National Consultant – Communication of findings of Health Care Waste Management (HCWM) Transforming Lives and Livelihoods - Sri Lankans only

Contract

This is a National Consultant contract. More about National Consultant contracts.

Background

The 2019 National Audit Report on healthcare waste management (HCWM) pointed out that HCWM and more broadly solid waste management (SWM), is a major social and environmental challenge in Sri Lanka with 70 percent of the audited hospitals not complying with HCWM standards. Improper disposal of infectious and hazardous waste and nonadherence to HCWM standards is negatively affecting people and the environment, contaminating solid waste, hindering the achievement of SDG targets on chemicals and waste management and biodiversity protection. Progress is regressing on clean water and sanitation (Goal 6), resilient and sustainable human settlements (Goal 11), responsible consumption and production (Goal 12) and climate action (Goal 13) (UNESCAP, 2019).

COVID19 has further disrupted HCWM in Sri Lanka. Data from designated COVID19 hospitals and treatment centres show five-fold increase in clinical waste and an increase in open burning of clinical waste to reduce the risk of infection. But this has released unintentional persistent organic pollutants (uPoPs) such as dioxins and other toxic air pollutants into the environment.

At present, coordination and coherence is absent between different actors and efforts (such as the World Bank’s support to health sector development, and ADB’s Health Sector Enhancement Project) to promote sustainable HCWM in the country.

The Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with UNDP completed a rapid assessment of HCWM, in March 2021, to collect data on types and forms of waste generated (including quantify uPoPs and mercury release potential) and take stock of current HCWM practices. Findings from the rapid assessment informed the development of this proposal on comprehensive localized solutions for HCWM. Lessons from piloting this proposal, along with recommendations from the rapid assessment will inform development of a chemical waste management proposal for GEF 7 funding cycle to prevent regression on Goals 6, 11, and 12.

HCWM has a direct impact on providing safe working conditions for women (Goal 5 & 8). Most healthcare sanitary workers are women (~80-90 percent). Nonadherence to HCWM standards increases their risk to exposure and affects their health and livelihood. Often women waste workers safety concerns are neglected, and they continue to work in unsuitable environment with inadequate protective gears, while also subjected to harassment, and low recognition etc. (V Sinnathamby, 2017). Current policies and guidelines have not given adequate attention to the gendered nature of HCWM.

It has been recognised that proper HCWM, and by extension SWM, can reduce waste management costs, minimize carbon emissions, improve environmental quality, create green jobs, and support transition to green economy. “Early attention to a ‘green recovery’ to advance climate change and environmental protection commitments, while seizing new ‘green economy’ opportunities emerging post-COVID-19” is key to building forward better (UN Advisory Paper on Immediate Socio-Economic Response to COVID-19 in Sri Lanka, 2020). But lack of disaggregated HCW data and nonadherence to HCWM standards is limiting any efforts to apply sustainable waste management practices. In Sri Lanka, local government authorities (LA) have the overall responsibility for SWM. They also have the responsibility to provide last-mile solution to dispose residual clinical waste that is produced from hospital’s HCWM system. At present, LAs, especially in areas where there are no private sector solutions, do not provide this service to hospitals, but have an opportunity to develop a business case for environmentally sound management of hazardous waste (from hospitals and other industries) to boost their revenues, and provide green jobs.

Objectives of Services

The objective of the assignment is to implement an advocacy and communication strategy aimed to increase awareness and knowledge on the Healthcare Waste Management project from findings of the Rapid Assessment completed in March 2021 and the study of comprehensive localised and gender-sensitive Health Care Waste Management Systems in two health care facilities under the project on Health Care Waste Management (HCWM) Transforming Lives and Livelihoods

Scofe of Services

• Implement the communications strategy developed by a team of consultants on the study of comprehensive localised and gender-sensitive Health Care Waste Management Systems in two health care facilities to enhance the awareness, understanding, and knowledge to the health care services, general public, key stakeholders in the government and private sector, etc. at the national and local levels
• Use appropriate communication channels, dissemination methods and media such as video, print, web/online media, traditional media, and social media, among others, to effectively communicate key messages to specific stakeholders supported with outcome and impact
• Conceptualize, design and develop Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials with appropriate and relevant messages tailored for key stakeholders using various formats as appropriate such as text, graphics, imageries, infographics, video, printed materials, storytelling, etc.
• Review and update the website with materials uploaded.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the overall supervision of the Policy Specialist and Team Leader, Climate and Environment Team, the consultant will be directly responsible to the Programme Coordinator (Energy & Waste)
• The consultant should report to Programme Coordinator in seeking approval/acceptance of outputs listed below under “Expected Outputs/Deliverables”
• The PMU expects the Consultant to report progress of each output bi-weekly at the PMU Progress reviewing meetings.
• The Consultant is expected to closely liaise and collaborate with relevant project stakeholders in the course of performing the work
• The consultant should also work closely with the Communication Team at the UNDP country office to ensure that the work complies with the requirements of the UNDP
• Organize discussions with key stakeholders and experts in the relevant sectors to ensure that the proposed activities will be adding value to the existing or planned initiatives and relevant to the country context.

The consultant’s duty station/location during the contract will be Colombo (home-based) with some travel to outstations if stakeholder consultations or site visits are required.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

The following results are expected from the consultant:

1. Inception report detailing the method and plan for carrying out the tasks - 20th September 2021
2. One press article to be published in three languages in mainstream media (print) on the findings of the Rapid Assessment of Health Care Waste Management - 30th September 2021
3. One press article to be published in three languages in mainstream media (print) on the findings of the study of comprehensive localised and gender-sensitive Health Care Waste Management Systems in two health care facilities - 29th October 2021
4. Two 3 minute infographics ( in Sinhala and Tamil with English subtitles) on health care waste management for staff, patients and visitors of health care facilities to be used on site - 15th November 2021
5. Two 3 minute infographics on health care waste management for policy-level decision-makers to be used on social media platforms - 10th December 2021
6. E-brochure on best practices in localised health care waste management to be used for investment in HCWM by the government - 15th January 2022
7. Three 02 page case studies in all three languages (total 09) in Moneragala Base Hospital, Ashroff Memorial Hospital and Kaduwela Municipal Council to be used by stakeholders i.e government and private sector - 15th March 2022
8. Supply of “X” stands ( 20) inclusive of design, content on health care waste management for health care waste facilities - 30th March 2022
9. One 3 minute AV on best practices of localised gender-sensitive health care waste management targeting stakeholders i.e government and private sector - 30th May 2022
10. Six (06) storytelling short format videos (03 in Moneragala District General Hospital and 03 in Ashroff Memorial Hospital) on transforming lives and livelihoods to be used on social media platforms - 30th May 2022

Timeframe of the assignment

• 150 days over the course of 41 weeks starting from 15th September 2021 and ending on 30th June 2022
• The PMU will require five days to review the deliverables submitted by the consultant

Competencies

The prospective consultant should, as a minimum, have the following competencies and qualifications;

Technical

• Outstanding communication, networking and negotiation skills;
• Excellent computer skills and experience in preparing and maintaining communication materials;
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimum supervision, be dynamic, proactive and creative;
• Understanding of key human development issues;
• Builds strong relationships with internal and external actors;
• Good understanding of global and national climate change, biodiversity and environmental issues.
• Communicates effectively in writing to a varied and broad audience in a simple and concise manner;
• Has demonstrable knowledge in the fundamental concepts of effective communication and visibility campaigns;
• Has applicable experience developing visibility products that communication complex dynamics in a compelling and digestible format.

Partnerships

• Maturity and confidence in dealing with senior members of national and private sector institutions,
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Excellent written communication skills, with analytic capacity and ability to synthesize relevant collected data and findings for the preparation of quality analysis for the development of the report.
• Excellent coordination skills and result oriented collaboration with personnel with different subject expertise.
• Excellent communication (both oral and written) and partnership building skills with multi-dimension partners.

