Individual Communication & social behavior change consultant to support COVID-19 vaccine demand Generation and hesitancy (Nationals of Suriname only)

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, safety!

How can you make a difference?

Background

The Republic of Suriname detected its first case of COVID 19 on Friday, March 13, 2020. Since April 2021, the country is experiencing a third wave of the pandemic, and the increasing cases and deaths are of great concern to the government of Suriname and its partners. In the absence of definitive therapeutic options for the management and control of this disease, vaccination as a primary prevention measure is the best option for controlling the disease and save lives through reduction of severe cases and deaths.

UNICEF is working closely with the Ministry of Health in the implementation of the COVID-19 deployment plan by supporting and providing technical and financial support demand generation, cold chain and improving planning and coordination.

In Suriname the first case of COVID 19 was detected on Friday, March 13, 2020. Since April 2021, the country is experiencing a third wave of the pandemic which evolved into a 4th wave before significantly slowing down. The increasing cases and deaths are of great concern to the government of Suriname and its partners. In the absence of definitive therapeutic options for the management and control of this disease, vaccination as a primary prevention measure is one of the key strategies to combat the pandemic, slow down the transmission and save lives. Currently, there are several COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out since February 2021 in Suriname.

To date, Suriname has reached 34% of the target population is being fully vaccinated and 12% partially vaccinated (September 24, 2021, www.laatjevaccineren.sr). The impact of misinformation is pernicious and has real-world impacts. People have been misled by misinformation spread through social media and mobile messaging apps about the safety of vaccines, prompting a wave of vaccine hesitancy and a worrisome resurgence. This necessitates the development of a targeted approach and action plans which will ensure comprehensive information easily to understood by children and their caregivers for demand generation. For the further roll-out and planning of COVID-19 vaccine across the country UNICEF, as well as other partners, is fully engaged to support the Ministry of Health and provide technical support at national level.

Scope of work

The scope of work includes the design of strategies, communication material and manage (organize and coordinate) the communication campaign for vaccine demand generation by caregiver for different target groups and improve availability and dissemination of easily understood information . The expected results are to be achieved through use of social media, TV and radio channels, engaging youth organizations via a diverse set of information and communication material and engagement modalities for social behaviour change communication.

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

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences/ Public Health/ communication management or related field • A minimum of 5 years of experience in communication programs, preferably in the field of public health (desirable in immunization programs). • Analytical skills • Fluent in English and Dutch, speaking proficiency of Sranan. • Surinamese nationality

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

Please access the complete ToR here: Social behaviour change Consultant to support COVID-19 Suriname.pdf

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

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:

All Candidates are required to submit a technical and financial proposal. Candidates without same, will not be shortlisted.

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

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.