Technical Manager (NIPU) - UN Agency

E-Zone HRM Limited is a management consulting group providing one-stop solutions to clients who seek improved and sustainable profitability through the effective use of their people and resources. We specialize in delivering innovative and value added services that promote revenue growth and cost containment.

E-Zone HRM Limited has a formal agreement with one of the United Nations Agency to provide outsourcing services under a third party contract.

E-Zone HRM Limited is now accepting applications from Bangladeshi Nationals for the following vacancies under third party outsourcing contract modality:

Technical Manager (NIPU)

Duty Station: Dhaka

Contract Duration: 3 months

Number of Vacancies: 1­(One)

Contract Type: Contract with E-Zone

Contract Start Date: 20 December, 2021

Reporting to: Nutrition Specialist, UN Agency

A. Objectives:

The objective of hiring Technical Manager is to provide technical support to provide technical support to the NNS specially Nutrition Information System for accelerating implementation of relevant component of NNS OP by managing the activities of Nutrition Information and Planning Unit (NIPU). The position is to provide leadership and management to Nutrition program that successfully supports NNS efforts to promote mother and child's wellbeing of Bangladesh. The position will support in financial management of National Nutrition Services, internal & external coordination of NIPU, tracking result-matrix for NNS-OP, support in planning implementation & performance tracking of Disbursement Linked Indicator (DLI), organize national campaigns & events, system strengthening for field monitoring and coordination among all relevant stakeholder i.e. BNNC, DGFP-MIS, DGHS-MIS, Donor, UN bodies and I/NGO. This position will led survey, assessment and enhancing data driven evidence planning and action with effective national nutrition information system to strategize capacity development of at different tire of the administration to effectively deliver and monitor nutrition interventions. The project will also introduce and operationalize innovative technologies and programmatic practices to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.

B. Background:

Chronic undernutrition remains an enduring problem in Bangladesh with 36% of children under 5 suffering from stunting. To address undernutrition systematically and at scale, under the Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Development Programme (HPNSDP), the Government of Bangladesh launched the National Nutrition Services (NNS) Operation Plan, which is comprised of a set of child and maternal nutrition interventions focusing on the critical window of opportunity of 1,000 days.

Efforts have been made to mainstream nutrition within the existing health and family planning service delivery system all over the country. However, poor management and planning at district/ sub-district levels and inadequate technical capacity and skills of health workers to provide nutrition services and counselling were identified as two critical bottlenecks in the effective implementation of NNS. To address these, the Accelerating Implementation of NNS (AINNS) project was launched. The implementation included two approaches: first, provision of a dedicated nutrition professional, District Nutrition Support Officer (DNSO), at the district to empower and transform districts' capacity in planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the nutrition services. They work with the Government counterparts to enhance their capacity on Information Management, analysis and dissemination. Their responsibility also includes monitoring and mentoring of health workers to plan, monitor, analyze and report information, helping to ensure that data and evidence is used to inform local level corrective actions and decision making. The second approach of the project is Competency Based Training (CBT) and mentoring of health managers and service workers, which is focused on building the skills of the health service providers through practical demonstration and hands-on practice. CBT is unique in extending capacity building through post training mentoring through on-site visits and interaction during review meetings by DNSO and supportive supervision through Government front line supervisors.

In the past three years of implementation, great progress has been achieved in terms of mainstreaming nutrition. In 46 project districts, more than 70% of health facilities under the project are equipped with essential nutrition supplies, compared to the 5% baseline figure. More than 90% of the facilities are reporting on nutrition indicators through the Government's routine Health Management Information System (HMIS). Over 30,000 health workers were trained on CBT. As a result, cumulatively, 6.6 million caregivers have been reached with counselling on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, a remarkable increase from only 1% in 2014 to 70% in 2017. Likewise, 5.5 million pregnant women have received iron supplements over three years – an increase from 1.4 million in 2014. A total of 7,101 severely malnourished children – 74% of the total caseload – were treated throughout the country.

