Consultancy-Humanitarian Nutrition Research

Background

HelpAge International is a registered charity in the UK, leading an international network focused on ageing issues and supporting older people globally. HelpAge works with 171 partners in 90 countries to help older people claim their rights and challenge discrimination and poverty, so that they can lead dignified, secure, active and healthy lives. HelpAge operates through a Global Team with staff based across the world. Through this structure HelpAge delivers its Strategy 2030.

Purpose

The primary purpose of the proposed research is to deepen our understanding of the barriers and enablers to inclusion of older people in nutrition cluster responses to humanitarian crises. It is anticipated that this research will generate evidence that will be used to assist nutrition practitioners, in addition to supporting HelpAge advocacy in promoting the identification of at-risk older people and ensuring their inclusion in nutrition cluster response plans. In addition, the research should inform and reinforce wider communications and advocacy on older people as an overlooked and neglected population group in humanitarian crises around the world.

Scope

It is anticipated that the research would include the following elements:

• Desk research including analysis of global, regional and national Nutrition Cluster documents, HelpAge documents, as well as nutrition assessments, sitreps, survey results, planning and response documents from other organisations working in the area of nutrition.
• Interviews with key informants involved in humanitarian nutrition coordination and response.
• In depth case studies in 2-3 contexts to identify concrete gaps, common issues and opportunities to strengthen inclusion of older people.
• Interviews/focus group discussions with older people included in nutrition programmes.

Interested consultants are very welcome to propose alternative or adjusted methodologies that meet the purpose and scope of the study.

Deliverables

The final deliverable for this project will be a draft report of 15-20 pages, including Executive Summary, which is suitable for online dissemination and presentation at public events. The report should include:

• Commentary on current practices, challenges and consequences
• Opportunities to strengthen practice.
• Recommendations/call to action

Skills and experience

Essential

• Primary degree(s) or equivalent professional experience in relevant field(s);
• Familiarity with international humanitarian response and coordination structures, with an understanding of key issues affecting older people;
• Knowledge and/or experience of humanitarian nutrition programming;
• Experience in developing research reports, that require the ability to synthesise and present quantitative and qualitative analyses;
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to summarise and present complex information in a simple, clear and concise way;

Desirable

• Demonstrable in-depth knowledge of ageing and the rights and needs of older people;

Our Values

At HelpAge International we work hard to achieve our goals together as a team with a clear shared purpose. Our values inform how we work together:

Inclusive

We respect people, value diversity and are committed to equality.

Impact

We value and recognise the contribution of our staff and network members, as we put older people at the centre of everything we do.

Partners

We work alongside network members and others to increase reach, influence and impact. We are committed to a culture of collaboration and building positive relationships.

Learning

We are passionate about learning, accountable and work together to find creative solutions.

Everyone who works at HelpAge shares our values and is committed to behaviours that demonstrate and support them.

Equal Opportunities

HelpAge International is committed to creating an inclusive working environment, promoting and providing equal opportunities and respecting diversity in employment. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of their age, disability, sex, Marital status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief.

Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policy

The consultant will be working on behalf of HelpAge and will be required to sign and adhere to the HelpAge Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy.

The consultant will assure the participants the confidentiality and will assure the data is protected and used for agreed purpose only. As regards the documentation, the title rights, copyrights, and all other rights of whatever nature in any materials used or generated under the provisions of this consultancy will exclusively be vested with HelpAge International.