Accountability to Affected Populations (ACP) Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE ) SBC Specialist TA 364 jours, Bamako

Programme & Policy

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For every child, hope

In Mali, the northern regions (Kidal, Timbuktu, Gao) and some of the south (Sikasso, Segou, Mopti) were known as areas at risk since the beginning of the 2012 security crisis, because they have low immunization coverage of children and women of childbearing age. Nowadays, with the proliferation of gold panning areas and the important movement towards the urban areas (several large cities including Bamako), the rate of the non-respect of the vaccination calendar, and that of absence of children during supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) increased. Low immunization coverage is linked to problems with continuity of immunization services, under-reporting of data, inadequate provision of vaccine health facilities, failure to reach high-risk and underserved populations.

The communication efforts provided by the Government and partners continue to contribute significantly to informing a large section of the community about vaccination activities, with various channels and communication media including mass media, traditional communicators’ approach and other communication tools.

According to the 2015 immunization coverage assessment, the percentage of fully immunized children from 12 to 23 months is 60.29% for the whole country compared to 62% in 2010. This rate has slightly decreased (between 2010 and 2015) with disparities between health districts. As for the dropout rates according to the results of the survey (2015), they are 19.9% for Penta1-Penta3 and 21.17% for BCG-VAR. these rates are higher than planned objectives (<=10%).

A survey on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) regarding routine vaccination in the 23 priority districts of the regions of Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso, Ségou, Mopti and the District of Bamako was carried out in September 2019. This survey covered a total of 5,021 households with children aged 0-23 months. The following results emerge from this survey:

• According to parents of children aged 0-23 months, lack of information (50.6%) and lack of awareness (40.2%) are the two main obstacles to routine immunization.
• the most frequently cited communication channels for transmitting the routine immunization message are: radio (over 50% cited in 14 districts), health personnel (over 50% cited in 11 districts), village district chief or traditional authorities (more than 50% cited in 8 districts).
• In addition, the actors who decide on the vaccination of children in the 23 districts are fathers (52.3%), mothers (43.1%), health personnel (8.5%) and grandmothers. (1.7%).

In 2020, vaccine coverage decreased significantly from 94.9% for Penta3 in March to 71.7% in April. These discrepancies could be explained by under-use of services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, the pandemic of COVID-19 has considerably reduced the attendance rate of CSCOMs and could be explained by:

• False rumors across social media about the existence of an experimental COVID-19 vaccine in the field;
• The fact that some populations believe that with COVID-19, routine immunization services (fixed, advanced and mobile) do not work;

In total, there are 81,499 missed children between Penta1 and Penta3 nationwide in 2020. About 33 districts have over 1,000 unvaccinated children between Penta1 and Penta3 including 17 of 23 priority districts. The districts with the highest number of missed children are respectively: Bougouni (5,404), Ségou (3,894), Sikasso (3,238), Kalabancoro (3,186), Mopti (3,122), San (2,946) , Tenenkou (2 920), Niono (2 326) and Kati (2,040). 30 districts have cumulative Penta3 coverage greater than 90%. However, 17 of these 30 districts each have more than 1,000 missed children between Penta1 and Penta3.

Based on the analysis of the current state and financing of the immunization program, the multi-stakeholder dialogue with Gavi, organized in November 2020, recommended for the communication and social mobilization component to:

• Develop a new national EPI communication plan.
• Develop an integrated communication plan in the 30 most affected districts.
• Build the capacities of actors at the national and regional level in strategic planning for communication in support of the EPI in order to have a pool of trainers.
• Train community platforms and actors (women, youth and leaders) on new messages.
• Strengthen the capacities of members of accountability frameworks monitoring committees in documentation, community data analysis, advocacy, and local mobilization of resources in favor of the EPI.
• Revise and harmonize the communication tools reflecting the new realities of the EPI in Mali (key messages, picture box, advice booklet, leaflets and posters);
• Monitor / Supervise communication activities on routine immunization

Some of these recommendations are ongoing but the persistence of Covid-19 pandemic, the number of zero doses and also the suboptimal rate of Penta3 in diverse areas remains a challenge to routine immunization.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance and supervision of the Chief SBC and Emergency component, the incumbent has the following key functions/accountabilities:

1. FACILITATION AND COORDINATION Support government in coordination of national AAP/RCCE coordination mechanism - RCCE Pillar(s) and sub-working groups (WG). Provide technical support to the AAP/RCCE pillar(s) on the adaptation, update, review and monitoring of national strategies, standards, protocols, guidelines, training manuals and communication materials for AAP/RCCE.

