SSA for the Risk, Communication and community engagement Pillar

Contract

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

Background

The current Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak began in China in December 2019 and is affecting all countries of the world. Namibia recorded its first cases on the 13th of March 2020, as of 1 February 2022, the country recorded a cumulative total of 156,044 COVID-19 confirmed cases and 3,973 deaths. Additionally, a cumulative total of 422,681 Namibians received their 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine (Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Pfizer, Janssen), and 245,803 received their 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine (Sinopharm, AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Pfizer) as of 1 February 2022. Active Community transmission is ongoing in all regions of the country.

Even as transmission dynamics change as the pandemic evolves, Namibia will continue to take all necessary measures to slow further spread, to avoid its health systems becoming overwhelmed, and to prevent infection among health care workers, the elderly and persons with co-morbidities who are at higher risk of severe outcomes, including death. It is therefore important for the country to prepare adequately by adjusting and tailoring its approach to the local context by investing its resources at the national, regional and district levels.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) has identified staffing needs for the response within all the pillars in the national response. The World Health Organization (WHO) Country office has already repurposed staff and recruited additional consultants to support response activities in all the pillars. As part of its continuous support to the government, WHO is seeking to recruit an additional consultant to serve as a Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) specialist with a special focus on monitoring and evaluation.

Purpose of consultancy

Under the direct supervision of the Health Promotion Officer, and in close collaboration with National Risk Communication and Community Engagement Pillar, the candidate will be responsible for strengthening monitoring and evaluation of the pillar at national and sub-national levels.

S/he will be responsible for coordinating the review and implementation of an M&E framework for the pillar and also design and implement behavioural surveillance surveys where applicable.

Risk Communication and Community Engagement pillar is part of the 10 COVID-19 Response Pillars and aims to ensure that public awareness, sensitization, and education on COVID-19 is executed as part of the National Response.

Duties and responsibilities

The incumbent will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Review the RCCE M&E framework/plan
  • Review current M&E Framework incorporating comments from the National RCCE review and planning meeting
• Review reporting tools for the regional RCCE committees and sub-pillars
  • Review reporting tools
  • Collaborate with all regional RCCE teams and facilitate submission of bi-weekly reports from the regions and sub-pillars leads, ensuring timeliness and completeness of the reports
  • Compile and analyse bi-weekly reports for sharing with the Pillar and partners

• Develop tools and reporting templates for community feedback mechanisms and participate in community feedback activities as and when necessary

• Provide coaching and on-the-job-training for the RCCE Pillar members at national and sub-national levels on M&E

• Contribute to the media monitoring sub-team and produce reports of media reach and frequency of airing and participate in evaluation activities as and when necessary.
• Produce the following RCCE reports:
  • a 6-month report using the reports from the regions and sub-pillars (July-December 2021)
  • a 3-month report (January – March 2022)

• Incumbent could be assigned additional responsibilities by WHO or MOHSS related to the consultancy

  Competencies

• Communicating in a credible and effective way

• Producing results
• Fostering integration and teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

Functional knowledge and skills

• Well-developed computer operating skills, including competency in word processing, spreadsheet programs, research, and statistical programs, including qualitative data analysis
• Knowledge and understanding of M&E best practices is required;
• At least 3 years’ experience in program monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
• Fair understanding of the current COVID-19 pandemic and Namibia’s response
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervisor
• flexibility to adjust work schedule in response to changing needs and situations
• Strong analytical, communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and teamwork skills

Educational Qualifications

Essential: University degree in Public Health, development studies or related

Desirable

1. Additional training in monitoring and evaluation, quality assurance and/or results-based management
2. Knowledge/experience/training in risk communication and community engagement

Experience

Essential: Minimum of three years of experience in public health, programme monitoring and evaluation or related field.

Desirable

1. Experience working in the health sector in Namibia, preferable at National and/or regional level
2. Experience working with United Nations or civil society organisations
3. Experience working with multisectoral and multidisciplinary teams

Duration:

• 3 months with possibility of extension depending on performance and availability of funds
• Consultant will be required to work full time during his/her assignment and will be based within the Ministry of Health and Social Services

Deliverables:

• Monthly progress reports
• Revised RCCE M&E Framework and plan
• Revised Regional RCCE reporting templates
• Bi-weekly RCCE reports (regional and sub-pillars)
• RCCE Reports:
  • 6-month (July-December 2021)
  • 3- months (January and March 2022)
  • And then monthly till end of contract