MidFull TimeContractEN
VillageReach supports health systems strengthening initiatives that improve equitable access to essential health services and commodities. In Nigeria, VillageReach is supporting efforts to better understand the drivers of nutrition outcomes across states.
Nutrition outcomes vary significantly across Nigerian states despite similar national policies and programs. This variation suggests that system-level factors—including governance, financing, service delivery, workforce capacity, supply chains, and information systems—play an important critical role in shaping nutrition performance.
VillageReach is conducting a rapid nutrition ecosystem diagnostic to identify operational and system-level enablers that contribute to stronger nutrition outcomes. The assessment applies the WHO Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) building blocks framework to examine how different system components interact to influence nutrition outcomes.
The assessment will be conducted in selected Nigerian states using a mixed-methods approach that includes qualitative consultations, document reviews, and a structured review of existing quantitative data. Findings from each state assessment will contribute to a cross-state synthesis across selected states to identify common system enablers and support systems learning.
VillageReach will provide the assessment tools, interview guides, and analytical framework, while state-level consultants will be responsible for implementing the data collection and documenting structured findings and state-level insights.
The purpose of this consultancy is to support the implementation of a rapid nutrition ecosystem assessment at the state level. The assessment will generate qualitative insights and draw on existing quantitative data to understand system drivers influencing nutrition outcomes.
The consultant will engage key stakeholders, collect and analyze data, document findings using structured tools, and develop a concise state insight brief. These outputs will contribute to a cross-state synthesis across selected Nigerian states led by VillageReach.
The consultant will implement the state-level nutrition ecosystem assessment using standardized tools and guidance provided by VillageReach.
Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination
• Validate and refine pre-developed stakeholder lists
• Engage state-level government gatekeepers and relevant authorities to secure approvals and facilitate the assessment.
• Coordinate with the State Ministry of Health, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and nutrition focal persons
• Coordinate and schedule interviews and consultations with key stakeholders.
Qualitative Data Collection
• Conduct key informant interviews (KIIs) with government officials, program managers, implementing partners, and technical experts.
• Facilitate focused consultations where required.
• Capture detailed notes using structured templates provided on key system domains, including governance, financing, service delivery, workforce, supply chains, and information systems related to nutrition programming.
Document Review
• Collect and review relevant state-level documents (e.g., policies, strategies, program reports).
• Extract key information using provided templates.
Quantitative Data Review and Extraction
• Extract relevant state-level nutrition data and program indicators from existing sources (e.g., DHIS2, state reports, dashboards, logistics data).
• Use quantitative data to contextualize and triangulate qualitative findings.
• points with relevant state stakeholders where needed.
• Document all data sources and clearly note any limitations, gaps, or inconsistencies.
Structured Documentation of Findings
• Complete all data collection templates, including KII summaries, document review templates, and quantitative data extraction sheets.
• Organize findings according to predefined domains aligned with the WHO Health Systems Strengthening framework.
• Ensure all findings are clearly sourced and attributable.
State-Level Insight Generation
• Develop a concise state-level insight brief summarizing key nutrition ecosystem enablers, operational challenges, and emerging patterns and contextual insights.
• Highlight priority issues for further analysis.
Collaboration and Clarifications
• Participate in follow-up discussions to clarify findings as needed.
• Respond to feedback on submitted outputs.
The consultant will report to the VillageReach Nigeria Country Team Lead.
VillageReach will provide:
VillageReach will lead ecosystem mapping, cross-state synthesis, and final reporting.
Requirements
