Expert on Nutrition Sensitive Social Protection

Nutrition International is recruiting an individual Consultant to perform the duties specified in this ToR. Nutrition International is committed to the fundamental principles of equal employment opportunity. Women are encouraged to apply.

Purpose of the consultancy With increased focus on integrating nutrition in existing social protection programmes as well as the launch of the 2024-2028 NSFSN, there is need to provide guidance and direction to stakeholders on implementation of NSSP related interventions. The goal of the consultancy is to support the NSPC to develop implementation guidelines that will ensure joint approaches and investments towards common NSSP goals, and a harmonized and coordinated mechanism to guide implementation and progress measurement. The harmonized approach will also meet the objectives of the NSFSN related to NSSP.

The guideline will provide clear, practical, step-by-step guidance for policymakers, program managers, and frontline implementers on integrating and operationalizing nutrition-sensitive interventions within social protection systems. The guideline will also support improved coordination between social protection and key sectors such as health, agriculture, and education, contributing to Cambodia's commitments to reduce malnutrition and improve human capital outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To develop a practical, user-friendly Nutrition Sensitive Social Protection (NSSP) Implementation Guideline that provides step-by-step guidance on designing and implementing nutrition-sensitive actions within existing and future social protection systems in Cambodia, also taking into account program interventions during periods of shock.

Scope of work

The consultant will:

Conduct a situational review Review existing national and sub national social protection and nutrition policies, operational manuals, program implementation, delivery systems and financing mechanisms. Review global, Asia-specific and country evidence (e.g., FAO, UNICEF, World Bank guidelines, research institutions) on approaches to integrate nutrition in social protection systems including social assistance programs and social security schemes. Conduct a mapping exerciseof key social protection programs and schemes that have the potential to integrate/ are already integrating nutrition actions to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthening and scaling up nutrition integration.

Develop a draft implementation guideline The consultant will lead the creation of a comprehensive and actionable guideline for stakeholders at national and sub-national levels. The methodology will include interviews with key ministries at national and sub national levels (Social Protection, Labour, Gender, Health, Agriculture, Finance), development partners, and beneficiaries where feasible.

The guideline will specifically include the following:

2.1 Nutrition sensitive interventions integrated within the social protection operational cycle – this will include integrating nutrition education/Social and Behaviour Change (SBC), screening and referral mechanisms to and from health services, and improving access to micronutrients -pproviding fortified foods or micronutrient supplements alongside social protection transfers

2.2 Define strategies to strengthen NSSP Coordination and Governance. This will include;

a) Defining mechanisms for multisectoral coordination as well as communication structures and strategies for NSSP with other relevant sectors including education, health, and agriculture, and define the roles of NSPC, GS-NSPC, CARD & line ministries

b) Defining roles and responsibilities of line ministries and stakeholders and implementation arrangements

2.3 Develop capacity building materials on the use of the guideline**:** These will include training materials and toolkits for community workers, social protection, and nutrition stakeholders at national and sub national levels.

2.4 Define entry points for shock-responsive nutrition sensitive social protection as part of emergency preparedness & response strategies.

3. Support NSPC and NI in other activities that is related to successful completion of the project.

Profile/ Qualifications of Consultant The Consultant should have the following profile:

Education:

Post-graduate qualification in health, nutrition, social development, public policy, or related fields.

Language Skills:

High written and oral capability in English.

Proficiency in Khmer is essential.

Experience:

10 or more years' experience in designing or implementing social protection programs and/or nutrition-sensitive programming, including design of operational frameworks, guidelines, or program models. Experience working in Cambodia or similar Southeast Asian contexts, with strong understanding of national systems, institutional arrangements and operations of social protection, education, agricultural, and health systems. Good understanding of nutrition-sensitive social protection (NSSP), including key pathways linking social protection to nutrition outcomes (e.g., cash transfers, SBC, service linkages, livelihoods). Excellent stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to navigate complex, multi-sectoral environments and build consensus across institutions. Strong analytical and synthesis skills, including ability to conduct policy reviews, mapping exercises, and translate findings into actionable recommendations. For More Information please refer the Terms Of Reference: Terms of Reference: Expert on nutrition-sensitive social protection – Cambodia

How to apply Application Process

Interested Consultants are invited to submit the following by email to TechnicalAssistance@NutritionIntl.org, copying sroy@nutritionintl.org

Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume. Cover Letter/ Suitability statement for the consultancy. Additionally, applicants are expected to complete the Technical Assis