical and technical writing skills are crucial for this role, as the consultant will be expected to produce high-quality reports and recommendations based on their findings.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Nutrition, Food Security, Public Health, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively assess and evaluate the Nutrition & Home Economics Strategy and its implementation.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in nutrition policy, food systems, and program evaluation. This level of experience is critical to ensure that the consultant can effectively analyze the strategy's implementation and provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their extensive background in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all reports and communications will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the region, would be considered an asset and could enhance the consultant's ability to engage with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a consultancy role with a specific focus on reviewing the Nutrition & Home Economics Strategy. The consultant will be expected to work full-time during the duration of the contract, which is expected to last until the completion of the review process. The role may involve travel within Lesotho to engage with stakeholders and gather necessary data. Compensation will be competitive and in line with WFP's terms and conditions for consultancy roles. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds.