International Consultant - Development of Community Engagement Service Packages in Kiribati

The UNICEF Pacific Office is seeking to engage an International Consultant to implement the Community Engagement Guidelines and collaboratively design a "How To' Guide or toolkit for Health Workers in Kiribati. Full details of the consultancy is outlined in the attached ToR.

 UN Personal History Form.docx

 External ToR - Kiribati Community Engagement Toolkit.docx

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, Health

The Republic of Kiribati includes three islands-Gilbert, Phoenix and Line-and comprises 32 atolls and one elevated coral island with a total land area of 811 square kilometres dispersed over five million square kilometres of ocean. The terrain in Kiribati is low lying; most islands are less than two kilometres wide and less than two meters above sea level, making it extremely vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards.

Kiribati has the second lowest life expectancy amongst Pacific Island Countries (PICs) after Papua New Guinea, and faces a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and of under and over-nutrition. The country has one of the highest tuberculosis prevalence rates in the region, and NCDs increased more than three-fold between 2005-2010.

Health is a priority focus for the Government of Kiribati's development plan 2016-2019. UNICEF's long-term commitment to improving health seeking behavior for maternal and child health in Kiribati is in line with priority area 3 of Kiribati's development plan 2016-2019 which is improved maternal, newborn and child health. In addition to this, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has set six objectives in the health strategic plan that include: improve maternal, newborn and child health; address gaps in health service delivery and strengthen the pillars of the health system. UNICEF's multi-country programme (MCP) 2018-2022 outcome 3 states Caregivers have improved knowledge and skills to adopt recommended health and nutrition care practices 

In August 2018, the MHMS and UNICEF finalised the development of community engagement guidelines, which provide guidance on health worker engagement with communities: individuals, families, communities and local governance structures. District, public and primary health care workers all have community responsibilities in their job description, however, health worker interest in community engagement appears focused on what the community can do for the health system and not what the health worker can do for the community. Remnants of a stronger primary health care ethos exist in the form of village welfare groups, and a health seat on the island council however, perceptions are that community structures do not concern themselves with health matters as these were viewed as the responsibility and accountability of the MHMS.

How can you make a difference?

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

Qualifications: Master's degree in relevant field. Specialist in primary health care/community development for health.

Experience: minimum 7-10 years relevant experience;

experience leading a collaborative design of community engagement products desirable

experience in the Pacific or small island nation context an asset;

Languages: English

Competencies: working with others, leadership, technical area of community development/toolkit development

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.