Learning Module Development on Nutrition Education (SSA 9) 1

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JOB RELATED KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Learning Module Development on Nutrition Education
Grade: 9
Type of contract: SSA
Duration: 5 months
Duty Station: Dushanbe
Vacancy Number: 178004
Date of Publication: 20 February 2023
Deadline of Application: 05 March 2023

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition remains one of the major health concerns in Tajikistan, as the country continues to post the worst nutrition statistics in the region. According to available data, stunting among children under 5 years of age is 17%, wasting – 6%, anaemia among WGRA – 35.5%, obesity among women aged 14-59 – 37%. Furthermore, Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are particularly weak in Tajikistan, with 36 percent of infants under 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed; children 6-24 months of age receive an extremely meagre diet, consisting mainly of flour and dairy products; and insufficient frequency of food intake for children in general. Thus, given the current state of nutrition in the country, it is essential to carry out preventive activities focused on children and WGRA to address the problem of malnutrition. While WFP is implementing projects aimed at raising awareness, counselling people, and promoting positive nutritional behaviour, not much has been done in the field of nutrition education as such. The WFP School Feeding Program provides fortified meals to primary school students in nearly half of the country's schools and can also be used as an effective platform to offer nutrition education. To this end, WFP is planning to establish Nutrition Resource Centres (NRC) in schools where a wide range of nutrition-related learning activities will be conducted for schoolchildren, school staff and the wider community surrounding the school, including WGRA and PLWG. Furthermore, to ensure that the activities of the Centres are set and carried out in accordance with the established plan and are consistent with the goals and objectives of the WFP, it is planned to develop a learning module on nutrition for the primary school students as well as other target groups. It will be developed on the basis of active and experiential learning methods and a student-centred approach to learning in order to develop the necessary competencies in students in relation to nutrition education and nutrition-related behaviours.

Based on this, WFP Tajikistan is seeking an experienced education specialist as a national consultant to develop the given learning module in close collaboration with the nutrition expert hired internationally. The potential candidate is expected to support the conduction of a brief desk review of similar training materials, design the overall structure of the given module, and identify the approach to be taken in developing a comprehensive nutrition education module for the primary school context in Tajikistan.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

In line with the main objectives of the Nutrition Resource Centres, the given learning module on nutrition education intends to increase the knowledge of the project beneficiaries on proper nutrition and hygiene as well as to promote positive nutrition behaviour. The main objectives of the given module include:
• To help learners understand the relationship between good nutrition, physical fitness, health, and education.
• To educate learners about the basic nutrients needed for the human body, the different food groups, and their impact on human development.
• To help learners understand the notion of “healthy eating” from physical, psychological, and social points of view.
• To form in learners the cognitive capacity for shaping their own behaviour in relation to nutrition and hygiene and developing in them the enthusiasm for a healthy lifestyle.
• To support learners in making informed decisions about healthy eating, proper nutrition behaviour and hygiene practices.

In general, the module will focus on developing the necessary knowledge and competencies in students to comprehend the importance of healthy eating and adhere to proper nutrition behaviour. An experiential approach to learning through a combination of theoretical and practical components of the module will create a platform for an engaging and effective learning process.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The contracted national consultant is expected to perform the following tasks:
• Support the international consultant in reviewing and analysing existing training materials/resources/toolkits and best practices in the region as well as globally related to the assignment;
• Support the international consultant in developing a draft version of the content for the learning module;
• In cooperation with the international consultant appropriate the developed content to the age, learning styles, and interests of the target beneficiaries;
• Design the delivery methods (teaching approaches and learning activities) for the developed learning module as well as a guide for teachers;
• Pilot the developed module in target schools and work on incorporating the feedback received;
• In collaboration with the international consultant, complete the finalized module and present it to the management;
• Prepare and conduct capacity building training for school staff responsible for running activities at the Nutrition Resource Centres;

DELIVERABLES

STANDARD MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience:

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in the development of training materials, learning modules, and activities;
• Good understanding of the development of education materials for schoolchildren;
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills;
• Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills;
• Ability to work flexibly and under tight deadline schedule.

Education:

Advanced university degree in Education, Public Health or related field of Social Science, or first university degree with 5 years of relevant experience in the development of training materials, learning modules, and activities.

Languages:

Fluency (level C) in written and spoken English. Proficiency in Russian or Tajik is desirable.

REQUEST FOR SUBMISSION

• Background information that includes an interpretation and understanding of the terms of reference;
• A basic framework for the development of the learning module on nutrition for the target group;
• Samples of previous works relevant to the current assignment.

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WFP is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. WFP has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority or discrimination. All selected candidates will, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

No appointment under any kind of contract will be offered to members of the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), FAO Finance Committee, WFP External Auditor, WFP Audit Committee, Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) and other similar bodies within the United Nations system with oversight responsibilities over WFP, both during their service and within three years of ceasing that service.

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