Consultant (Application, Training and Intersectoral Plans of the Indigenous Food Systems Matrix), 8 months, Remote, Brasilia, Brazil

Although Brazil has exited the FAO Hunger Map, available national data on nutritional status still reveal concerning figures among Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Communities, where rates of malnutrition tend to be significantly higher compared to children from other population groups.

Nutritional status assessment data are outcomes of food and nutrition insecurity and allow for monitoring temporal trends within each community, as well as identifying priority areas. However, there are currently no available tools or indicators to support the diagnosis of the underlying causes of malnutrition related to local food systems within each community’s territory.

In this context, the Ministry of Social Development (MDS), together with UNICEF and other partners, developed a tool– the Indigenous Food Systems Matrix – to enable the assessment of traditional food systems in Indigenous areas, aiming to identify relevant needs and appropriate intersectoral actions. The second phase of this project consists in the Matrix’s training and application, and the development of local Intersectoral plans based on the Matrix results.

Scope of Work:

The objective of the consultancy is:

1. to describe technical and conceptual aspects related to Indigenous food systems in order to inform the methodology for training and application of the matrix;
2. to train stakeholders in the use of the matrix in selected territories;
3. to participate in the assessment of Indigenous food systems using the tool; and
4. to contribute to the development of preliminary intersectoral local action plans.

Three territories were selected for this pilot project: Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre), Cuiabá (Mato Grosso), and Fortaleza (Ceará). To carry out the project activities, two field visits will be required in each of these territories, totaling six trips. The first visit, related to training and application of the matrix, is estimated to last 12 days. The second visit, related to the development of action plans, is estimated to last 4 days.

At the end of this consultancy, it is expected that the processes of training, matrix application, and action plan development will guide relevant actions among different stakeholders and public policies related to food and nutrition security in Indigenous contexts.

The activities and travel plan are described below:

 

WORK ASSIGNMENTS OVERVIEW

1.1. DELIVERABLE 1 – Work Plan
1.2. OUTPUTS: Work Plan including methodology, activity timeline, and field visit plan.
1.3. DEADLINE: 15 days after contract start date.
1.4. BUDGET: 5% of the total contract value.

2.1. DELIVERABLE 2 – Technical Guidance Documents on the Matrix
2.2. OUTPUTS: Submission of a technical document presenting the Matrix, including its structure, references, and indicators, as well as a technical guidance document for training on the application, analysis, and interpretation of the Matrix results.
2.3. DEADLINE: Up to 30 days after submission of Deliverable 1.
2.4. BUDGET: 25% of the total contract value.

3.1. DELIVERABLE 3 – Training and Application of the Matrix – Territory 1
3.2. OUTPUTS: Descriptive report of training workshops and application of the Matrix in Territory 1, including proposed adjustments and consolidation of the results.
3.3. DEADLINE: Up to 45 days after submission of Deliverable 2.
3.4. BUDGET: 12% of the total contract value.

4.1. DELIVERABLE 4 – Action Plan in Territory 1
4.2. OUTPUTS: Descriptive report on participation in the development of the intersectoral Action Plan with the community following the Matrix application, including consolidation of results.
4.3. DEADLINE: Up to 30 days after submission of Deliverable 3.
4.4. BUDGET: 12% of the total contract value.

5.1. DELIVERABLE 5 – Training and Application of the Matrix – Territory 2
5.2. OUTPUTS: Descriptive report of training workshops and application of the Matrix in Territory 2, including proposed adjustments and consolidation of the results.
5.3. DEADLINE: 30 days after submission of Deliverable 4.
5.4. BUDGET: 12% of the total contract value.

6.1. DELIVERABLE 6 – Action Plan in Territory 2
6.2. OUTPUTS: Descriptive report on participation in the development of the intersectoral Action Plan with the community following the Matrix application, including consolidation of results.
6.3. DEADLINE: 30 days after submission of Deliverable 5.
6.4. BUDGET: 12% of the total contract value.

7.1. DELIVERABLE 7 – Training and Application of the Matrix – Territory 3
7.2. OUTPUTS: Descriptive report of training workshops and application of the Matrix in Territory 3, including proposed adjustments and consolidation of the results.
7.3. DEADLINE: 30 days after submission of Deliverable 6.
7.4. BUDGET: 12% of the total contract value.

8.1. DELIVERABLE 8 – Action Plan in Territory 3
8.2. OUTPUTS: Descriptive report on participation in the development of the intersectoral Action Plan with the community following the Matrix application, including consolidation of results.
8.3. DEADLINE: 30 days after submission of Deliverable 7.
8.4. BUDGET: 12% of the total contract value.

CONTRACT DURATION: 8 MONTHS

TRAVEL PLAN – A travel plan must be submitted, including six field visits, with two visits to each of the selected territories. The financial proposal for the travel plan should include airfare, daily subsistence allowance (DSA), and costs related to all materials required to carry out the activities. Note that the order of the territories may change after alignments at the local level.

