RESEARCH CONSULTANT

JOB TITLE: Research Consultant

1. BACKGROUND

In Zambia, poor nutrition and HIV are two major health concerns facing adolescent girls. Though incidence rates of HIV have decreased over time, from 1.81% in 2000 to 0.7% in 20131 incidence rate for new HIV infections among young women aged 15–24 every year. In 2013, almost 60% of all new HIV infections among young people aged 15–24 occurred among adolescent girls and young women. Overall, 5% of adolescent girls aged 10-19 years are HIV positive. Poor nutrition is a main driver of maternal and child morbidity and mortality rates, and aggravates the poor physical condition of women and children. Zambia carries one of the highest burdens of stunting in the world with 40% of its under five years infants affected by stunting. There are many factors that contribute to this, including inadequate intake of nutritious foods at the right time. Malnutrition affects 10% of women aged 15-49 years old. A malnourished mother is more likely to give birth to an underweight baby, setting the child on a likely path of malnutrition as it grows. Babies born from HIV positive and/or illiterate mothers, who are often also malnourished, are at even higher risk. What exacerbates the problem is the high rate of early marriages and sexual initiation in the country as well as low rates of condom use. 12% of girls in Zambia start having sex before the age of 15, 42% of girls are married by the age of 18; and only 24% of girls report using condoms. Early sexual initiation and marriage undermine girls’ ability to stay in school and learn, and also increases the risk of unplanned pregnancy, unsafe abortions, HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

1 NAC: Revised National AIDS Strategic Framework 2014-2016

While information exists about the barriers facing adolescent girls in accessing the key aspects of HIV and nutrition support needed for proper growth, development, and good health, this information often looks at only one aspect or the other, and does not approach HIV and nutrition in a synergistic or holistic manner.
This research will be conducted in two districts of Zambia (Mongu District, Western Province & Mumbwa District, Central Province). These districts were chosen to ensure a diversity of contexts and issues facing adolescent girls. They were also selected due to high rates of teenage pregnancies and childhood marriages, in addition to potential synergies with already existing interventions by WFP and CSO-SUN.

2. Purpose of the Adolescent Girls, HIV and Nutrition Research

Broadly, this research seeks to understand multilevel constraints and barriers surrounding HIV prevention and harm reduction and adequate nutrition in adolescent girls.

3. Specific objectives of Adolescent Girls HIV/Nutrition Research

a) Ascertain the barriers that adolescent girls face in accessing HIV and nutrition related support.
b) Identify support structures & systems that address HIV and nutritional needs of adolescent girls, and highlight current gaps found at community level.

4. Tasks

a) Support formulation of methodology and development of survey tools
b) Carry out surveys, focus groups, and key informant interviews
c) Undertake qualitative and quantitative data analysis
d) Produce final research report
e) Disseminate research findings

5. Deliverables

This research project will have the following deliverables:

a) Survey Methodology & Tools
b) Final Report that includes:

• A summary of key findings of desk review, exploring in-country, regional, and global research on adolescent girls HIV and nutrition issues
• A summary of key findings of field surveys, focus groups, and key informant interviews
• Recommendations relevant to CSO-SUN and WFP core competencies and guidance on potential linkages between future CSO-SUN programmes and those implemented by UN, government, and other partners
• Suggestions for areas of programming that may realistically be incorporated into CSO-SUN and WFP programming

c) Presentation given at dissemination event

6. Competencies of the consultant

a) An advanced degree or equivalent experience in Social Sciences or Health. Qualifications in Public Health Nutrition will be an added advantage
b) Experience in quantitative research a must
c) Broad base of knowledge/experience with issues facing adolescent girls
d) Have experience in nutrition and HIV;
e) interaction/experience with Private Sector
f) Have strong written and oral and communication skills.
g) Proficiency in Tonga & Lozi
h) Female candidates strongly encouraged to apply

7. Reporting

The Consultant shall report to the Zambia Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance (CSO-SUN)

8. Applicants should provide:

a) Not more than 3 pages of intended methodological approach.
b) CV of the consultant(s).
c) Send applications with a budget to Email: info@csosun.org by 17:00hrs, 10th March 2016