National Contractor, Demand Generation support for Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) to introduce COVID-19 Vaccine in Namibia (Open for Namibia Nationals only)

Consultant

Contract

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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, survive and healthy

How can you make a difference?

JUSTIFICATION

Public understanding of the prioritization of target population, which will initially focus on front-line workers before covering at risk population, then general population over time, will be key to ensure overall acceptance and utilization of COVID-19 vaccines and reinforce trust in health and immunization services. This will also support the efforts to counter-act the unprecedented abundance of misinformation circulating during the pandemic that can also impact public response.

Strategies, targeting both a) primary recipients of the Covid-19 vaccine and b) the general population, will need to be informed by evidence on the perceptions of frontline workers and the general population towards this vaccine introduction; to understand their risk perceptions; their decision-making factors and the barriers and drivers influencing their acceptance to uptake COVID-19 vaccine.

Evidence should also indicate the levels of trust in health authorities, vaccine hesitancy and perceptions to shape relevant risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) strategies and plans. The COVID-19 vaccine roll-out process requires coordinating communications across national and subnational levels as well as public and private sectors, while engaging relevant stakeholders.

The following are pre-requisites to the development of demand generation and communication strategies:

• Support data collection and analysis efforts to inform the development of national demand promotion plan.
• Support the development of a national demand promotion plan based on global guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine.
• Support Ministry of Health and Social Services and Ministry of Information to coordinate the advocacy, communication, social mobilization and training taskforce to implement the COVID 19 vaccine introduction.
• Provide technical assistance to Ministry of Health and Social Services and Ministry of Information and partners on development of evidence-based communication messages and material as guided by global guidelines.
• Provide support for social listening and rumour management through establishment of crisis communication.
• Support capacity building of health workers, Civil Society Organisations, frontline workers, social mobilizers on demand generation-linking it with the gains made in Risk Communication and Community Engagement.
• Monitoring and documentation of lessons learnt from the whole process.

There is a Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Pillar under the Ministry of Health and Social Services national response to COVID-19 with 5 sub-working groups that is implementing the risk communication and community engagement efforts. To support the Ministry in this area, UNICEF Namibia is sourcing capacity to perform the above-mentioned planning and preparatory activities to ensure the successful introduction of COVID-19 vaccines in Namibia hence the requirement to engage a short-term technical contractor.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The overall objective of this assignment is to ensure that the Namibian public gain understanding and knowledge of the COVID-19 vaccines for their acceptance and uptake. In this regard the contractor is expected to understand key drivers and barriers of immunization demand among both frontline workers and the general population. This will successfully promote and sustain the desired behaviour based on evidence. This should be done through an initial assessment and analysis for key demand-related drivers including risk perception and vaccine hesitancy; documentation of the demand generation interventions and the establishment and monitoring of a social listening and rumour management platform to inform crisis communication activities.

SCOPE OF WORK/OBJECTIVES

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative and in close collaboration with the Communication for Development Specialist, Chief Child Survival & Development (CSD), and the internal UNICEF Namibia COVID-19 vaccination task force, the contractor will be part of the Risk Communication and Community Engagement Pillar of the Ministry of Health and Social Services and support the Pillar activities to accelerate demand generation approaches and strategies. Monitoring and evaluation are also key components of the country programmes in Namibia in line with the work plan for COVID-19 Vaccine introduction.

The contractor is expected to provide technical support to following activities:

Strategic Direction and Coordination:

• Support the Risk Communication and Community Engagement pillar and its sub-working groups with the development of a national vaccine demand promotion, community engagement plan, crisis communication plan and M&E plan based on global guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine.
• Provide technical assistance to Ministry of Health and Social Services, via the Risk Communication and Community Engagement pillar on development of evidence-based communication messages and material content as guided by WHO and UNICEF C4D guidelines in close collaboration with the C4D specialist.
• Provide support for the strengthening of integration of a COVAX social listening and rumour management through establishment of crisis communication plan as guided by WHO and UNICEF C4D guidelines.

Demand Creation

• Ensure that Risk Communication and Community Engagement /COVAX groups are supported to develop plans and activities to promote acceptance among the general population of the initial ACT/COVAX prioritization guidance, increase trust in health and immunization services, and generate demand and uptake for COVID-19 vaccine among target population (Front-Line workers in a first phase, then at risk population, and finally general population over time).
• Develop, maintain and update the UNICEF Risk Communication and Community Engagement strategy with approaches, plans and activities geared towards generating demand for COVID-10 vaccine and other primary health care (PHC) services, as needed. The strategy should be founded on sound evidence based on studies with clear objectives, approaches, plans, activities, as well as monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
• Provide support for social listening and rumour management for establishment of crisis communication.
• Provide support for capacity building of Health Workers, Civil Society Organisations, Front-Line workers on demand generation, linking it with the gains made in Risk Communication and Community Engagement /COVAX.
• Ensure approaches used are inclusive, consultative and participatory to all stakeholders.

