Lead Consultant (SBCC Strategy Development) at the Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3)

Background

• The Integrated Maternal Newborn and Child Health (IMNCH) Communication for Behavior and Social Change Strategy has been operationalized for over eight years as the communication component of the 2007 IMNCH Strategy (now IRMNCAH+N Strategy).
• The current review of the 2007 IMNCH Strategy necessitated the need to also review the IMNCH CBSC Strategy (now IRMNCAH+N SBCC Strategy) to align with current knowledge and practice in the field of Social and Behavior Change (SBC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Thus, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) Health Promotion Division in collaboration with the USAID Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3) project seeks to engage a Lead Consultant for review and update of the National IRMNCAH+N SBCC Strategy [2018-2022]. 
• The lead consultant will provide technical oversight and have overall responsibility for review of the strategy working in collaboration with the assistant consultant(s).

Purpose

• The purpose of this consultancy is to collect detailed information required, make all necessary contacts and facilitate activities for the successful review of the existing National IRMNCAH+N SBCC Strategy which will guide the development and implementation of interventions for overcoming the identified social and behavioral barriers preventing access to and utilization of IRMNCAH+N services in Nigeria.
• The SBCC strategy will provide a comprehensive approach that responds to audience needs and the context of the challenge(s) to be addressed, it will develop a memorable identity and theme for all messages and activities, and outline plans for implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Specifically, the National IRMNCAH+N SBCC Strategy will aim to:

• Change and/or positively influencing social norms in support of long-term, sustainable behavior change at the household and community level
• Foster long-term shifts in behavior in support of increasing desired health practices at individual, community and health system levels
• Enhance awareness amongst men and women at household and community levels regarding social norms and practices inhibiting equal access to health services.
• Challenge and promote positive change towards the identified social norms, values and practices among target groups (men and women at households and community, traditional leaders and other local leaders), leading to informed decision-making, modified behavior, and acceptance of equitable norms.
• Stimulate community dialogue and action towards behavior shift and sustained acceptance and practice of equitable norms at community level.

Tasks

• Situation Analysis/Desk Review: The review of an SBCC Strategy will be informed by data, evidence and insights gathered from a literature and desk review of previous social and behavior change communication strategies related to IRMNCAH+N, landscaping analysis, key informant interviews. The lead consultant will work with the assistant consultant(s) to complete the situation analysis/desk review.
• Draft and Redesign the Revised National IRMNCAH+N SBCC Strategy: The lead consultant will ensure appropriate and timely incorporation of the information gathered from the situation analysis, communication objectives, audience segmentation, strategic approaches (mix of tools, channels, vehicles, and media which will convey and mutually reinforce messages) to develop a draft of the revised National IRMNCAH+N SBCC strategy, with an implementation workplan and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) plan.
• Facilitate three (3) Stakeholder’s Workshops: In collaboration with FMOH Health Promotion Division and the development partners supporting development of the strategy, the lead consultant will plan and facilitate three (3) stakeholders workshop to review and validate the drafts of National IRMNCAH+N SBCC strategy.
• Presentation at National Council for Health (NCH) Meeting: In collaboration with FMOH Health Promotion Division and USAID Health Communication Capacity Collaborative (HC3), present the second edition of the National IRMNCAH+N SBCC Strategy at NCH for approval.
• Facilitate National Launch: Facilitate the National Launch of the National IRMNCAH+N SBCC Strategy
• Submit Reports: Coordinate writing and compilation of reports of all the various activities and tasks leading up to completion of the revised National IRMNCAH+N SBCC Strategy in collaboration with the assistant consultant(s). All reports to be submitted to HC3 SBCC Advisor and Head, Health Promotion Division, FMoH. The Lead Consultant is expected to hold frequent in-person meetings with the Head of Health Promotion Division FMoH and HC3 SBCC Advisor during the period of the consultancy.

Deliverables
At the end of the assignment, the lead consultant will:

• Submit printed and electronic copy of the revised National IRMNCAH+N SBCC Strategy (2018-2022).
• Submit reports of all the meetings and activities leading up to completion of the revised National IRMNCAH+N SBCC Strategy.

Duration:

• The period of engagement for this consultancy will be up to 40 working days between Mar 26 – Jun 22, 2018.

Qualifications
Candidates for this consultancy position should have:

• At least a master’s degree in Public Health or Social and/or Behavioral Sciences, with specific training in Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC)
• Extensive understanding of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition program areas in development initiatives
• At least 5 years’ experience in designing and implementing SBCC strategies for three (3) or more from among Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) program areas.
• Experience in data collection for desk and literature reviews, development of strategic documents with implementation plans, costed elements and M&E plans
• Excellent presentation and meeting facilitation skills
• Excellent writing and reporting skills
• Experience in undertaking similar work in Nigeria.