Job Description

Terms of Reference for End-line Infant, Young Child (IYCF) Feeding Knowledge, Attitude & Practice (KAP) Survey for Sool, Sanaag, Bari and Lower Juba regions  .

July 2024

Introduction

CARE International in Somalia has more than three decades of experience delivering emergency aid in Somalia/Somaliland. Our long-standing presence and experience in Somalia/Somaliland and as a leader in emergency and development field distinguishes us from other organizations. With funding from different donors including United States Agency for International Development (USAID), ECHO DG, European Union (EU), German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign Affairs, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA), Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Department for International Development (DfID), CARE has been at the forefront of emergency response in Somalia. Our response mainly targets Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Returnees and vulnerable pastoral and agro-pastoral populations. 

Program Background

CARE is implementing integrated Health and Nutrition targeting vulnerable women, children and displaced populations in Sool, Sanaag, Bari and Lower Juba funded through USAID/BHA.  The Nutrition sub sector include  infant and young child feeding(IYCF) interventions that is aimed at improving awareness and behavior of  mothers/caregivers and the general community as well as promotion of best feeding and  care practices at household and community level to support improved nutrition practices for children and women of child bearing age.

CARE aims to conduct an in-depth Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey to monitor changes in MIYCN behavior including exclusive breastfeeding rates for children under six (6) months and appropriate complementary feeding practices for children aged 6 to 24 months in CARE areas of operation. The survey results are expected to help the Organization determine the changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practice since the last KAP in 2021 following interventions through the 36-month BHA-supported Somalia Multi-Sectorial Humanitarian Response Program.

SCOPE OF WORK.

The Consultant will be responsible for reviewing existing project documents and reports to get the required information on the indicators. The Consultant will also review previous KAP surveys on IYCF in the same geographical areas to get parameters for sample size calculation, develop a protocol for the planned KAP survey and manage the assessment. This will allow a comprehensive analysis of the progress of the IYCF KAP survey, using both quantitative indicator estimations; program information over the years, and qualitative data to be collected. The KAP will cover key IYCF indicators in line with the Ministry of health and cluster guidelines. 

Overall goal and objectives of the assessment:

The main objective of this survey is to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice of infant and young child feeding practices in selected districts of Sool and Sanaag regions. The study will also identify feasible implementation strategies in terms of program quality and community involvement to scale up the most effective approach to promote better child feeding practices.

The specific objectives are:

1. To determine mothers/caretaker’s knowledge and caring practices regarding infant and young child feeding (among children aged 0-23 months) in our project areas.
2. To assess number and percentage of infants 0<6 months of age who are exclusively breastfed in the project area
3. To assess the consumption of the different types of food for children aged from 6- 23 months and estimate the food diversity within the last 24hours.
4. Ascertain level of IYCF integration into other sectors and assess the skill and knowledge capacity of key staff undertaking IYCF interventions
5. Identify knowledge gaps, cultural beliefs or behavioral patterns and practices that create barriers to infant and young child feeding and care practices and  design appropriate behavior change communication and provide sustainable recommendations to strengthen the nutrition activities based on the survey findings.
6. To ascertain the impact of nutrition activities in relation positive IYCF, hygiene practices and set new baseline for anticipated USAID/BHA funded program in Sool, Sanaag, Bari and Lower Juba.

Study area

The survey will be conducted in villages in Badhan, Erigavo, Ceelafweyn, Caynabo, Lascaanod, and Afmadow Districts where CARE implements IMAM/MIYCN  interventions.

Experiences and Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Nutrition, Public Health, Nursing or related field
• At least five years of work experience at national or international levels in maternal infant and young child feeding and nutrition.
• Sound understanding of the international standards on IYCF-E
• Experience in conducting IYCF-E surveys in Somalia/Somaliland.
•  Experience in design and implementation of IYCF-E programs
• Experience in organizing and leading IYCF-E trainings
• Strong communication and training skills
• Experience working in Somalia/Somaliland and understanding of the dynamics
• Experience and knowledge of IYCF data collection, analysis using EPI Info, SPSS and KOBO.

 Somali language speaking  is a pre-requisite

Skills Required

Attachment

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