Short-Term Summer Hire (PIQA, STRONG Project)

NOTE: This is a US based remote position; The position can be based anywhere in the United States. US work authorization required at the time of application.

Summary: The global STRONG project requires assistance to conduct a literature review to identify evidence-based nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to address undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies in adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) between 10-24 years of age. The literature review will inform the design of research that addresses knowledge gaps related to adolescent nutrition.  

Background

Catholic Relief Services is implementing the global Sustainable, Targeted, Responsive approach to optimize Nutrition and Growth (STRONG) project in seven countries, including Guatemala, India, Liberia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, and Zambia. STRONG aims to improve the nutritional status of adolescent girls and young women (10-24) through three avenues of change: 

1. Improving service delivery. STRONG will build capacity, train, and support service providers, like health care workers and teachers, to provide adolescent-friendly nutrition education designed and counseling suited to AGYW’s needs. STRONG will rely on existing platforms, like school nutrition clubs and adolescent-friendly corners at health facilities, to reach AGYW. For AGYW who are out of school – and particularly vulnerable to malnutrition – STRONG will create community-based groups using peer-led approaches to support their nutritional needs.
2. Providing products and supplements. Limited access to nutrient-rich foods leads to micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition. STRONG will collaborate with governments to deliver micronutrient supplements and supplementary nutritious foods to prevent and treat malnutrition according to each AGYW’s needs. For example, weekly iron-folic acid supplements will prevent and reduce anemia for adolescent girls so they can reach their full potential. 
3. Supporting positive health and nutrition behaviors. STRONG will develop age-appropriate social and behavior change approaches to promote key nutrition behaviors, relying on AGYW’s preferred channels of communication and using their own voices.

AGYW are considered high-risk groups for different types of malnutrition, including underweight, overweight and obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies. Despite these known and urgent nutritional needs, adolescent girls and young women have been “overlooked and underrecognized” (UNICEF 2023) in nutrition programs. This, in turn, has led to a dearth of evidence on the interventions, approaches, and platforms that will support positive nutrition outcomes for AGYW. 

Scope of Work

The STRONG project intends to design research to create a stronger evidence base for adolescent girls’ and young women’s nutrition. To design this research, CRS requires deeper knowledge of existing evidence. The summer hire is expected to conduct a literature review to identify evidence-based nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions identified by STRONG country programs to address adolescent nutrition undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. The literature review should also consider the service delivery platforms (e.g., schools, health facilities, community-based groups) through which nutrition interventions are delivered to AGYW. Through this work, the summer hire will contribute to the design of meaningful research for the STRONG project that informs project learning and adaptation and expands the current evidence base. 

Key Responsibilities

• Review STRONG project strategies and interventions across the seven country programs to identify interventions and approaches to be included in the literature review.
• Develop an outline/structure for the literature review based on understanding of the STRONG project
• Conduct a comprehensive search and analysis of sources, including journal articles, gray literature, etc., to identify relevant literature for inclusion in the review.
• Write rigorous literature review that documents evidence of what works to improve AGYW nutrition outcomes, identifies gaps in existing research, and provides recommendations for further research to address observed gaps. 
• Communicate and coordinate with the STRONG project team, including HQ-based Senior Technical Advisors, and seek input and feedback on process and progress.

Basic Qualifications

• Current or recent undergraduate or graduate of an international development, public health, or related academic program. 
• Completed coursework or experience in international development, public health, and research methods preferred.