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For every child, health

Tanzania has made considerable progress in the implementation of National Multisectoral Nutrition Action Plan (NMNAP 2016/17–2020/21); good progress is made against most of the expected targets, however significant systematic gaps exists[1] . According to the NMNAP mid-term review (MTR) findings, despite the progress, multisectoral coordination, human resources capacity and nutrition financing are inadequate at all levels. In addition, interventions directed to addressing the increasing burden of overweight and obesity are poorly prioritized. While the first NMNAP ended in June 2021, overweight and obesity is on increase, from 11.3%[2] (1991) to 31.7%[3] (2018) among women of childbearing age, with negative impacts on child health outcomes. In this regard, UNICEF supported the Government in 2020, to implement a landscape analysis of overweight and obesity, that identified gaps, opportunities, and priorities, towards a program that will work towards preventing the acceleration of the overweight and obesity burden.

Informed by the landscape analysis, UNICEF and partners support, the Government developed the second NMNAP (NMNAP II 2021 – 2026), an evidence-based five-year strategic action plan that seeks to address the triple burden malnutrition in Tanzania in all its forms targeting all ages. The plan applies a life-cycle approach as well as system approach and promotes multisectoral collaboration and coordination to address the social determinants of malnutrition sustainably.  Overall, there is a new focus on strengthening the capacity of the NMNAP II Thematic Working Groups (TWGs), sharpen the LGAs capacity to plan and budget for nutrition interventions and ensure that prevention of overweight and obesity is firmly integrated in MDAs and LGAs priorities and that the priorities are implemented and monitored regularly.

How can you make a difference?

UNICEF must advance efforts to strengthen capacity for multi-sectoral/stakeholder nutrition response. Despite the well-articulated NMNAP coordination framework, some of the coordination structures including the Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) have not functioned to the expectations of their terms of reference and are inadequately leading and coordinating implementation of nutrition interventions under key result areas.  Specifically, UNICEF should support the Government to revisit and develop the TWGs terms of reference and strengthen their capacity to achieve their TORs.  UNICEF should also maintain its convening role of the Development Partners Group for Nutrition (DPGN) with over 40 partners, for effective and efficient support to the NMNAP II implementation.

Second, at the sub-national level, a minimal costed package on high impact interventions is not available. UNICEF should support the Government to develop the minimal package and orient the LGAs to identify, plan and budget high impact nutrition interventions that are relevant in their context.  Therefore, this consultant will provide technical leadership and support to TFNC to strengthen capacity for the NMNAP II thematic working groups,  provide technical leadership to the PORALG to develop a costed minimum package of nutrition for RSs and LGAs as well as, kick start overweight and obesity country actions informed by the landscape analysis.

MAIN OBJECTIVES, DELIVERABLES AND TIME FRAME 

Main objectives:
The general objective of the consultancy is to strengthen capacity for multisectoral nutrition response, specifically capacity strengthening of NMNAP TWGs and kick start overweight and obesity country actions.

The specific objectives will be:

1. Provide technical leadership and support to PMO and TFNC to review and develop the new coordination architecture and monitoring framework for nutrition in Tanzania aligned to the new NMNAP II (including a package of TWGs Terms of Reference and subsequent orientation of the TWGs on the TORs).
2. Support PORALG to develop a minimum package of nutrition interventions for regions and councils that will guide planning and budgeting at RS and LGAs.
3. Provide technical leadership and support to MOHCDGEC, TFNC and TFDA to develop a concept paper, detailing opportunities, and barriers to implementation with a roadmap on front-of-pack labelling scheme.
4. Support the Government to undertake DPGN’s database update, implementation of 2022 action plan with a reviewed plan for the year 2022/23