Given the results, the Government aims to scale up the AINNS approach in all districts. Experiences and lessons learned from the project have guided development of the new NSS Operational Plan. Recruitment of 64 District Nutrition Officers (DNOs) has also been endorsed by the Government as civil service officials. The CBT approach has been recognized as the key strategy to rollout nutrition training and the Government is developing a national strategy to rollout Comprehensive Competency Training on Nutrition (CCTN), a crucial component of the new NNS, in all districts.

Based on the recent implementation experience, the 2nd National Nutrition Services Operational plan under 4th Sector program formulated to scale coverage of the nutrition services in a systematic and sustainable manner. To ensure effective delivery of nutrition services, national consensus has reached to develop a robust nutrition information system defined by the priority nutrition and indicator framework. Reduction of Wasting, Stunting, Anaemia and Maternal Nutrition status are the key priority impact indicators in NNS-OP or NPAN2. These are well aligned with global nutrition goals such as SDGs and WHA targets. To achieve these results, related priority outcome and output indicators were selected with a focus on tracking service delivery. At Input level, Enhanced capacity, Ensuring responsive quality services and Effective nutrition information system has a focus on improving the rate and quality of reporting.

The focus now is to improve the quality of nutrition counselling through system approach, introduce a comprehensive monitoring and reporting framework for standard priority nutrition indicators and to institutionalize real-time monitoring reporting. The project will also establish multi-sectoral governance and promote a critical package of nutrition sensitive interventions to address undernutrition holistically and with equity.

UN Agency has received funding from CIFF and Gates to support these activities, including positioning District Nutrition Coordinators to manage the project in 25 districts.

C. Scope of Work:

Assigned workstation will be in Dhaka at NIPU, NNS and s/he will work closely with the Line Director, NNS and Nutrition Specialist, UN Agency to transform NIPU's institutional capacity to plan, coordinate, implement, monitor, report and address bottlenecks for strengthening Nutrition Information System of Bangladesh. Under the guidance of UN Agency S/he will lead National Information and Planning Unit in NNS, IPHN to enhance data collection, reporting, analysis, visualization and data-driven advocacy to NNS for effective and timely decision-making.

D. Deliverables and Schedules:

In Nutrition Information and Planning Unit, assigned person will work closely with the Line Director, Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager of NNS (Mostly with Nutrition Information System but also with relevant other programs of NNS) to transform national institutional capacity to plan, coordinate, implement, monitor, report and address bottlenecks for the nutrition program all over the country. S/He will be closely engage with performance tracking & financial management, coordination with relevant stakeholders, led national events, innovation to enhance and improve NIS and its activities those will transform to better visualization, reporting and evidence based planning. His/her key duties and tasks will primarily focus on the following thematic areas:

1. Strengthening Nutrition Information System through generating data driven evidence and action for future planning and improvement (30%)
   
   • Provide senior level technical expertise and oversight to support the application of evidence-based nutrition interventions and adherence to quality standards and benchmarks
   • Support on guide formulation of national nutrition results framework and annual milestones for NNS OP priority indicators and create system to track progress of those indicators
   • Assist Line Director, Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager to develop national nutrition implementation plan with analyzing existing data and generating data driven evidence-based planning and bottleneck analysis
   • Establish and operationalize monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track implementation progress on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis as part of the Government routine review and appraisal process. Also improvement of the system by addressing all the bottlenecks and challenges.
   • Work with DGHS and DGFP and other nutrition bodies and partners to identify critical bottlenecks in existing nutrition information systems and identify means through which corrective actions can be implemented
   • Explore to find out innovative way and address policy and implementation barriers such as supply gaps, technical problem, lack of capacity, etc. and plan to mitigate challenges and documentation of the event
   • Lead and operationalize nutrition service quality assessment and reporting process of NNS, data quality audit, survey and Quality Improvement plan and activities to strengthen data recording, reporting, analysis and dissemination and corrective actions
   • Participate in different national level meetings to discuss performance and programmatic areas that need strengthening and address with priority basis and also to support on strategic planning to mitigate challenges and establish sustainability
2. Oversee financial management of Nutrition Information & Planning Unit (NIPU) related activities (10%)
   
