Consultant – Nutrition Formulation for MAM Treatment Blend

Scope of work

The consultant will lead development of nutritionally credible Tom Brown reformulation options, grounded in treatment requirements and aligned with industrial feasibility constraints.

Define nutrition targets and guardrails

Develop a clear nutrition target matrix for reformulated Tom Brown, anchored in relevant national and international standards (e.g., WHO supplementary food guidance, WFP TSF specifications) and future-state procurement criteria (e.g., UNICEF Supply Division, NAFDAC).

Define target ranges, minimum thresholds, and red lines for energy density, macro- and micronutrient profile, protein quality, fat composition, digestibility, and suitability for young children with MAM.

Clarify which attributes are non-negotiable, which are preferred, and where trade-offs may be acceptable.

Define formulation principles and ingredient framework

Set practical formulation principles, including simplicity, local ingredient availability, digestibility, cost sensitivity, caregiver preparation burden, and compatibility with local production constraints.

Define acceptable ingredient categories, including carbohydrate bases, protein sources, fat sources, and fortification or premix options.

Advise on premix, bioavailability, nutrient stability, and ingredient interactions, including risks linked to processing, storage, and local climatic conditions.

Develop candidate Tom Brown reformulations (Primary Deliverable)

Develop 3–4 candidate reformulations, each including ingredient composition, estimated nutritional profile, preparation method, rationale, and key trade-offs.

For each option, identify nutritional gaps versus the target profile, risks to recovery outcomes, fortification concerns, preparation risks, and assumptions requiring validation.

Ensure each formulation is realistic for caregiver preparation, digestible for young children, cost-sensitive, and compatible with industrial feasibility constraints.

Align with production feasibility

Work closely with the Industrial Feasibility Consultant to adapt formulations based on local production realities.

Identify which formulation attributes must be protected and which can be modified to improve manufacturability, stability, cost, or scalability.

Coordinate with the Industrial Feasibility Consultant through a joint kickoff and a mid-point sync.

Co-author a short Joint Reconciliation Note capturing where production realities and nutrition targets converged or diverged.

Define sensory and preparation considerations

Define practical sensory and usability criteria, including taste, aroma, texture, mouthfeel, cooking time, water ratio, thickness, and caregiver ease of use.

Identify risks related to mis-preparation, dilution, refusal, cultural acceptability, or caregiver burden.

Recommend what should be tested during prototype or pilot work.

Deliverables: Nutrition Target Matrix and Reformulation Guardrails

Payment Rate and Schedule:

The consultant will be paid on an activity-based, linked to delivery of defined outputs, within an overall budget of x.

Requirements:

The consultant should bring:

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