Deadline: 23-Jan-2026
UNICEF is seeking research partners to develop a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation (M&E) methodology for complementary feeding interventions, including the use of lipid-based nutrient supplements. This initiative focuses on documenting the implementation process and effectiveness of dietary interventions across multiple countries to prevent childhood stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies.
This Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) addresses the urgent need to improve the quality of diets for infants and young children globally. UNICEF aims to establish a standardized yet adaptable framework for evaluating nutrition programs that integrate specialized supplements into standard feeding practices, particularly in fragile and emergency contexts.
Why This Initiative Matters: Combatting Global Malnutrition
Poor diet quality during the complementary feeding period—traditionally between 6 and 23 months of age—is a primary driver of irreversible developmental damage.
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Stunting and Wasting: Inadequate nutrient intake leads to physical growth failure and acute weight loss.
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The “Hidden Hunger”: Many children suffer from micronutrient deficiencies despite consuming enough calories, impacting cognitive development.
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Fragile Contexts: Nutrition in emergencies requires specialized, evidence-based monitoring to ensure that rapid interventions are actually improving health outcomes.
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Operational Research: Moving from theory to practice requires systematic documentation of how programs are delivered, not just the final results.
Key Technical Concepts
Applicants should demonstrate expertise in the following specialized nutritional interventions:
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Complementary Feeding: The process starting when breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet nutritional requirements, and other foods and liquids are needed.
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SQ-LNS (Small-Quantity Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements): High-energy, nutrient-dense pastes designed to be mixed with home-prepared complementary foods to prevent malnutrition.
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MNPs (Multiple Micronutrient Powders): Sachets containing a blend of vitamins and minerals that are “point-of-use” fortified into a child’s food.
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Operational Research (OR): Research that focuses on the processes, variables, and barriers involved in implementing health interventions in real-world settings.
Who Is Eligible?
UNICEF is seeking organizations with strong backgrounds in public health research, nutritional science, and large-scale program evaluation.
Eligible Organizations:
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Academic Institutions: Universities and global health research centers.
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Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): International and national entities with expertise in nutrition and M&E.
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Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Groups with deep operational experience in fragile contexts.
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Research Consortia: Partnerships between academic and implementation-focused organizations.
Core Requirements:
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Proven experience in qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
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Mastery of UNICEF’s policies on data collection and data protection.
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Capacity to provide capacity-building support to local researchers in various country contexts.
How it Works: Step-by-Step Implementation
The selected partner will be responsible for the end-to-end development of the evaluation framework:
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Methodology Design: Create a robust, adaptable framework to assess inputs, outputs, and health results across diverse geographic regions.
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Tool Development: Design standardized data collection tools (surveys, interview guides, and observation checklists).
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Implementation Documentation: Record the “process” of delivery to identify barriers and enablers in different health systems.
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Capacity Building: Train local researchers and health workers on how to use the new M&E tools effectively.
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Data Analysis & Tracking: Perform structured analysis to determine the effectiveness of lipid-based supplements and micronutrient powders.
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Framework Finalization: Deliver a monitoring framework to track long-term progress and impact on childhood stunting and wasting.
Tips for a Strong Expression of Interest
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Prioritize Adaptability: Emphasize how your methodology can work in both stable and emergency (fragile) contexts.
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Focus on Data Ethics: Explicitly mention alignment with global standards for data protection, especially concerning vulnerable pediatric populations.
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Demonstrate Multi-Country Experience: UNICEF seeks a methodology that isn’t limited to a single region; show your ability to scale.
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Highlight Integration: Don’t just focus on the supplements; show how you will evaluate their integration into standard infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the primary goal of this Call for Interest?
The goal is to develop a methodology to monitor and evaluate how effectively tailored nutrition packages (including supplements) are implemented and their impact on child health.
2. What specific supplements are mentioned in the program?
The initiative focuses on the integration of Small-Quantity Lipid-based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) and Multiple Micronutrient Powders (MNPs).
3. Does this call cover only one country?
No. The methodology must be adaptable and suitable for use across multiple country contexts, including fragile and emergency settings.
4. What kind of data will be analyzed?
The methodology must support the collection and structured analysis of both qualitative (interviews, process documentation) and quantitative (nutritional metrics, output data) data.
5. Who are the target beneficiaries of the interventions?
The interventions target infants and young children during the complementary feeding period (typically 6–23 months).
6. Is this a call for implementation or research?
This is primarily a call for methodology development and operational research to improve how future programs are monitored and evaluated.
7. Does UNICEF provide data protection guidelines?
Yes. Any developed methodology must strictly adhere to UNICEF policies on data collection, privacy, and protection.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Call for Interest on Complementary Feeding is a vital step toward evidence-based nutrition global policy. By establishing a rigorous monitoring and evaluation framework, UNICEF and its partners can ensure that nutritional supplements like SQ-LNS and MNPs are delivered effectively to the world’s most vulnerable children. This initiative bridges the gap between nutrition science and field implementation, ultimately driving the global fight against childhood malnutrition.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.