• Facilitate AAP/RCCE Pillar and sub-group activities, initiating them when necessary, including needs assessments, multi-agency/sector information campaigns and collective advocacy, with a view to building a coherent multi-sector strategy and network of partners working in this area
• Maintain the profile of the AAP/RCCE pillar and ensure strong representation of risk communication and community engagement needs and priorities in inter-pillar emergency meetings as necessary.

Coordinate identification, inclusion, collect, monitoring and analysis of appropriate AAP/RCCE indicators, as well as the response monitoring framework.

• Coordinate Rumours and Data Management working group, including ensuring that partners are familiar with and use reporting format for activities, that the working group mailing list and contact details are regularly updated and that the shared drive is organised well, populated with key documents, assessments, evaluations and WG outputs, to build a common knowledge base among partners.
• Serve as a primary focal point on AAP/RCCE-related issues for UNICEF Mali CO and advocate, educate, and forge consensus among all those involved in the emergency response, on AAP/RCCE tools and approaches for establishing effective community engagement.
• Work on the design of appropriate transition strategies for AAP/RCCE pillar, in partnership with the government, including how coordination mechanisms and membership will change during the transition from the emergency to recovery and develop an ‘exit strategy'.

1. AAP/RCCE PROGRAMMING AND PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Contribute to UNICEF’s response strategy, work planning and contingency planning processes and with other sectors to ensure cross sectoral response programming (Health, WASH, Nutrition, Protection, Education).
• Develop integrated Health, Nutrition, WASH, Child Protection and other sectors culturally relevant key messages and IEC materials as necessary, for printing, TV, radio spots and social media messaging.
• Liaise with and support field offices, AAP/RCCE focal persons and sub-groups in designing and implementing risk communication activities.
• Identify, mobilize and maintain partnerships for involvement and contribution into the AAP/RCCE response to outbreak, including for strong partnerships with community groups, leaders and other partners in the community and civil society for promotion of participation in social and behavioral changes supportive of UNICEF’s response. Support the development of Partnership Agreements as required.
• Build capacity of partners in AAP/RCCE with emphasis on participatory approaches and tools, including community dialogues, mediating meetings, co-creation of key messages, and whenever possible developing practical exercises at community level.
• Contribute to programme cycle and funding processes including participation in Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) appeals, and Humanitarian Fund allocations, or equivalents.

2. STRENGTHEN evidence-based response through ENHANCED Data and Information management SYSTEMS:****Provide technical supervision and guidance to improve evidence-based response, incl. on formative research and monitoring and evaluation of AAP/RCCE activities in emergency response.

Support and coordinate conduct of rapid polling and qualitative research to understand community information needs, communications preferences, community

dynamics, social norms, cultural beliefs, superstitions and other anthropological factors that could impact programmes.

Provide advice and support to enable a predictable approach to how AAP/RCCE partners are collecting, protecting, analyzing, sharing and aggregating data about risk communication and community preferences priorities, feedback mechanism and participation

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An advanced university degree in communication for social and behaviour change, political science, social science, international studies or a related field (Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, community-based development, Health Education, etc.). *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree

WORK EXPERIENCE

A minimum 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in planning and management of communication for development programmes, with practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programmes.

Substantive relevant experience in emergency countries with proven background/experience in Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) in areas of humanitarian and/or health emergencies.

Demonstrable experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder working groups to achieve common goals in humanitarian settings, in developing and implementing community engagement strategies.

Experience in building consensus and brokering partnerships

A good understanding of information management (including data flows, protection and analysis), as well as qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.

Strong analytical skills and a keen interest and motivation for inter-agency coordination.

Experience facilitating participatory approaches is highly desirable.

Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team in a challenging and highly fluid environment, flexibility and the ability to handle constant change.

Experience in the field of SBC/RCCE in emergency/humanitarian context is an asset

LANGUAGES

Fluency in French and English required. Knowledge of the local language of the duty station is an asset

For every Child, you demonstrate…

Care

Respect

Integrity

Trust

Accountability

Core Competencies

Builds and maintains partnerships

Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

Innovates and embraces change

Drive to achieve results for impact

Manages ambiguity and complexity

Thinks and acts strategically

Works collaboratively with others

View our competency framework at

Functional Competencies:

Analyzing (3)

Deciding and initiating action (2)

Applying Technical Expertise (3

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

** Bamako is a Category D; Non-Family duty station. The Rest and Recuperation Cycle is 8 weeks.

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Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unicef.org