Consultant For the production and translation of communication nutrition

Contract

This is a No grade contract. More about No grade contracts.

Background

WHO is seeking the services of a consultant to produce communication materials for nutrition.

WHO with support from the Government of Japan is implementing a project to improve the nutritional status of women and children in Khomas, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto and Hardap regions. The project will support the Ministry of Health and Social Services to strengthen interventions to prevent and manage moderate and severe acute malnutrition among women and children in health care facilities and in the community in the emergency-affected regions.

Malnutrition remains a public health problem in Namibia with 24% of the children under

five years stunted (low height for age), 6 % are wasted (low weight for height) and 13% are underweight (low weight for age).The ongoing COVID-19 outbreak poses a health and human crisis threatening the food security and nutrition of millions of people around the world, in April 2021, Namibia experienced an unpredictable outbreak of Locust in 6 of the 14 regions, namely the northern regions of the country (Ohangwena, Oshana, Omusati, Kavango East and West and Zambezi), which is estimated to have destroyed over 5000 subsistence farms. In a population that is already battling the impact of chronic drought, this has created a multiple emergency situation leading to financial hardships and increasing food and nutrition insecurity with the effect of increased malnutrition. The COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed greatly to the current situation, with restrictive measures resulting in disruptions in food and non-food supply chains. This in turn has led to an increase in food prices, high rates of unemployment, and loss of income for households. According to a recent Integrated Food Phase Classification (IPC), approximately 659,000 people (26% of the population) are estimated to be facing high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) and are requiring urgent humanitarian assistance.

Routine data shows an increase in malnutrition rates in children since April 2021. The coverage of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) screening in children to identify malnutrition has declined. In addition, children diagnosed with moderate and severe acute malnutrition is on the increase. There is a link between maternal nutrition and birth outcomes, hence the need to strengthen the prevention and management of good nutrition during the pregnancy and lactating period. Further, to ensure that children survive and thrive to meet the physical growth and cognitive development, early detection of malnutrition for referral from the community is key to successfully prevent and manage malnutrition. Against that background, there is an urgent need to have information available at community level guided by the evidence on the factors affecting breastfeeding, complementary feeding and nutrition for pregnant and lactating women.

Part of the interventions will include awareness on nutrition practices at community level and through the radio. Three key nutrition practices will be promoted:

• How to breastfeed a baby –Information about breastfeeding, particularly addressing barriers to mothers exclusively breastfeeding for the recommended period from birth to six months of age.
• How to feed a baby after 6 months – introduction of complementary feeding after 6 month
• Nutrition for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers

Supportive messages related to signs of malnutrition and available services will form part of the awareness raising activities.

Key deliverables

• Produce a radio informercial for 2 minutes on nutrition and translate in Otjiherero, Oshiwambo, Nama/Damara, Silozi, Rukwangali, Afrikaans and Setswana
  • Draft the script and translate in the 7 local languages
  • Informercial to include vox pops from women and health care workers
  • Translations should be proofread and back translated
  • Acknowledgement must include the Government of Japan.
  • The final product should be ready to air and not requiring additional editing.

Duration of the assignment:

15 August – 14 October 2022

Working arrangements

• Consultant expected to use own equipment, studio, and transport
• Will work remotely
• Will work under the supervision of the Health Promotion and Social Determinants Officer

Qualifications and professional experience

Essential:

• B degree in communications and/or related and minimum of 3 years’ experience in radio production
• Must have own recording studio or access to one
• Should proof ability to translate in all languages

Desired

• Should have excellent interpersonal, negotiation and consultative skills
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills with the ability to communicate effectively
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Must have excellent command of English