Kazakhstan: Central Asia Vitamin A Supplementation and Deworming Program Exploration Consultant

Vitamin Angels (VA) is a US-based, international non-governmental organization whose mission is to help at-risk populations in need - specifically pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five - gain access to lifesaving and life changing vitamins and minerals. To fulfill this mission, we provide annual grants of vitamin A supplements, deworming medication and multivitamins to NGOs that work with children 6-59 months old and/or pregnant and lactating women.

Role or Purpose of Position

VA seeks a short-term consultant based in Central Asia to support preliminary exploration of the need and opportunity for VA to develop a network of indigenous, non-governmental (NGO) or community based organizations (CBOs) to deliver essential micronutrient products in Central Asia. The part-time consultancy is expected to last approximately 3 months.

Main objectives of the consultancy will include:

1.1. Perform a needs analysis and develop an implementation plan for a quality NGO micronutrient and deworming distribution network in Central Asia.

This should include consideration of the following:

• Current VAS and deworming coverage data and gaps in coverage in Central Asian Countries;
• Central Asian national government policies for micronutrient supplementation and deworming;
• Presence of other stakeholders distributing vitamin A and/or deworming tablets and key stakeholders in the region;
• Presence of existing NGO, CBO, and CSO networks;
• Feasibility of importing and clearing customs of shipments of vitamins and/or deworming tablets to Central Asian countries;
• Feasibility of engaging NGOs/CBOs/CSOs in vitamin A and deworming distribution; and
• If necessary and feasible, plan of action for initiating and growing a quality NGO micronutrient and deworming distribution network.

1.2. Identify key stakeholders in vitamin A supplementation and deworming and arrange meetings with selected stakeholders.

These stakeholders will include the following categories:

• Government offices responsible for micronutrient supplementation, deworming, or other relevant health services;
• Local NGOs with the potential to distribute vitamin A and/or deworming to fill gaps in the existing government supplementation program; and
• International NGOs involved in micronutrient supplementation, deworming, or other health services.

1.3. A**ttend key stakeholder meetings with Vitamin Angels staff to provide translation and knowledge of the local context**

Consultant will accompany Vitamin Angels’ staff to key stakeholder meetings during a preliminary trip to:

• Provide interpretation services as necessary;
• Provide knowledge of local context to inform discussion during meetings;
• Use knowledge of local context to debrief Vitamin Angels staff following meetings; and
• Assist VA staff to brainstorm approaches to initiate and grow an NGO micronutrient and deworming distribution system.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required:

• Based in a major metropolitan area in Central Asia, preferably in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, or Kyrgyzstan;
• B.A./B.Sc degree from an accredited four year university with a relevant area of discipline;
• Minimum two years of experience performing consultancies with INGOs, bilateral, or multilateral agencies;
• Substantial field level work experience with NGOs in Central Asia;
• Existing network of contacts with many different NGOs in Central Asia;
• Existing network of contacts within bilateral, multilateral, and government agencies in Central Asia;
• Prior experience performing administrative duties and managing logistics;
• Computer literacy, including experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, and ability to input data to an online database after training;
• Willing and able to travel domestically and internationally during the consultancy;
• Willing to work from home and in possession of reliable telephone/internet connectivity;
• Superior written and oral communications skills;
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail; and
• Fluent in English, Russian, and at least one additional Central Asian language.

Highly desirable:

• Master’s degree or higher in public health, community medicine or a related discipline;
• Documentable network of contacts in public health and development which consultant can use to facilitate a successful consultancy; and
• Fluency in additional local language(s).

To apply, please email your professional resume and cover letter to Programs@vitaminangels.org.