Consultant, Support to the Nigeria National Malaria Elimination Program

Organizational Context

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, with a network of 191-member National Societies. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” The IFRC works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises.

The IFRC is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement), together with its member National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The work of the IFRC is guided by the following fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality. At Geneva level, the Health and Care Department’s (HCD) New Strategic Direction 2023 focuses on Health Systems Strengthening and WASH Systems Strengthening through four pillars: Global Health Security, Global Health Protection (UHC), Global WASH Services and Transformative Partnership.

The Global Health Protection (UHC) pillar houses and chairs the Alliance for Malaria Prevention (AMP), a partnership of more than 40 organizations, including government, private sector, faith-based and humanitarian organizations, focused on three main activities: (1) coordination of partners involved in insecticide-treated net (ITN) campaign and continuous distribution activities; (2) development of operational guidance for planning and implementing of ITN distribution based on an iterative process; and (3) providing technical assistance to national malaria programmes and partners based on requests. AMP’s activities support achievement of the WHO Global Technical Strategy (GTS) targets for high coverage and use of ITNs. AMP is a workstream within the RBM Partnership to End Malaria. Harnessing the global leadership and management systems of IFRC, AMP is uniquely positioned to support and advance country-level efforts to optimize ITN distribution and ensure that the right nets reach the right people at the right time through both campaign and continuous distribution channels.

Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) has led the successful distribution of over 300 million insecticide treated nets (ITNs) since 2009 through mass campaigns. Over time, the NMEP and implementing partners have developed expertise for different campaign processes, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of mass ITN distribution to achieve the WHO Global Technical Strategy (GTS) targets for universal coverage of malaria prevention. At the same time, ITN distribution through continuous distribution (CD) channels, has not seen the same level of success, leading to gaps in coverage for the most vulnerable populations as well as reduced coverage of populations at risk between campaign cycles.

Given the importance of reducing the malaria burden in Nigeria through sustained access to and use of ITNs, a review of the successes, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations from continuous distribution channels in the country is necessary and an adapted and innovative approach for future must be identified to strengthen non-campaign ITN distribution.

Job Purpose

The overall objective of the terms of reference is to support the country in reviewing experiences to date with continuous distribution and update guidelines and supporting materials for adapted and innovative approaches for improving the use and functionality of CD channels for sustained ITN access.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Update and finalize the existing CD documents and develop tools for prioritized channels:
   • Review experiences to date with different continuous distribution channels, including document review of plans and reports and interviews with key informants, to identify strengths, weaknesses, and challenges with continuous ITN distribution through channels used to date, including routine distribution.
   • Support the NMEP and partners with the review and update of continuous distribution guidelines, including supporting documents for each potential channel with guidance for planning, quantification, training, social and behavior change (SBC), ITN supply accountability, and reporting.
   • Support the NMEP and partners with the development of data collection tools and training materials (agendas, modules, etc.) for the different CD channels (based on priority).
   • Support organization and facilitation of a workshop for the review and finalization of the CD guidance document and supporting materials.
     • Support NMEP and partners to define the key indicators and develop the M&E framework against which to measure progress and success.
     • Support organization and facilitation of a national training of trainers (NTOT) for the CD guidelines and supporting materials.

       Outputs and deliverables

       Mission deliverables will include:

     • Summary of review of CD channels with key issues raised and recommendations for the updated CD guidance document (Word document) + summary of issues to be addressed following the workshop for the review of the CD guidance document and supporting materials.
   • A workshop for review and finalization of the CD guidance document was successfully organized.
2. Final CD guidance document with supporting materials for the different priority channels that incorporates the findings from the review for ratification (Word document).

Timeframe and duration – 50 days

The SOW will cover work between 2024 and 2026. Actual dates for missions in-country are to be confirmed with NMEP based on staff availability.

Alignment to the IFRC’s objectives and strategy:

The Alliance for Malaria Prevention (AMP)’s mandate aligns to the Federation’s Strategy 2030 as it supports the achievement of strategic aims:

1) Save lives, protect livelihoods and strengthen recovery from disasters and crises.

2) Enable healthy and safe living.

Objective and outcomes:

Objective #1: Scaling up and maintaining universal coverage targets of malaria prevention with ITNs through all available channels including mass distribution campaigns and continuous distribution channels.

Job Duties and Responsibilities (continued)

Desired outcomes: To address some of the most critical challenges countries, partners, and TA providers face with planning and implementing mass ITN campaigns and to identify cost-effective and efficient strategies.

Support to be provided to the consultant

The consultant will be supported by the Manager – Malaria Programmes and the Officer, Country Support.

Time allocation, for budget purposes

The consultancy timeframe is for 50 days from 01 January to 31 December 2025. This consultancy contract includes 20 days of travel to Nigeria.

Notes: The consultant will be contracted by the IFRC, and the standard contractual terms will apply.

Knowledge, Skills and Languages

Required

Competencies, Values and Comments

Application Instruction

Please submit your application in English only.