Promotion of Social Behaviour Change Communication principles

• Provide advice on appropriate use of Social and Behavioural Change interventions
• Provide expert advice and technical support to Ministry of Health and Social Services and other partners in the development and strategic use of Communication for Development (C4D) principles to ensure optimum leverage and impact of communication activities on programme and advocacy activities.
• Collaborate with the national and subnational Government officials, community/traditional leaders, other UN bodies, and bilateral agencies and NGOs in the organization of activities, operational research, advocacy and exchange of information and ideas supportive of Risk Communication and Community Engagement's goals and strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate activities based on applied targeted communication research.
• Disseminate communication research findings to government officials, programme staff, and other UNICEF partners.

Capacity Building for Sustainability

• Oversee and advise on the development of goals, strategy, approaches, plans as well as training materials and activities to build up capacity in participatory and behaviour change communication for personnel involved in the planning, implementation and evaluation of Communication for Development intervention within Risk Communication and Community Engagement strategies for generating demand for COVID-19 vaccine uptake by communities.

  REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

The Contractor will report to the UNICEF Namibia Country office Deputy Representative, in close collaboration with the C4D Specialist, Chief CSD - who will both support with providing guidance for this consultancy. The Contractor will work closely with the Chairperson of the RCCE pillar.

It is expected that the Contractor prepares an implementation plan with timelines for the assignment, outlining planned tasks and concrete steps to be undertaken to accomplish the planned tasks within the scheduled time. Regular discussions will be held face-to-face and virtually. The contractor is expected to stay in touch via telephone, e-mails and other means such as Zoom or Skype. The contractor will be based in Windhoek at UNICEF offices.

The contractor will need to present an Inception Report as well as the final Demand Creation and Communication Plan to UNICEF and the Risk Communication and Community Engagement Pillar. At the beginning of the assignment, the contractor is expected to produce and agree with UNICEF country office on the specific work plan activities and schedules for the assigned period.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

TasksDeliverable/Outcome (e.g. Inception, progress, final reports, training material, workshop, etc.)

Activity schedule

1. Review key documents and prepare and submit an inception report and work plan of consultancy assignment after consultations with MoHSS and key stakeholders

Inception report with detailed demand generation plans with roles and responsibilities, timeline and associated budget

10 days from contract start date

2. Coordinate with RCCE Pillar in analysing data to guide development of demand generation and communication planning process for COVID-19 vaccine uptake by priority target population (FWLs, elderly/adults with comorbidities) in close consultation with MoHSS RCCE Pillar.

Monthly reports on coordination meetings submitted to ensure RCCE network strengthened.

Demand generation and communication plan is in place

9 months. Ongoing and including specific meetings depending on frequency and needs in discussion with UNICEF Country Office

3. Review and provide inputs to SOPs if required by RCCE Pillar, using evidence based develop communication messages and IEC material for partners and targeted populations, in close guidance from C4D specialist.

SOPs and Guidelines updated

Inputs made to Information, Education and communication's materials.

IEC Distribution plan in place and implemented.

May - June 2021

Distribution plan developed

Ongoing support and monitoring as part of RCCE pillar mass media campaigns on Covid-19 prevention and Vaccines.

4. Support the development of a social listening and rumour management tools through feedback and crisis communication mechanisms.

Social listening and rumour tracking mechanisms are functioning and tracked

9 months - monthly Talk walker analysis report submitted.

Share the daily TALK WALKER dashboard with RCCE Pillar. Analyse the data monthly report for trends to inform crisis communication.

5. Support national and subnational RCCE teams in reviewing training materials, train managers, health promotion/information officers, vaccinators and social mobilizers.

RCCE Training plan completed.

Monitoring reports provided.

9 months - monthly analysis reports on Covid-19 Hotline

Support RCCE pillar with reviewing and updating of training materials, Q&A sheets; feedback mechanisms and technical briefs.

6. Documentation of demand generation process focused on action reviews, lessons learned and positive practices using submitted reports and developed resources and tools.

Documentation of the process with lessons learnt completed.

