Research Studies to Explore Issues Related to Nutrition Governance and Water Security In Bangladesh

Concern Worldwide Bangladesh is inviting Expression of Interest (EOI) from reputed and experienced consultant or firms to conduct two (02) Research Studies to Explore Issues Related to Nutrition Governance and Water Security In Bangladesh for the EU funded Nutrition Governance Project titled “Collective Responsibility, Action and Accountability for Improved Nutrition” (CRAAIN).

Objective of the Consultancy: The objective of the consultancy is to critically assess data available and new data collected and provide clear findings and discussion, which will link directly to specific recommendations. The findings and recommendations will inform policy and practice decisions at national, divisional and district level, along with supporting donors and implementing partners in the design and implementation of similar development initiatives.

Background

Collective Responsibility, Action and Accountability for Improved Nutrition (CRAAIN**)** is a three year project that directly addresses the overall objective of the EU funded “Food and Nutrition Security Programme for Bangladesh 2015” which is to improve maternal and child nutrition. CRAAIN is aligned to the Government of Bangladesh’s (GoB) policies specifically the 8th Five Year Plan, the national Food Security Plan 2008-2015 and its related Country Investment Plan 2 (CIP2) 2016-2020 and the second National Plan of Action for Nutrition (NPAN2). The project is establishing innovative, resilient and scalable local level pro-poor Nutrition Governance model by adopting a multi-sectoral approach to improve nutrition in 4 Upazilas in Bagerhat District.

CRAAIN is implemented by a consortium led by Concern Worldwide with WaterAid and two local NGO partners, Rupantar and Jagrata Juba Shangha (JJS). The project collaborates with Bangladesh National Nutrition Council (BNNC) and the National Nutrition Services (NNS), Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) for technical assistance and to ensure complementarity between the action and implementation of NPAN2.

There are TWO research studies, applicants can apply for either one or both studies based on their expertise and interest.

Lot 1: Identify What Influences Effective Multi-Sectoral Coordination for Nutrition Action at the Local and National Level

Lot 2: Explore the Linkages between the Coastal Water Crisis and Nutrition Outcomes and Identify Feasible Solutions for Bagerhat District, Bangladesh

Deliverables:

For each study/lot the below is required.

• Inception report following a defined structure to be provided by Concern
• IRB and or ERC research approval.
• A high quality, analytical research report of maximum 40 pages, with a very clear and concise executive summary (excluding annexes and datasets).
• A policy brief that clearly aligns to current policy and gives clear recommendations for government, donors, academia, and implementing partners.
• A high quality presentation at CRAAIN learning workshop.

Duration of the consultancy work: Maximum twelve (12) weeks. Consultant should propose time required for the assignment based on the proposed methodology.