1. Background
The salt iodization (USI), Vitamin A supplementation (VAS), programs are key NI programs operational in Pakistan. To improve program effectiveness, NI is placing Provincial Managers at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, based at Peshawar and South Punjab, based at Multan, to provide technical assistance to the Provincial and District Departments of Health, Food Authorities and other government departments and industry (salt processors) as required.
2. Main objectives of this Consultancy
The key objective is to provide technical assistance to the Provincial Department of Health, Provincial Food Authority and other government departments and private salt industry representatives (salt processors) to improve production of adequately iodized salt, fortified foods and increase coverage of VAS for children 6 to 59 months, promoting use of zinc and ORS in the treatment of childhood diarrhea and other maternal and infant and young child nutrition programs.
3. Provincial Manager’s Role
The Provincial Manager will be responsible for the successful implementation of these programs in his/her respective province in consultation and coordination with Departments of Health, respective food departments and their food authorities, other government departments, industry representatives (salt processors) NGOs and donors like WFP and others working in nutrition sector, academia, and research institutions. However, she/he are encouraged not to interact with media without the presence of National Program Manager and/or the Country Director.
The Provincial Managers will be stationed at their respective Provincial DoH office / Nutrition Office and report to National Program Manager – USI at CO, Pakistan, NI Islamabad. The Provincial Manager will:
- Take lead in the constitution of Provincial Task Force/working groups/committees on salt iodization, VAS, use of zinc and ORS in the treatment of diarrhea, maternal and infant and young child nutrition and other nutrition related interventions.
- As required participate in these Task Force/working groups /committees and act as a resource person and provide technical and programmatic inputs.
- Provide technical support to the provincial Department of Health/ food department & authorities and facilitate in all relevant program activities in line with the plan of action/ work plan agreed by the NI at the national level and implemented accordingly at the provincial and district levels.
- Coordinate among the stakeholder’s i.e. provincial Department of Health, food department and authorities and other government departments, active partners, industry (salt processors), NGOs, donors, academic and research institutions.
- Facilitate quality assurance; submit reports on implementation of NI assisted programs along with suitable recommendations to DoH & District Health Management Teams for improvement.
- Organize training workshops as needed.
- Capacity building and technical guidance of USI field staff (including any new staff) on USI program
- Write reports, including gathering information on lessons learned and best practices.
- Undertake any other specific tasks assigned by the NPM-USI NI Pakistan.
3.1 Specific tasks involved
a) Salt iodization
(i) In consultation with the Department of health (DoH), Food Authority and NI, ensure that potassium iodate is being used properly for adequate iodization of edible salt.
(ii) Assist the DoH, Food department and concerned partners in proper distribution of potassium iodate and other logistics.
(iii) Conduct field visits to districts and salt factories to provide technical support to the salt producers/ processors to facilitate proper maintenance of the equipment and use of the appropriate iodization methods.
(iv) Undertake regular monitoring visits to the districts as per monthly plan submitted in consultation with the DoH, food department and NI Pakistan.
(v) Supervision and technical guidance to the USI Field Officers / Zonal Managers in their respective province.
(vi) Providing technical guidance, capacity building, mentoring and onjob training of any new staff member, in their respective jurisdiction.
(vii) Ensure that all the Quality control laboratories (QCL) in the districts/divisions are operationalized and functional.
(viii) Ensure that salt samples are collected from all the salt producers on a regular basis as planned and analyzed in the nearest quality control laboratory and results are shared with DoH and food authorities for rectification measures.
(ix) Ensure that data from district on iodine content of salt is collected, analyzed and used for program decision making and flows to the province level.
(x) Organize/ facilitate quarterly meetings of provincial IDD control committee in the respective province for monitoring and review of program implementation in the province.
(xi) Facilitate training workshops/ seminars at provincial and district level as required.
b) VAS
(i) Support the National Program Manager/Coordinator for VAS in implementing program activities either directly or through third party.
(ii) Attend Provincial task force meetings of Emergency Operation Center and Expanded Program on Immunization.
(iii) Monitoring of vitamin A supplementation program, (pre, during and post NIDS), review of coverage reports and data sharing of low coverage districts with the EPI and concerned districts and attending all meetings including evening meetings.
(iv) Organize/facilitate meetings with provincial stakeholders to discuss issues related to VAS campaign and discuss ways and means for improving the implementation of the next semester round.
c) Zinc Program
(i) Support the National Program Manager/Coordinator for Zinc in implementing program activities either directly or through third party
(ii) Attend Provincial task force meetings on diarrhea.
4. Deliverables
A) Prepare a draft work plan in consultation with line manager at NI and key stakeholders within two weeks of signing the agreement.
B) Submit monthly reports to line manager, on the tasks performed along with suggestions/ recommendations for further improvement and the targets to be achieved during the following month.
C) Program-wise deliverables would be as below:
(a) Salt iodization
(i) Logistics reports on supply, distribution and utilization of potassium iodate, equipment and other material to NPM-USI on a monthly basis.
(ii) Compilation of monthly reports received from the districts and/ or USI FOs and submission to NPM - USI.
(iii) Capacity building of new staff and grooming their knowledge and skills on USI program.
(iv) Brief report on gaps and suggested corrective actions and steps taken for improvement/ rectification with Government and salt processors.
(b) VAS
(i) Report on supply and distribution of Vitamin A capsules for each semester.
(ii) Compilation of report on the un-used capsules after the NIDs and submission to VAS manager copying NPM - USI.
(iii) Compilaton of report on VAS coverage after each semester and submission to VAS manager copying NPM - USI.
5. Performance of the Provincial Managers will be based on following:
a) Accomplishment of tasks agreed in the work-plan.
b) Improvements and innovations in program/coverage.
c) Regular and timely compilation, analysis of program data and supporting use of data for program decision making and submission of reports.
d) Effective liaison and relationship with Government and development partners.
6. Duration of assignment
The time frame for assignment will start from 16th October 2020 till 31st March 2021, based on performance, availaibility of funds and programmatic relevence of the position.
7. Required Experience and Qualifications:
a) A professional degree in medicine, nutrition, public health, health management, international development, social sciences and/or a related field from a recognized university.
b) At least 7 years of work experience in development sector especially program implementation, coordination, advocacy and report writing.
c) Ability to analyze problems and formulate solutions; Proven experience to work with team members with diverse backgrounds.
d) S/he should have good computing skills, and should be methodical and adaptable. Familiarity with standard computer applications is essential.