Terms of Reference for Consultancy to Conduct Leadership and Governance Training for CS-SUNN’s Board, Steering Committee and Management Members a at Civil Society Scaling-Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN)

About PINNS 2.0 Project

The Partnership for Improving Nigeria Nutrition Systems (PINNS 2.0) is a project designed to strengthen Nigeria's nutrition systems to be more Result-driven, Effective, Serviceable, Efficient, and Transparent (RESET). This is to facilitate the delivery of nutrition interventions and to hold the government accountable for commitments made to allocate, release, and use funds transparently for the implementation of high-impact nutrition interventions in Nigeria through evidence-based advocacy.

Several factors, including lack of food, improper feeding and caring practices, economic and political structures, low status and lack of education among women, and others, cause malnutrition in Nigeria. Therefore, a multi-sectoral approach is required for the reduction and eventual eradication of the scourge. The UNICEF conceptual framework (UNICEF 2013) brings to the fore the need for multi-actors, disciplines, sectors, and systems in this effort as evidence increasingly suggests that solving malnutrition can benefit from a systems approach (WHO 2009; Hammond & Dube, 2012).

The project is a continuation of the just completed PINNS 1.0 and connects the importance of optimal nutrition to attaining Nigeria’s Human Capital Development goal by 2025. The project will continue to support the Nigeria nutrition system to be more Result-Driven, Effective, Serviceable, Efficient, and Transparent (RESET).

PINNs project adopts a systems approach to strengthening bodies burdened with the responsibility of reducing malnutrition in Nigeria. It pays attention to the unpredictable interaction among factors, sectors, disciplines, and determinants of nutrition, bringing to the table key tools and technical support required for the effective coordination and implementation of programs. PINNs seek to focus on strengthening governance, policy implementation, effective coordination, financing, building the capacity of state actors, generation and effective communication of evidence, and promoting accountability. This collective effort will contribute to a reduction in malnutrition, improving the nutritional status of Nigerians, particularly women and children. The organizational capacity of CS-SUNN to become a leading voice on nutrition advocacy in Nigeria by deepening expertise gained from the Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) project and building new ones is also one of the goals the project intends to achieve.

Objectives

The primary objective of this capacity-building/training program is to strengthen the leadership and governance capacity of CS-SUNN members. The training will specifically focus on the following areas:

• Effective Leadership: Develop strong leadership skills to inspire, motivate, and guide CS-SUNN members toward achieving its vision and mission.
• Strategic Governance: Equip board members with the knowledge and tools to provide strategic direction, and effective oversight, and ensure sound decision-making for CS-SUNN.
• Board Management: Enhance the board's functionality through effective communication, collaboration, and adherence to best practices in board governance.
• Crisis Management: Develop the skills and strategies necessary to effectively manage and navigate potential organizational crises.
• Breaking Barriers and Creating Opportunities: Identify and address challenges faced by civil society organizations, and develop strategies to overcome them and create new opportunities for success.

Deliverables

The selected firm will be responsible for the following deliverables:

• A detailed training program outline, including content, methodology, and schedule.
• Training materials, including handouts, presentations, and case studies.
• Pre- and post-training assessments to measure learning outcomes.
• Facilitation of all training sessions by qualified trainers.
• An evaluation report summarizing participant feedback and program outcomes.

Training Provider Qualifications

CS-SUNN seeks a reputable firm with a proven track record of delivering high-quality training programs for civil society organizations. The ideal firm will possess the following qualifications:

• Extensive experience in designing and delivering leadership, board management, and governance training programs for civil society organizations.
• A team of trainers with significant experience in civil society leadership, board governance, and crisis management. Ideally, some trainers should have served on boards of successful civil society organizations or possess experience in navigating organizational crises.
• A strong track record of delivering successful training programs for civil society organizations, with demonstrably positive outcomes.
• Trainers with extensive knowledge and experience working with high-level leadership and boards of civil society organizations.
• A strong understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities faced by civil society organizations in Nigeria.

Training Content and Methodology

The training program should be interactive, engaging, and tailored to the specific needs of CS-SUNN. The content should cover a broad range of topics related to civil society leadership, board governance, and crisis management, including:

• Roles and responsibilities of boards and individual board members
• Effective board leadership and communication
• Strategic planning and oversight
• Financial management and resource mobilization
• Risk management and crisis preparedness
• Advocacy and communication strategies
• Breaking down barriers and building resilience in the Nigerian context
• Support the Steering Committee members to review/develop their roles under their various portfolios. (1. Chairperson, 2. Co-Chairperson, 3. Advocacy, 4. Research and Policy, 5. Finance and fundraising, 6. Partnership and collaboration and 7. Capacity Building)

The training methodology should incorporate a variety of approaches, including:

• Lectures and presentations
• Case studies and simulations
• Group discussions and role-playing exercises
• Action planning

Selection Process

CS-SUNN will select a training provider through a competitive bidding process. Interested firms must submit a proposal outlining their qualifications, experience, training approach, and cost.