Consultancy to produce a knowledge, attitudes, behaviours and practices survey report among targeted communities in Jamaica - Zika

The first notified case of Zika fever in Jamaica was reported on May 11, 2015. As at November 2017, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Surveillance Unit reported that it had received 7,975 notifications of Zika that fit the case definition and were classified as suspected Zika. Of the 7,887 suspected cases, 203 were confirmed. UNICEF aims to complete a baseline Knowledge Attitudes Behaviours and Practices Survey for ZIKA.

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BACKGROUND

The first notified case of Zika fever in Jamaica was reported on May 11, 2015. As at November 2017, the Ministry of Health (MOH) Surveillance Unit reported that it had received 7,975 notifications of Zika that fit the case definition and were classified as suspected Zika. Of the 7,887 suspected cases, 203 were confirmed.

In terms of case distribution, Kingston and St. Andrew (KSA) have had the highest number of suspected and confirmed cases. The KSA region is followed by St. Ann, Clarendon and St. Thomas. The rural parishes of St. Elizabeth, Hanover and Trelawny were the three parishes with the lowest number of cases.

Jamaica is one of eight countries benefiting from a USAID-UNICEF supported undertaking called Prevention of the spread of Zika and Provision of care and support to Children affected by Congenital Zika syndrome. In addition to its specific aims, the undertaking is intended to strengthen Zika prevention efforts in communities and households.

PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT

UNICEF aims to complete a baseline Knowledge Attitudes Behaviours and Practices Survey for ZIKA. Prevention to achieve the following key objectives:

1. Conduct a knowledge, attitude, behaviour and practices survey with regards to Zika among the 15-49 years population in targeted communities Jamaica.
2. Provide data required to inform the design of ZIKA prevention interventions in targeted communities.
3. Provide a baseline for effective monitoring and evaluation of targeted community interventions.
4. Provide information for the creation of a Communication for Development (C4D) strategy to promote prevention as well as support and care for families affected by Zika and other congenital malformations.

METHODOLOGY AND SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will conduct a mixed method research including a house-hold survey among a randomly selected sample of residents among the age group 15-49 years. The younger group of persons aged 15-24 years will be over sampled to facilitate adequate representation from the population of adolescents and youth and to capture persons planning for families in the future and those who may have recently started child bearing.

The communities to be included in the study will be selected in collaboration with the Ministry of Health using data showing those most affected by the Zika and other arbovirus infections. The individual or company selected to complete this assignment must:

1. Conduct a review of similar previously undertaken studies
2. Develop detailed inception report including workplan,
3. Develop survey design – including sampling methodology and tabulation plan; consent forms, questionnaire, interviewer’s guide;
4. Train interviewers to implement survey questionnaire
5. Oversee implementation in targeted communities in accordance with agreed standards regarding numbers and age group of participants
6. Complete data entry and analysis
7. Submit draft report
8. Finalize and submit draft in accordance with review comments
9. Participate in meetings as required

TIME AND DELIVARABLES

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Special Knowledge Required

• At least Postgraduate qualification in Social Sciences, Public Health or related field
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in social research and policy design with evidence of experience in quantitative research
• Knowledge of the public health sector in Jamaica
• Knowledge and experience in monitoring and evaluation of behavior change communication interventions in Jamaica would be considered an asset;
• Excellent research and analytic skills;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Group facilitation skills

INSTRUCTION FOR APPLICATION

Applicants (individual, teams or institutions) are invited to submit:

1. Technical proposal including methodology
2. Financial proposal with flat fee including travel and other expenses.

Click the following link to read complete Term of Reference for this consultancy.

 Terms of Reference Jamaica.pdf

Deadline for applications: April 3, 2018

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.