Trip 1 – Travel to Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre

• Duration: 12 days
• Purpose: Training and application of the Matrix

Trip 2 – Travel to Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre

• Duration: 4 days
• Purpose: Development of the Territorial Action Plan

Trip 3 – Travel to Cuiabá, Mato Grosso

• Duration: 12 days
• Purpose: Training and application of the Matrix

Trip 4 – Travel to Cuiabá, Mato Grosso

• Duration: 4 days
• Purpose: Development of the Territorial Action Plan

Trip 5 – Travel to Fortaleza, Ceará

• Duration: 12 days
• Purpose: Training and application of the Matrix

Trip 6 – Travel to Fortaleza, Ceará

• Duration: 4 days
• Purpose: Development of the Territorial Action Plan

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Master’s or PhD degree, completed or in progress, in fields related to the intersection of public health, environment, and Indigenous food systems.
• Experience in facilitating workshops, participatory processes, and conducting fieldwork in Indigenous territories.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to produce technical and analytical documents.
• Strong organizational skills, autonomy, and commitment to deadlines and quality of deliverables.
• Availability for travel and for extended stays in remote field settings.
• Previous participation in Phase I of the Indigenous Food Systems Project will be considered an asset.

 

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

• Fluence in Portuguese is required.

 

UNICEF’s Core Values

Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS)

To view our competency framework, please visit: UNICEF Values

 

(PORTUGUESE)

Escopo do Trabalho:

O objetivo da consultoria é:

1. Descrever aspectos técnicos e conceituais relacionados com sistemas alimentares indígenas para subsidiar a metodologia de formação e aplicação da matriz;
2. Formar atores para a utilização da matriz em territórios selecionados;
3. Participar do diagnóstico de sistemas alimentares indígenas utilizando a ferramenta; e
4. Participar da elaboração de planos de ação intersetoriais locais preliminares.

Foram selecionados 3 territórios para esse projeto piloto: Cruzeiro do Sul/Acre, Cuiabá/Mato Grosso e Fortaleza/Ceará. Para realização das etapas do projeto, serão necessárias 2 entradas em cada um desses territórios, totalizando 6 viagens.  A primeira entrada, referente à formação e aplicação da matriz terá duração estimada de 12 dias. Já a segunda entrada, referente à elaboração de planos de ação, terá duração estimada de 4 dias.

Ao final desta consultoria, espera-se que os processos de formação, aplicação da matriz e elaboração do plano de ação orientem ações pertinentes entre diferentes atores e políticas públicas relacionadas à segurança alimentar e nutricional em contextos indígenas.

As atividades  e o plano de viagem são descritas a seguir:

PRODUTOS

1.1. PRODUTO 1 – 1.Plano de Trabalho

1.2. ENTREGÁVEIS: Plano de Trabalho contendo metodologia, cronograma de atividades e plano de entradas em território.

1.3. DATA LIMITE: 5 dias após início do contrato.

1.4. ORÇAMENTO: 5% do valor do contrato

2.1. PRODUTO 2 – Documentos técnicos orientadores sobre a Matriz

2.2. ENTREGÁVEIS: Entrega de documento técnico de apresentação da Matriz, incluindo sua estrutura, referências e indicadores, e documento técnico orientador para formação para aplicação, análise e interpretação dos resultados da Matriz.

2.3. DATA LIMITE:  até 30 dias após entrega do Produto 1.

2.4. ORÇAMENTO: 25% do valor do contrato

3.1. PRODUTO 3 – Formação e aplicação da Matriz – Território 1

3.2. ENTREGÁVEIS: Relatório descritivo de oficinas de formação e aplicação da Matriz no Território 1, incluindo proposta de ajustes e consolidação dos resultados da aplicação da Matriz.

3.3. DATA LIMITE: até 45 dias após entrega do Produto 2.

3.4. ORÇAMENTO: 12% do valor do contrato

4.1. PRODUTO 4 – Plano de Ação no Território 1

4.2. ENTREGÁVEIS: Relatorio descritivo de participação da elaboração do Plano de Ação intersetorial junto à comunidade pós aplicação da Matriz e consolidação dos resultados.

4.3. DATA LIMITE: até 30 dias após entrega do Produto 3

4.4. ORÇAMENTO: 12% do valor do contrato

5.1. PRODUTO 5 – Formação e aplicação da Matriz – Território 2

5.2. ENTREGÁVEIS: Relatório descritivo de oficinas de formação e aplicação da Matriz no Território 2, incluindo proposta de ajustes e consolidação dos resultados da aplicação da Matriz.

5.3. DATA LIMITE: 30 dias após entrega do Produto 4

5.4. ORÇAMENTO: 12% do valor do contrato

6.1. PRODUTO 6 – 6. Plano de Ação no Território 2

6.2. ENTREGÁVEIS: Relatorio descritivo de participação da elaboração do Plano de Ação intersetorial junto à comunidade pós aplicação da Matriz e consolidação dos resultados.