Dec 2021

Submit Lessons Learnt Report one month before contract ends

7. Provide final report on the implementation of the Demand Creation plan.

Final report on Demand Creation Plan for public COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake.

Dec 2021

Submit Final Report on Demand Creation for public COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake to UNICEF, one month before contract ends.

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PERFORMANCE INIDICATORS FOR EVALUATION OF RESULTS

The performance of work will be evaluated based on the following indicators:

• Completion of tasks specified in TOR
• Compliance with the established deadlines for submission of deliverables
• Quality of work
• Demonstration of high standards in cooperation and communication with UNICEF and counterparts

PAYMENT SCHEDULE

All monthly payments, without exception, will be made upon certification from the supervisor of the contract, of the satisfactory and quality completion of deliverables for the given month based on a short monthly report of progress and deliverables and upon receipt of the respective and approved invoice as per table above indicating estimated deliverables timelines.

Payments are linked directly to the deliverables for the month indicated as per a work plan.

Standard UNICEF procedures will apply for invoicing and all other financial management requirements set out in the contract.

Standard penalty clauses will also apply for late and poor-quality deliverables. The supervisor of the contract will provide the contractor with the criteria for the evaluation of the quality of each deliverable.

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

Academic qualification:

A university degree from a recognized academic institution in one or more of the following areas is preferred in social science, communication, community development, international studies or a related technical field.

Work experience:

Minimum 2 years progressively responsible experience in humanitarian/development contexts, emergency preparedness, complex emergency/multi-hazard disasters, community engagement and accountability to affected population work with UN, civil society and/or NGO, including programme management and/or coordination in major emergency response relevant to the cluster or other related area is required.

Work experience managing large-scale projects, working with governments, working in resource-limited settings, monitoring and evaluating behaviour change and risk management mitigation will be an asset.

Technical skills and knowledge:

Product knowledge on social behaviour change, social mobilization, community engagement and understanding of the principles of communication for development, knowledge and experience with collecting data and designing evidence based C4D strategies, as well as risk communication and communication engagement are essential.

Languages:

Written and spoken fluency in English is required. Fluency in a local language is an asset.

ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

UNICEF will regularly communicate with the Contractor and provide feedback and guidance and necessary support so to achieve objectives of the work, as well as remain aware of any upcoming issues related to the performance and quality of work. The assignment requires the contractor to actively engage with partners as well as the focal person in Ministry of Health (PHC), UN agencies and NGOs. The contractor t will need to present the draft documents as well as the final report to UNICEF and MoHSS. At the beginning of the assignment, the contractor is expected to produce and agree with the Supervisor on work plan schedules for the assignment period.

The contractor will use a personal computer and phone to carry out the work. The Contractor will have access to printing/scanning/photocopying facilities at the UNICEF office.

CONDITIONS

• The candidate selected will be governed by and subject to UNICEF's General Terms and Conditions for individual contractors.
• No contract may commence unless the contract is signed by both UNICEF and the consultant.
• The contractor will be based in Windhoek and working from UNICEF Office premises or from home as per office footprint until such a time when COVID travel restrictions are relaxed to allow in-country/field travel.
• The contractor will be paid an all-inclusive fee (stationary, communication and other miscellaneous expenses) as per the stipulated deliverable and payment schedule.
• The contractor is not entitled to payment for overtime, weekends or public holidays, medical insurance, taxes, and any form of leave.
• Transport will be provided to the consultant during field travel outside Khomas region, upon approval. Living allowance for official field trips, will be provided.
• The Contractor will provide own transport for all travel within the Khomas region.
• No travel should take place without an authorization from section prior to the commencement of the journey from the duty station.
• Contractor will not have supervisory responsibilities or authority on UNICEF budget.
• Contractor will be required to sign the Health Statement for consultants/individual contractor prior to taking up the assignment, and to share an appropriate proof of health insurance covering COVID-19.

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. 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Please visit our careers page at https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/ for details on the consultancy assignment and how to apply. The search criteria are Namibia and Consultancy.

Qualified and interested individuals should submit technical and financial proposal together with:

1. A cover letter, no longer than 1 page, and curriculum vitae showing how the consultant meets the required qualifications, experience and expertise.
2. A brief technical proposal (no longer than 2 pages) demonstrating the consultant's understanding of the assignment and approach/methodology to the assignment
3. Financial proposal to be submitted in Namibian Currency including a breakdown of their all-inclusive fees (including professional fees and travel expenses within Khomas region)
4. Applications without a financial proposal will not be accepted.

Remarks:

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.

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Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unicef.org