Results

• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.
• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
• Good team player who has ability to maintain good relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• At least a Degree in Communication or 12 years in journalism, media and communication experience.

Experience

• At least 15 years professional experience in the field of communications or journalism.
• Demonstrated experience in graphic design,videography, script writing and content writing
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing communication strategies at the institutional/national level as a minimum, but preferably with a global or regional scope;
• Previous experience working on communications and outreach that relate to sustainable development, environmental and/or climate mitigation.
• Demonstrated experience developing, editing and overseeing layout of publications and content management for websites and social media;
• Experience and proven network with the local and international media;
• Previous work experience with UNDP or a related organization and familiarity with their brand identity requirements.

Languages/ Other

• Excellent English language skills, working knowledge in Sinhala/Tamil.
• Should be adept in technical writing, facilitation, and project implementation

HOW TO APPLY

The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position and a brief methodology on how you will approach and conduct the work.
• Updated CV to include qualifications/competencies and relevant past experience in similar projects and contact details of 3 professional referees who can certify your competencies, professionalism, quality of writing, presentation and overall suitability to this TOR
• Individual consultants will be evaluated based on a combination of factors including cover letter, the credentials on offer and brief interview (optional) and the offer which gives the best value for money for the UNDP.
• Please submit your cover letter, methodology, CV, Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability and Financial Proposal

FINANCIAL PROPOSAL

All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee: LKR (_______________________________________)

Amount in words: (Rs._________________________________________________________)

Please find below the link to access

• Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the Individual IC, including Financial Proposal Template

Note: Payments will be based on invoices on achievement of agreed milestones i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR and certification of acceptance by the UNDP. The applicant must factor in all possible costs in his/her “All Inclusive Lump Sum Fee” including his/her consultancy and professional fee, travel (economy class flights is required to and from the Duty Station) honorarium, board and lodging, and any other foreseeable costs in this exercise. No costs other than what has been indicated in the financial proposal will be paid or reimbursed to the consultant. UNDP will only pay for any unplanned travel outside of this TOR and Duty Station on actual basis and on submission of original bills/invoices and on prior agreement with UNDP officials. Daily per diem and costs for accommodation/meals/incidental expenses for such travel shall not exceed established local UNDP DSA rates.

For an Individual Contractor who is 65 years of age or older, and on an assignment requiring travel, be it for the purpose of arriving at the duty station or as an integral duty required travel under the TOR, a full medical examination and statement of fitness to work must be provided. Such medical examination costs must be factored into the financial proposal above. Medical examination is not a requirement for individuals on RLA contracts.

EVALUATION

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70%). and financial criteria (30%). Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.

Technical Criteria for Evaluation (Maximum 70 points)

• Criteria 1: At least a Degree in Communication or 12 years’ experience in journalism, media and communication experience (15 pts)
• Criteria 2: At least 15 years professional experience in the field of communications or journalism. (25 pts)
• Criteria 3: Work experience in UNDP climate change mitigation & adaptation projects (10 pts)
• Criteria 4: Previous work experience in script & content writing, infographics, videos and case studies in the fields of climate change, energy and environment (10 pts)
• Criteria 5: Proven network with national/international media (10 pts)

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) during the desk review/interview are acceptable would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

PAYMENT FOR SERVICES

Payments will be based on milestones as approved by the Programme Coordinator (Energy &Waste ) of the Climate and Environment Team.

The National Consultant shall receive payments in according to the following instalments from UNDP:

1. Submission of Deliverable 1 in Section E - 10 %
2. Submission of Deliverable 2 in Section E – 10 %
3. Submission of Deliverable 3 in Section E - 10 %
4. Submission of Deliverable 4 in Section E – 10 %
5. Submission of Deliverable 5 in Section E - 10 %
6. Submission of Deliverable 6 in Section E – 10 %
7. Submission of Deliverable 7 in Section E - 10 %
8. Submission of Deliverable 8 in Section E – 10 %
9. Submission of Deliverable 9 in Section E - 10 %
10. Submission of Deliverable 10 in Section E – 10 %

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workplace, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.