Consultant on COVID-19 Vaccination Communications/ RCCE activities

1. Background

Please briefly describe why the work is needed and the context.

The consultancy is to provide technical support to the MoH in Communications/ RCCE activities to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and increase its uptake.

Support the WHO Mozambique Country Office national COVID-19 vaccination plan, through the implementation of Communications/ RCCE activities with the aim to address vaccine hesitancy, and combat dis/misinformation among all eligible populations:

Provide support to the WHO Mozambique Country Office in organization and administration of C4D/demand generation activities within the national COVID-19 vaccination plan, including efforts to ensure uptake and access among all eligible populations, address vaccine hesitancy, and combat dis/misinformation:

1. Provide technical support in planning, launching, and coordinating the behavioral insights research on drivers and barriers/factors influencing vaccine uptake, aimed at strengthening the national COVID-19 vaccine demand generation campaign.
2. Support the Ministry of Health in Mozambique (MoH) and provincial health services directorate in their targeted communication interventions to increase vaccine uptake, with a specific focus on the most vulnerable groups: internal displaced population, elder people, pregnant, diabetics, cancer survivors, patients with autoimmune diseases.
3. Facilitating coordination of digital outreach of the activities (special web page COVID-19 on existing vaccination site; social media: content generation & dissemination).
4. Facilitate the launch and implementation of the special media project to address public concerns and rumors, mis/disinformation in relation to COVID-19 vaccination and promote evidence-based medicine targeting all groups.
5. Contribute to the production and distribution of informational materials for targeted audiences.
6. Provide technical support in engagement of communities, including religious leaders, teachers, other groups to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and combat misinformation spread.
7. Contribute to strengthen national capacities beyond the health sector to increase vaccine confidence, including sensitizing other key influencers on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination in coordination with the relevant authorities.
8. Facilitate coordination with the involved stakeholders, including the governmental counterparts at the national and local levels, international partners (i.e. USAID, CDC, WHO), WHO RO and academia.

9. Conduct monitoring field trips, to ensure timely and efficient implementation of the project to strengthen national system on COVID-19 vaccine demand /acceptance

   2. Deliverables

   Outline clear tasks and deliverables, to be carried out in the framework of the background described above.

These need to be time-bound and specific.

1. In coordination with the WHO EPI/COVAX Officer and WHO Regional Office the research on social and behavioral drivers influencing vaccine acceptance and hesitancy (COVID-19 and routine immunization), including the country-specific recommendations for scaling up the vaccine’s uptake is conducted (including TORs, schedule of the field works, coordination with MoH and other relevant stakeholders and partners, arranging meetings/ sessions and follow up).
2. Discussion with the relevant national stakeholders and partners is organized to present the findings of the research for its validation.
3. Delivery of RCCE events with influencers, teachers, NGOs and social workers:
   1. Online live sessions with influencers and experts are conducted.
   2. A special media project on addressing public’s concerns and disinformation on COVID-19, routine immunization and evidence-based medicine in Portuguese language is designed and implemented.
   3. COVID-19 vaccination materials are designed and disseminated to the regions (pregnant, adolescents, diabetics, cancer survivors, patients with autoimmune diseases, ethnic and religious minorities, social workers).
   4. Partnership with the religion leaders (through the religious NGOs or Associations) is built (officially signed agreement) to promote the COVID-19 vaccination among religious groups, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
   5. Social workers are equipped with the information materials to increase vaccine confidence and uptake.
4. Coordinated dialogue with key partners and donor reporting:
   1. The relevant working group meetings with participation of relevant stakeholders and partners are conducted to support the implementation of the programme (at least 4 online/offline meetings); field trips are conducted to the provinces (online or offline depending on the epidemiological situation).
   2. Donor reports are prepared and submitted.

The consultant will work closely with the national and international consultants and partners under the implementation of the main tasks and accomplishment of the deliverables.

3. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

   Identify the educational qualifications and expertise needed for the terms of reference outlined above.

Educational Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Social sciences, Project Management, and other related fields
• Undergraduate degree, in communications, social sciences, project management with a least 5 years of experiences working in a humanitarian environment.

Experience

• Fluency in Portuguese and English languages and ability to write quality reports, articles.
• Highly developed communication and partnership skills.
• Ability to work in an international and multi-cultural environment.
• Ability to work independently and respond to feedback in a timely and professional manner.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to contribute to a team.
• Experience in managing social media pages and websites

Skills/Knowledge

• Must be able to work independently and as part of team.
• Excellent writing skills; exhibit attention to detail;
• Ability to adapt and be flexible to change in a fast-paced research environment.

Languages and level required

• Expert knowledge of English with excellent written and verbal communication skills is essential.

• Working knowledge of Portuguese language.