Consultant for Nutrition Program Evaluation

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's core values include Integrity, Collaboration, Commitment, Humanity, and Inclusion, and it strives to create a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. WFP has been recognized for its efforts, notably being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2020 for its work in combating hunger and promoting security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security. The organization emphasizes the importance of personal and professional development for its employees, offering various training and mobility opportunities across its global offices.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Nutrition Program Evaluation will play a crucial role in assessing the national program for combating malnutrition in Mauritania. This position involves conducting a comprehensive diagnostic study to identify necessary reforms for better prevention of malnutrition and coordination of care. The consultant will review existing documentation related to the responses provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Childhood, and Family (MASEF) in the fight against malnutrition, analyzing both institutional and programmatic aspects. The consultant is expected to identify strengths and weaknesses in previous nutrition programs and present lessons learned, as well as propose actionable improvements that align with national policies and protocols. This role requires a thorough understanding of the current malnutrition program and its alignment with national preschool development initiatives, integrating gender perspectives and interactions with school feeding programs and the management of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). The consultant will also analyze the contributions of various public institutions, NGOs, and partners in the nutrition sector, aiming to enhance coordination and complementarity among stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conduct a diagnostic study of the national malnutrition program to identify necessary reforms for improved prevention and care coordination.
• Review existing documentation on MASEF's responses to malnutrition, focusing on institutional and programmatic aspects.
• Identify strengths and weaknesses of previous nutrition programs and present lessons learned.
• Propose actions for improvement to ensure that various malnutrition prevention initiatives align with national policies and protocols.
• Develop a capacity-building plan for the program.
• Assess the current malnutrition program's alignment with MASEF's national preschool development program, considering gender perspectives and interactions with school feeding programs and MAM management.
• Analyze current responses from public institutions, NGOs, and partners in the nutrition sector, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of National Education, and the Food Security Commission, to enhance coordination and complementarity of actions among stakeholders.
• Produce a comprehensive report detailing the historical contributions of MASEF to national malnutrition responses, the current institutional and programmatic configuration, ongoing interventions, and recommendations for an optimal response framework.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess the following qualifications:

• A higher education degree in social or economic sciences (minimum BAC+5).
• Proven experience of at least 5 years in nutrition or food security fields.
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills.
• Proficiency in French is mandatory, and knowledge of Arabic will be considered an asset.
• Preference will be given to female candidates in cases of equal qualifications between candidates of different genders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a higher education degree in social or economic sciences, with a minimum qualification of BAC+

• This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of nutrition and food security issues and for conducting thorough analyses and evaluations of existing programs.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the fields of nutrition or food security. This experience should include working on program evaluations, policy analysis, and capacity-building initiatives, demonstrating a strong understanding of the challenges and strategies related to malnutrition and food security.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will primarily be conducted in this language. Knowledge of Arabic is considered a valuable asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to be full-time and may involve travel within Mauritania to engage with various stakeholders. The contract duration and specific compensation details will be discussed during the interview process. WFP is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks to ensure compliance with WFP's standards of integrity and professionalism.