REVISION AND UPDATING OF THE NATIONAL GUIDELINES AND TRAINING PACKAGE ON THEMANAGEMENT OF ACUTE MALNUTRITION IN CHILDREN UNDER FIVE IN SIERRA LEONE

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1. Area of expertise:

Technical experts on management of acute malnutrition in children under five years, in alignment with the 2023 WHO Guidelines for wasting and nutritional oedema and national implementation priorities.

2. Purpose of consultancy:

To provide technical support to the Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone for the revision, adaptation, and finalization of the national guidelines and training package on the management of acute malnutrition in children under five years, in alignment with the 2023 WHO Guidelines for wasting and nutritional oedema and national implementation priorities.

3. Background

Following the publication of the 2023 WHO Guidelines for the Management of Wasting and Nutritional Oedema in Children Under Five Years, countries are expected to review and adapt their national protocols, operational tools, and training packages to ensure alignment with the latest normative recommendations.

In Sierra Leone, malnutrition remains a significant public health concern, particularly among children under five years of age. While national guidelines and training packages for the management of acute malnutrition are in place, these documents require updating to reflect new WHO recommendations and to address gaps identified through programme implementation experience.

As observed across the African Region, national protocols for the prevention and management of acute malnutrition vary in terms of quality, comprehensiveness, and operational clarity. In addition, evolving implementation contexts—including public health emergencies, climate‑related shocks, and health system constraints—require that national guidelines remain up to date, practical, and responsive.

In this context, WHO will support the Ministry of Health of Sierra Leone to revise and update the National Guidelines and Training Package on the Management of Acute Malnutrition in Children Under Five Years, ensuring alignment with the 2023 WHO Guidelines and other relevant global and national policies, and strengthening the quality and effectiveness of service delivery.

4.1 Scope of work

Under the technical guidance of WHO and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners, the consultant will provide technical support to:

· Review existing national guidelines, training packages, and operational tools related to the management of acute malnutrition in children under five years.

· Analyze and synthesize relevant global guidance, including the 2023 WHO Guidelines for the Management of Wasting and Nutritional Oedema, and other pertinent international standards and scientific evidence.

· Identify key recommendations requiring national adaptation and support structured technical discussions with the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders.

· Assess gaps, outdated practices, and inconsistencies between existing national protocols and updated global recommendations.

· Draft revised, evidence‑based, and user‑friendly national guidelines, training

materials, and job aids tailored to the Sierra Leone context.

· Support and facilitate stakeholder consultations and technical workshops involving government counterparts, nutrition experts, implementing partners, and frontline health workers.

· Support the organization and facilitation of validation workshops, documenting feedback and integrating agreed revisions.

· Finalize the national guidelines, training package, and job aids following validation.

· Contribute to the development of a high‑level implementation and dissemination plan aligned with national health and nutrition strategies.

4.2 Deliverables

· Inception Report outlining methodology, work plan, timeline, and stakeholder engagement approach (within one week of contract commencement).

· Technical Review and Gap Analysis Report of existing national documents and relevant global guidance, including the 2023 WHO guidelines.

· Draft Revised National Guidelines, training package, and accompanying job aids.

· Stakeholder Consultation Workshop Reports, including key technical recommendations.

· Validation Workshop Report and finalized versions of the national guidelines, training package, and job aids.

· Final Technical Report summarizing activities undertaken, outputs delivered, and key recommendations for implementation.

5. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Education: (Qualifications)

Essential:

· Advanced university degree in Public Health, Nutrition, Paediatrics, or a related field.

Desirable:

Experience

Essential:

· Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in nutrition policy, programme implementation, or guideline development.

· At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in revising clinical and/or operational guidelines for the management of acute malnutrition.

· Proven familiarity with WHO normative guidance, particularly the 2023 WHO Guidelines on wasting and nutritional oedema, and experience in supporting national adaptation processes.

· Strong experience in the management of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) and monitoring of nutrition programme implementation.

· Desirable: Demonstrated facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

6. Technical skills and knowledge:

- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to create team spirit; promote collaboration and foster open communication.

- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft applications (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) with an emphasis on Excel or a similar workbook application.

7. Languages and level required –

- Working proficiency in English (written, presentation and verbal communication skills)

Location:

c/o World Health Organization, Sierra Leone, 21 A&B Riverside Drive, off King Harman Road

P.O. Box 529 Brookfields, Freetown, Sierra Leone

8. Travel

NO Travelling required.

9. Remuneration and budget (travel costs are excluded):

The duration of this consultancy is for 4 Months. Remuneration will be at applicable fees as per the World Health Organization scale of Consultant at NOC.

Expected duration of contract (Maximum contract duration is 11 months per calendar year):

4 Months.