The Mali is currently facing a (polio) VDPV outbreak. A case was confirmed from the Anderboukane district in February 2020. Both epidemiological and social investigations were carried out and results shows that: the case is a boy with 48 months old and received and living in an area with low polio vaccine coverage. OPV3 dropped down from 103% to 55% from 2018 to 2019.
Fully supporting this outbreak response is an opportunity to reinforce targeted interventions for polio vaccination. In that context, C4D plays a vital role to inform and convince communities and its leaders about the reasons and rationale of an immediate, mass and back-to-back oral polio vaccine (OPV) campaigns. C4D interventions are critical to inform and educate, to encourage community-based surveillance.
The Mali UNICEF Office is seeking an International Consultant to support the outbreak response in C4D, technical guidance, leadership and strategic inputs, supporting the development and implementation of targeted and data driven Communication strategies.
The incumbent will collaborate closely with national counterparts in the Ministry of Health, as well as partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), including WHO, CDC, Gates Foundation, to coordinate communication and social mobilization efforts during polio outbreaks to expedite the closure.
Objectives :
The objective of this consultancy is to hire a calibrated C4D specialist who will coordinate and strengthen social mobilization and community engagement efforts through targeted planning and interventions
Justification :
Responding to the current outbreak will require a robust social mobilization and community engagement contribution aiming to reinforce community’s acceptance and support to polio vaccination. The data collected during the Anderboukane social investigation shows that number of children were missed during the recent polio campaign and that the routine immunization performance is suboptimal.
Again, the use of mOPV2 vaccine during this response need specific communication strategies both with communities and health workers.
The C4D consultant will be supporting all communication and social mobilization related efforts that helped at addressing divers challenges and rumors.
Scope of Work :
The incumbent will be based in Bamako with frequent travels to the outbreak response area (Gao, Menaka and their respective health districts).
Specific Tasks :
- Support needs assessment, data analysis, district prioritization and programme planning and coordination ;
- Improve and sustain national, regional and district level advocacy effort, networking and partnership building ;
- Support capacity building and supervision of stakeholders and C4D consultants invloved in the response ;
- Support the information management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the programme results.
Expected Deliverables :
Based on the local context of the country, the incumbent will be required to deliver the following results.
- Needs assessment, analysis, prioritization and planning :
- Contribute to the need assessments and analysis of the social situation and potential partners at ground level ;
- Facilitate the development of an overall strategy and evidence-based response and transition plan and ensure that the strategy is reflected in relevant documents ;
- Oversee the training of Frontline Workers (Vaccinators, Community Workers) to address specific challenges and ensure global (GPEI) standards and tools are used.
- Programme development, planning and coordination :
- Support the development and implementation of the response planning process. Keep abreast of C4D sector developments for maximum efficiency and effectiveness ;
- Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to discuss C4D priorities, resources, strategies and methodologies to ensure the most strategic use of the GPEI and UNICEF resources to support the response ;
- Provide ongoing situation updates to the Country Representatives that are based on data analysis for better decision-making as well as strengthening the accountability framework of the Country Task Forces.
- Advocacy, networking and partnership building :
- Build and strengthen strategic partnerships with UN agencies, donor agencies, institutions, NGOs and the private sector to stimulate coordination and collaboration ;
- Support production of C4D materials for advocacy to promote awareness of polio campaigns ;
- Advise NGOs/CSOs, UN agencies and government partners on C4D strategies and best practices ;
- Strengthen performance monitoring of integrated C4D activities before, during and after campaigns using standardized data collection tools.
- Capacity building and supervision :
- Guide and orient C4D national consultants on global polio tools for Frontline workers and reinforced social mobilization actvities ;
- Supervise and support polio C4D national consultants work planning and implementation.
- Information management, monitoring, evaluation and reporting :
- Ensure that updated and relevant information is included in general reporting including common web platforms, Situation Reports and other reporting mechanisms ;
- Prepare and disseminate reports ensuring alignment with the C4D output results ;
- Support COs in the documentation of C4D initiatives/lessons learnt.
Terms of Payment : The payment will be done on a monthly based on an approved report that will be made available by the consultant.
Expected background and Experience :
Qualifications of Successful Candidate :
- Advanced university degree in communication for development or the social/behavioral sciences (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, Health Education,) with emphasis on participatory communication, communication planning, social mobilization, and participatory research.’ A first University Degree with relevant professional experience may also be accepted in lieu of the Advanced Degree in social/behavioral sciences, combined with 7 years of relevant experience ;
- Knowledge and experience in Health programme management and Polio Outbreak response SOP implementation is an asset.
Work experience :
- Five years’ work experience in planning and management of social development programmes, including solid, of which 3 years responsible work experience in polio strategic communication design ;
- Knowledge of current developments in the fields of communication for development, adult learning, indigenous media, community organization and participation. Knowledge of the use and application of channels of communication such as community radio, theatre for development, etc. ;
- Recognized abilities to organize and implement training in strategic communication planning, social and behavioral analysis, participatory research and evaluation of communication interventions ;
- Proven experience in social data methods and analysis, including participatory and qualitative methods such as Participatory Action Research, Appreciative Inquiry, Focus Group Discussion, etc. ;
- Experience of the social, political and economic environment of West and Central Africa ;
- Experience in emergencies will be an asset.
Language skills required : Fluency in French and good working knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of the local language of the duty station is an asset.
Other skills and attributes required :
- Proven skills in communication, networking, advocacy and negotiation ;
- Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts, both in written and orally ;
- Computer skills, including internet navigation, and MSOffice applications. Skills in knowledge management and in UNICEF electronic knowledge management platform are an asset.
General Conditions Procedures and Logistics :
The consultant will be based in Bamako, and will undertake at least 2 field visits to Gao and Menaka regions : The successful candidate should be onboard 1 week after reception of the Letter of Offer and must be internet-ready to begin work even from her/his base.
How to Apply :
Qualified candidates are requested to submit :
- P11 form ;
- Updated CV ;
- Cover letter ;
- Diploma from highest education level ;
- P11 form (http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_apply.html) ;
- Candidates are requested to submit an all-inclusive financial offer (Honorarium, daily subsistence, travel, etc.).
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
Applications close : 31 Jul 2020 11:55 PM Greenwich Standard Time.