Salt product inventory and pricing survey (Pacific)

BACKGROUND

Reducing salt consumption among Pacific Island populations is a key strategy for decreasing NCD risk. Because of the heavy reliance on imported, processed foods salt intake is high, generally exceeding the WHO recommendation of less than 5 grams per day. The average global sodium consumption is nearly double the recommended limit.

Salt reduction is a cost-effective strategy to reduce hypertension and to contribute to reduction in NCDs. In May 2013, the World Health Assembly set targets for NCDs including a 30% relative reduction in population salt intake by 2025.

Strategies for reducing salt include education and awareness, food industry reformulation of products to reduce salt content, environmental supports, and standards and labelling. A comprehensive, multi-strategy approach will be required to meet the targets.

In 2014, Pacific Salt Targets were set to feasible levels based on existing products and focused on popular items in order to lower salt consumption in the Pacific diet. Salt needs to be reduced in all processed food products by as much as possible, but these targets are specific first steps. Governments may use the targets for developing standards, procurement policies, taxes, and/or labelling requirements.

Understanding the impact of adopting the Pacific salt targets on availability and cost of food for Pacific Island populations will inform the adoption and implementation of these targets.

Creating a list of products that do and do not meet the Pacific Salt Targets will help importers and retailers easily identify alternatives to current products and comply with regulations that adopt these targets.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

To identify products generally available to Pacific Island Countries (PICs), that meet the Pacific Salt Target criteria, and to conduct price surveys to support pricing impact predictions.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The incumbent is to work closely with WHO DPS and relevant stakeholders.

Method(s) to carry out the activity

• • Online research, phone calls, interviews.
• • Access existing data sources.
• • Retail price surveys.
• • Identification of products that meet or exceed the salt targets.
• • Identification of products that meet the salt targets without worsening the overall nutrient profile (particularly sugar, trans and saturated fat).

Output/s

Output 1: Assess the availability of products in the eight Pacific salt target categories, in key countries that PICs import from, and

• • List by category, product name, manufacturer, country of origin;
• • Identify nutrient content per 100 g. including sodium, sugar, fat, and trans-fat;
• • Determine whether they meet or exceed the targets; and
• • For products that meet the salt target, identify whether product is higher in sugar, fat and trans-fat, than products which don’t meet the targets.

Deliverable 1 a.: A spreadsheet or report that identifies products available to Pacific importers and retailers in the eight categories detailing product information.

Deliverable 1 b.: A spreadsheet  or report, identified by the information above, that lists products that meet the targets without worsening the nutrient profile for importers and retailers use.

Output 2: Conduct price surveys in one  agreed-upon Pacific Island country location  by selecting eight stores and

• • identifying all products available in the eight Pacific Salt Target categories;
• • list nutrient content;
• • determine if they meet or exceed the targets;
• • identify cost;
• • determine price difference of products that meet or exceed target in each category for each store.

Deliverable 2: A summary report that includes

• • Methods and locations used;
• • Findings of surveys in data tables; and
• • Average price difference for each category and for each retail store.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The incumbent is to work closely with WHO DPS and relevant stakeholders.

• • Online research, phone calls, interviews.
• • Access existing data sources.
• • Retail price surveys.
• • Identification of products that meet or exceed the salt targets.
• • Identification of products that meet the salt targets without worsening the overall nutrient profile (particularly sugar, trans and saturated fat).

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Essential:  

An advanced university degree (Master’s level or above) from a recognised university in public health or nutrition. 

EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• • At least two years of relevant experience at national and international level.
• • Experience in population-based salt reduction strategies.

Desirable:

• • Relevant work experience in WHO, other UN agencies, relevant non-governmental or humanitarian organizations.
• • Pacific experience an advantage.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • In-depth knowledge of health promotion, behaviour change principles, and NCD prevention and management.
• • Excellent communication and writing skills.

LANGUAGES

Expert level written and oral communication skill in English.

COMPETENCIES

Consultants/contractors are expected to demonstrate these mandatory competencies.

• • Teamwork.
• • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.
• • Communication.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The selected consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Contracting organisations are not expected to comply with this requirement.

All work will be completely remotely and through virtual methods without travel.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV or Company Profile, and Expression of Interest to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 16 November 2020. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position, how they will approach the work, and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee, days required to complete work, total project costs, and availability/timeline.

Please use Tender Notice No. 117364 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.