   • Provide technical & administrative support in the development and/or revision of NNS- Operation Plan based on Recommendation of the Mid-Term Review (MTR), Annual Performance Review (APR), and Priority Action Plan (PAP)
   • Provide technical guidance in judicious fund allocation in the NNS yearly work plan for priority nutrition activities of NNS based on the nutrition result framework.
   • Engage with departments of Ministries (BNNC, ICMH, NIPSOM, DGFP, DG-MIS) to coordinate and manage financial activities and monitor UN Agency's fund utilization
   • Support and coordinate with NNS, IPHN and other stakeholder to provide support on reporting, supporting supervision through innovative approach and analysis of CCTN program data for costing exercise
   • Lead the budget development & expenditure tracking of NIPU operating cost for timely submission of all liquidations with relevant supporting documents
   • Lead budgeting exercise for all related activities under system strengthening, Innovation and capacity building segment of NNS and UN Agency
3. Institutional support & tracking result-matrix for NNS-OP and Priority Nutrition Result Indicators (PNRI) data (20%)
   
   • Lead the finalization of Monitoring and Result framework of NNS operational plan & orient all NIPU members
   • Develop NNS monitoring and reporting protocol and tools
   • Enhance institutional framework and technical capacity of NNS
   • Provide technical and operational support in designing supply chain management system for NNS
   • Lead the institutionalization of Priority Nutrition Result Indicator (PNRI) of NNS
   • Lead the development of monthly national, divisional, district, upazila scorecard and nationwide quarterly dissemination through NNS
   • Support in building technical capacity of national, divisional, district and sub-district level supervisors in monitoring and tracking the Priority Nutrition Result Indicators (PNRI)
   • Refine and revise the PNRI as appropriate through systematic consultation and engagement with central and field level stakeholders
   • Continuous engagement with Central and filed level stakeholders to increase the use of PNRI in advocacy and decision making for improving nutrition service delivery
   • Provide coordination support to the independent assessment of existing Nutrition Information System and developing the strategic plan for NIPU
   • Oversee and coordinate the development, dissemination and use of national, divisional and district nutrition profile
4. Support NNS & UN Agency in program development and planning (20%)
   
   • Conduct and update the situation analysis for the development, design and management of nutrition related programs/projects. Research and report on development trends (e.g. political, social, economic, nutrition, health) for higher management use to enhance program management, efficiency and delivery of results.
   • Contribute to the development and establishment of sectoral program goals, objectives, strategies, and results-based planning, through analysis of nutrition needs and areas for intervention; and submission of recommendations for priority and goal setting.
   • Provide technical and operational support throughout all stages of programming processes by executing and administering a variety of technical program transactions; preparing materials and documentations, and complying with organizational processes and management systems, to support program planning, results based planning (RBM), and monitoring and evaluation of results.
   • Prepare required documentations and materials to facilitate the program review and approval process.
   • Oversee the conceptual ideation, development and implementation of NNS related Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs) orientation.
   • Ensure Coordination with government, development partners, International and National NGOs for the effective operationalization of Pay for Performance initiatives (DLI).
   • Lead institutionalization of DLI Totthyo System (DTS) using SMS Gateway platform(Rapid Pro) to gather accurate real time program information and use the data to reach those most in need.
   • Conduct regular programme field visits and surveys, and exchange information with partners and stakeholders to assess progress and provide technical support. Report on critical issues, bottlenecks and potential problems for timely action to achieve results.
   • Build and sustain effective close working partnerships with government counterparts and national stakeholders (BNNC, DGFP, MIS, ICMH, NIPSOM) through active sharing of information and knowledge to facilitate program implementation and build capacity of stakeholders to achieve programme goals on maternal and child rights as well as social justice and equity.
   • Support the engagement with DGFP to have standardized data collection and reporting through their new EMIS.
   • Support in coordination between DGHS & DGFP and identified gaps and resources needed
   • Lead the engagement with DGHS-MIS for identifying scope of collaboration to strengthen their Information Management System for Nutrition.
   • Engage with DGHS-MIS in resolving the DLI related data discrepancies between DHIS2 & dashboard
5. Program management, monitoring and delivery of results (10%).
   
   • Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues and partners to discuss operational and implementation issues. Provide solutions, recommendations and/or alert appropriate officials and stakeholders for national level intervention and/or decision-making. Keep record of reports and assessments for easy reference and/or to capture and institutionalize lessons learned.
   • Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, program reviews and annual reviews with the government and other counterparts to assess programs/projects and to report on required action and interventions at the higher level of program management.
   • Monitor and report on the use of program resources (financial, administrative and other assets), verifying compliance with approved allocation, goals, organizational rules, regulations/procedures, donor commitments, standards of accountability, and integrity. Report on issues identified to ensure timely resolution by management and stakeholders. Follow up on unresolved issues to ensure resolution.
   • Prepare regular and mandated program/project reports for management, donors and partners to keep them informed of program progress
   • Lead the institutionalization and implementation of internal and external monitoring of different national events and nutrition service deliveries through Real-Time Monitoring & Reporting (RTMR)
   • Support UN Agency Field offices to develop and finalize Divisional Implementation Plan for nutrition.
   • Support field coordination and Planning for strengthening field monitoring and supportive supervision though RTMR
6.  Coordinate & support for capacity building of health workers to improve nutrition services delivery and reporting: (10%)
   
   • support on effective planning, rollout CCTN and progress monitoring through routine program data analysis and visualization
   • Participate in weekly review meeting of NNS, IPHN to review program implementation and mentor health workers to enhance technical capacity based on the supportive supervision and quality assessments
   • Provide management and technical support to institutionalize and carry out Supportive Supervision for routing program monitoring and analysis of program data for progress tracking and improvement
   • Lead and operationalize Nutrition Reporting and Counselling assessments and work with NIS and stakeholders to devise Quality Improvement plans and activities
   • Support to other divisional and/or district nutrition coordinators and District Nutrition Officers by providing evidence to help them engaging with district partners with available data, report and effective visualization of progress and also provide them data based evidence to improve services.
   • Organize and conduct joint field visits with Line Director, Program Managers and Deputy Program Managers to understand the real scenario and based on progress tracking and identified gaps that might lead strategic planning of program improvement

E. Consultancy Cost:

• The Consultant will get BDT 2,16,000 per month.
• Travel and DSA; other cost communication equipment, PC etc. are bear by the consultant
• Office place, working station will be in Nutrition Information & Planning Unit (NIPU), National Nutrition Services.
• Communication cost will bear by the Consultant.
• Stationary and other office equipment will bear by the Consultant.
• Travel cost and travel arrangement in the field, will be bear by the consultant.
• Consultant will be responsible to pay all taxes as per government rules and regulations. E-Zone will make statutory deductions towards income tax as per government rules and regulations. 

F. Profile Requirements Qualification Skills:

• Advanced university degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Food Sciences or any relevant field
• At least 10 years' work experience in community nutrition/ public health required
• Demonstrated competency with working with people
• Strong data management and analytical skills
• Strong computer skills
• Experience of planning and coordination
• Knowledge of health systems important
• Efficient in communication-Bangla and English (oral and written)
• Willingness to travel as per assignment and field travel frequently, including hard to reach and remote areas all over the country

This position is open for Bangladeshi Nationals only. All candidates, irrespective of gender, religious and ethnic backgrounds can apply for the vacancies.

The UN Agency prides itself as fostering a multicultural and harmonious work environment, guaranteed by a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected consultants will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Candidates with the required profile and proven experience, who meet these qualifications, are invited to submit their application in English clearly mentioning the Job Title along with a meaningful cover letter, updated CV, recent PP size photograph by email to: [email protected]

Last Date of Application: 11th December, 2021

No phone calls please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated according to the merit and with strict confidentiality.

Source: bdjobs.com