Technical Consultant for Management of Acute Malnutrition

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO plays a critical role in coordinating responses to health emergencies, setting health standards, and providing technical assistance to countries. The organization focuses on various health issues, including nutrition, infectious diseases, and health systems strengthening, aiming to ensure that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest possible level of health.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Consultant for the Management of Acute Malnutrition involves providing essential technical support to the Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone. The consultant will be tasked with revising, adapting, and finalizing national guidelines and training packages concerning the management of acute malnutrition in children under five years. This role is crucial in ensuring that Sierra Leone's protocols align with the latest WHO Guidelines for wasting and nutritional oedema, which were published in 202

• The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government officials, nutrition experts, and health workers, to ensure that the guidelines are practical, evidence-based, and responsive to the current public health landscape. The consultant's work will contribute significantly to improving the quality and effectiveness of nutrition services in Sierra Leone, addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition among young children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive review of existing national guidelines, training packages, and operational tools related to the management of acute malnutrition in children under five years. They will analyze and synthesize relevant global guidance, including the 2023 WHO Guidelines for the Management of Wasting and Nutritional Oedema, to identify key recommendations that require national adaptation. The consultant will facilitate structured technical discussions with the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders to assess gaps and inconsistencies between existing protocols and updated global recommendations. They will draft revised, evidence-based national guidelines, training materials, and job aids tailored to the Sierra Leone context. Additionally, the consultant will support stakeholder consultations and technical workshops, document feedback, and integrate agreed revisions into the final guidelines. The consultant will also contribute to the development of a high-level implementation and dissemination plan aligned with national health and nutrition strategies.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Paediatrics, or a related field. Essential qualifications include a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in nutrition policy, program implementation, or guideline development. The candidate must have at least 5 years of demonstrated experience in revising clinical and/or operational guidelines for the management of acute malnutrition. Familiarity with WHO normative guidance, particularly the 2023 WHO Guidelines on wasting and nutritional oedema, is essential, along with strong experience in managing severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and monitoring nutrition program implementation. Desirable qualifications include demonstrated facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Paediatrics, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of nutrition management and public health policies, particularly in the context of acute malnutrition in children under five years.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in nutrition policy, program implementation, or guideline development. This experience should include at least 5 years of demonstrated work in revising clinical and/or operational guidelines specifically for the management of acute malnutrition. Proven familiarity with WHO normative guidance and experience in supporting national adaptation processes are also required.

Languages:
The position requires working proficiency in English, encompassing written, presentation, and verbal communication skills. This proficiency is essential for effective collaboration with stakeholders and for the preparation of technical documents and reports. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set for a duration of 4 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 11 months per calendar year. The consultant will be compensated according to the applicable fees as per the World Health Organization scale for consultants at the NOC level. No travel is required for this position, and the work will be conducted in Freetown, Sierra Leone.