6.3. DATA LIMITE: 30 dias após entrega do Produto 5

6.4. ORÇAMENTO: 12% do valor do contrato

7.1. PRODUTO 7 – Formação e aplicação da Matriz – Território 3

7.2. ENTREGÁVEIS: Relatório descritivo de oficinas de formação e aplicação da Matriz no Território 3, incluindo proposta de ajustes e consolidação dos resultados da aplicação da Matriz.

7.3. DATA LIMITE: 30 dias após entrega do Produto 6

7.4. ORÇAMENTO: 12% do valor do contrato

8.1. PRODUTO 8 – Plano de Ação no Território 3

8.2. ENTREGÁVEIS: Relatorio descritivo de participação da elaboração do Plano de Ação intersetorial junto à comunidade pós aplicação da Matriz e consolidação dos resultados.

8.3. DATA LIMITE: 30 dias após entrega do Produto 7

8.4. ORÇAMENTO: 12% do valor do contrato

DURAÇAO DO CONTRATO: 8 meses

PLANO DE VIAGEM – Deverá ser submetido plano de viagem contendo 6 entradas em território, 2 em cada território específico. A proposta financeira do plano de viagem deverá incluir passagens, diárias e custos relacionados a todo o material necessário para condução das atividades. Note que a ordem das viagens poderá ser alterada, de acordo com os alinhamentos a nível local.

Viagem 1 – Viagem para Cruzeiro do Sul/Acre

• Duração: 12 dias
• Motivo: Formação e aplicação da Matriz

Viagem 2 – Viagem para Cruzeiro do Sul/Acre

• Duração: 4 dias
• Motivo: Construção do Plano de Ação no Território

Viagem 3 – Viagem para Cuiabá/Mato Grosso

• Duração: 12 dias
• Motivo: Formação e aplicação da Matriz

Viagem 4 – Viagem para Cuiabá/Mato Grosso

• Duração: 4 dias
• Motivo: Construção do Plano de Ação no Território

Viagem 5 – Viagem para Fortaleza/Ceará

• Duração: 12 dias
• Motivo: Formação e aplicação da Matriz

Viagem 6 – Viagem para Fortaleza/Ceará

• Duração: 4 dias
• Motivo: Construção do Plano de Ação no Território

Qualificações necessárias

• Mestrado ou Doutorado concluído ou em andamento em áreas do conhecimento que tratem da inter-relação entre saúde pública, meio ambiente e sistemas alimentares indígenas.
• Excelente comunicação oral e escrita, incluindo redação de documentos técnicos e analíticos.
• Capacidade de organização, autonomia e compromisso com prazos e qualidade das entregas.
• Experiência em facilitação de oficinas, processos participativos e trabalho de campo em territórios indígenas.
• Disponibilidade para viagens e permanência em campo em contextos remotos.
• Ter participado da primeira fase do Projeto Sistemas Alimentares Indígenas será considerada uma vantagem.

LINGUAGEM

• Português – fluente.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS: Expert, recognized authority, specialist in a specific field; advisory or consultative capacity; no continuing need in UNICEF; a consultant shall not perform any of the existing functions or responsibilities of staff members; must not be assigned functions requiring any representative, certifying, approving authority or supervisory responsibility; contracts are delivery-based with a delivery schedule; consultants manage their own time; consultants will largely be remote-/home-based, not office-based.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check. 

General Conditions: Procedures and Logistics

• Consultant’s travel costs should be included in the consultant’s fee.
• No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant and mandatory courses are completed.
• Consultants will not have any representative, certifying, or approving authority, or supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
• The consultant will work remotely on a delivery basis.

Financial Proposal

• Costs indicated are estimated. Final rate shall follow “best value for money” principle, i.e., achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible fee.
• A financial proposal including the fee for the assignment based on the deliverables and number of days must be submitted. Consultants are asked to stipulate all-inclusive fees, including lump sum, administrative cost, travel cost and subsistence costs, as applicable.
• The payment will be based on submission of agreed deliverables. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold payment in case the deliverables submitted are not up to the required standard or in case of delays in submitting the deliverables on the part of the consultant.

Insurance and health coverage

• The contractor is fully responsible for arranging, at his or her own expenses, such life, health and other forms of insurance covering the term of the contract as he or she considers appropriate.
• The contractor is not eligible to participate in the life or health insurance schemes available to UNICEF and United Nations staff members.

 Restrictions

• Consultants may not receive training at the expense of UNICEF.  Notwithstanding, consultants must complete the applicable mandatory trainings before the signature of the contract;
• In case of government officials, the contract cannot be issued without prior written clearance by the Government​, or unless on leave without pay.

Remarks: 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.

 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.