Location: Based in Nagpur/Gadchiroli, Maharashtra
Duration: Project-based, with a defined contract period
Type: Full time, Field Base
Reporting to: Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (Empowered Autonomous Status), SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai
Collaboration: Working closely with PATH Delhi Office
Project Background
India continues to face a significant burden of undernutrition, anemia, and micronutrient deficiencies, especially among women and children. To address such issues the Take-Home Ration (THR) program under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a critical intervention designed to provide supplementary nutrition to pregnant and lactating mothers, children (6 months–6 years old) and adolescent girls under various nutrition schemes in form of fortified staples or food packets (ready to eat) in most of the states. These THR products are distributed during key physiological periods of life with enhanced nutritional needs. With the right nutritional composition, these products can significantly mitigate malnutrition and improve overall health outcomes. Hence, it is imperative to improve and formalize good practices, reformulating recipes and mixes, and acceleratingimprovement in the THR value chain. The Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra has been identified as one of the most vulnerable regions due to high malnutrition rates, anemia prevalence, and poor access to diverse and nutritious diets. The THR program plays a vital role in bridging nutritional gaps, but challenges remain in its access, quality, acceptance, and utilization. Project Overview: Technical assistance for strengthening supplementary nutrition Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (SVT), Empowered Autonomous Status, SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai in collaboration with PATH, is undertaking a comprehensive study to assess the current THR distribution system for studying the access, supply chain efficiency, and stakeholder perceptions. The study aims to evaluate the quality and nutritional adequacy of THR by reviewing current recipes and identifying ways to improve their nutrient content through context specific recipe formulation. The overarching goal is to understand the utilization and acceptability of THR by gathering feedback from both supply and demand side actors to strengthen the existing supplementary nutrition program in the selected blocks of district Gadchiroli in Maharashtra. The project will also entail development of behaviour change communication strategies and a digitised platform hosting recipes curated from the region, using THR packets. The study insights will help inform policies, improve THR acceptability, and support effective program implementation, ensuring better nutritional outcomes for vulnerable populations in Maharashtra.
The Position
The Institutional Research, Innovation, Consultancy and Collaboration Centre (RICCC) of Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (Empowered Autonomous Status), SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai seeks to hire Nutrition Consultant to be the liaison officer for the project and support the activities of the proposed project on the THR program in Gadchiroli. He/she will serve as a critical link between the project team and key government departments, local stakeholders, and communities in Gadchiroli district. The officer will support the effective implementation, coordination, and monitoring of the Supplementary Nutrition Program in Gadchiroli district, Maharashtra, through a comprehensive situational analysis on access, quality, and utilization of THR, conducting field study and developing data-driven recommendations to improve THR accessibility, quality, and effectiveness. The consultant will work closely under the guidance of Professor (Dr) Jagmeet Madan and Dr Panchali Moitra at SVT College of Home Science, SNDT Women’s University and PATH’s technical team to ensure smooth execution of project activities in line with signed scope of work.
About the role
• Conduct a comprehensive desk research and facilitate connect with the local district officials and ground staff for the conduct and coordination of the project related deliverables including assessment of THR access, distribution, quality, and utilization in Gadchiroli and interactions with key stakeholders such as frontline workers (FLWs), pregnant and lactating mothers, self-help groups (SHGs), and government officials.
• Facilitate collaboration with Anganwadi Workers, CDPOs, and Block-level officials to support THR-related project deliverables.
• Implement qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and household surveys.
• Supervise the field study team for conducting household surveys among study participants and performing anthropometric measurements of children.
• Work as a part of the project team to review and evaluate the nutritional composition of existing regional THR recipes based on the data collected and provide recommendations to strengthen the nutrient density of THR products.
• Review the existing Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) resources to improve THR awareness and contribute to the development of targeted SBCC toolkit for improving the awareness and acceptability of THR packets in beneficiaries.
• Collect and compile relevant field data, reports, and feedback from beneficiaries and field staff.
• Ensure timely communication and coordination for meetings, field visits, reviews, and stakeholder consultations.
• Compile insights into a detailed report with recommendations for THR program enhancement. This will include policy briefs, presentation materials, and knowledge sharing sessions with ICDS, health departments, and other stakeholders to facilitate informed decision-making and program enhancements.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
• Master’s degree/ diploma in Nutrition, Public Health, Food Science, or related fields.
• 5+ years of experience in nutrition program implementation, public health research, or food fortification projects.
• Strong knowledge of maternal and child nutrition programs, THR distribution, and supplementary nutrition policies in India.
• Proven experience in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including FGDs, KIIs, and anthropometric assessments.
• Familiarity with Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) strategies for nutrition programs.
• Proficiency in data analysis, report writing, and stakeholder coordination.
• Experience in working with government systems, especially ICDS, is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the Gadchiroli region, its socio-cultural context, and ability to communicate in Marathi will be preferred.
Additional Skills and Competencies
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills.
• Excellent communication and report writing abilities.
• Proficiency in Marathi and English (spoken and written).
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel extensively across remote areas of Gadchiroli.
Application Process:
a) Interested and eligible candidates must send application with subject ‘Nutrition Consultant_ SVT PATH GIZ THR Program at Gadchiroli Study’, along with their detailed curriculum vitae, documents in support of qualification, research experience, and names and contact details of two references.
b) The application and required documents must be sent by post in sealed envelope to Director, SVT Research,Innovation, Consultancy and Collaboration Centre, Sir Vithaldas Thackersey College of Home Science (Empowered Autonomous Status), SNDT Women’s University, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz West, Mumbai- 400049.
c) The application including cover letter, curriculum vitae and research and publication
experiences must also be sent electronically as a single pdf file to panchali.moitra@svt.edu.in with a copy marked to jagmeet.madan@svt.edu.in
d) An interview of short-listed candidates shall be conducted before selection. The shortlisted candidates will undertake a two-day pre project training workshop in Mumbai
Closing date: Application Submission Deadline: Friday, 18th April, 2025.
Duration and nature of appointment: Contractual for a period of 6 months (can be extendable to additional six months based on project requirement and performance).
Remuneration- As per industry standards and research experience.