Individual Consultancy (Local) for Supplementary Immunization Activity Measles Campaign

UNICEF Maldives seeks a Local Consultant as Communication Coordinator for Supplementary Immunization Activity Measles Campaign.

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Individual Consultancy- (Local) Communication Coordinator for Supplementary Immunization Activity Measles Campaign, Maldives.

TOR Reference Number: TOR/2020/05

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Background of the Assignment

In 2017 the Maldives celebrated the elimination of measles. The country was looking forward to the full certification of measles eradication in (add year). The massive improvement in child immunization has been the driving force behind the significant reduction in child morbidity and mortality over the last 30 years.

A measles case was confirmed in early January 2020, compelling the Ministry of Health to declare an outbreak. Due to the previously declared elimination status, as even a single case is considered an outbreak. In the past five weeks, till mid- February 2020 a total of 12 measles cases have been confirmed. Containing the outbreak requires a Supplementary Immunization Activity (SIA), targeting every child and adult in the age group 6-months to 40 years that do not have a documented evidence of two dose of measles. Vaccination will also be provided to all migrant workers irrespective of age and legal migration status. Any health worker in the Maldives that has no proof of two doses of MR vaccine will also be immunized again. The SIA will be conducted in phases and will be initiated in in the greater Male' area, and scaled-up to the islands.

The SIA complements the already initiated Measles outbreak response and the related awareness activities. While the Ministry of Health in collaboration with WHO have prepared a detailed SIA plan, communication and social mobilization are an essential enabling component to supplementary immunization activities and play a critical role in ensuring awareness, acceptance, and agreement to vaccinate either their child or themselves. Both community leaders and child caregivers can be key supporters in this effort. 

UNICEF has been requested by the Ministry of Health and Health Protection Agency to support with the coordination and roll-out of the communication plan of the Supplementary Immunization Activity Measles Campaign in line with UNICEF's global mandate in health.

Purpose of the Assignment

The overarching purpose of this assignment is to provide coordination support to the Ministry of Health and all relevant stakeholders to plan and implement an effective communication and awareness campaign in advance of and during the planned Supplementary Immunization Activity to stop the transmission of the measles virus.

The specific objectives and deliverables of this consultancy are:

1. To support the implementation of the Communication plan of Supplementary Immunization Activity Measles Campaign
2. To mobilize internal and external stakeholders relevant to the communication plan, with close coordination with stakeholders with close engagement with vendors, media and stakeholders
3. To monitor and report on achievements both during and after the campaign and capture lessons learnt for future reference.

Duty station: The consultant will be based in the Health Protection Agency within the Maldives Ministry of Health.

Supervisor: The consultant will be co-supervised by Director of HPA, EPI Program and the UNICEF Maldives Programme Specialist for Health.

Major tasks of the Assignment:

In line with the overall objectives identified above, below are the specific deliverables and tasks the consultant is expected to complete within the assignment period:

1. Finalization and implement the Communication plan of Supplementary Immunization Activity Measles Campaign.

• Develop a detailed operational plan for the SIA communication plan in consultation with key stakeholders
• Coordinate and convene the communication core group for SIA communication activities on a regular basis to ensure all stakeholders are informed and involved.
• Liaise with external media agents, branding agents, printing companies and others to ensure that campaign materials are available in time and disseminated to the right locations as per the operational plan Support development of content and communication messages and resources for SIA
• Supervise development and finalization of all products, materials and resources developed for the SIA
• Support all external communication efforts as required and requested by stakeholders

2. Coordinate with stakeholders relevant to the communication plan, vendors, media and partners.

• Overall coordination of the communication activities of the SIA communication plan
• Mobilize internal and external stakeholders relevant to the communication plan, and orient, support them to complete their assigned roles and responsibilities
• Facilitate to secure vendor(s) / expertise for specific roles and tasks that require outsourcing
• Coordinate tasks of all stakeholders and channel, update information routinely
• Closely collaborate with the overall SIA activities and implementation team, and update information communication content according to changes
• Facilitate activities of the core communication team, and provide support to develop resources
• Carry-out the HACT and funds related documentation for UNICEF requirements, such as request and reporting of funds, monitoring of activities, and documentation of process.

Estimated duration of contract: 3 months, to start date immediately.

Official travel involved (itinerary and duration): Not expected.

Payment Schedule:

UNICEF will only make milestone payments based on achievement of specific deliverables as listed. All payments will be subjected to acceptance of deliverable by UNICEF.

Also note that UNICEF does not make advance payment and UNICEF is exempted from paying VAT and any other forms of taxes. Locals will be paid in local currency.

UNICEF would cover any arising travel costs as per agreed schedules with the MoH/HPA.

Qualifications or specialized knowledge and/or experience required

• University degree in Communication, Public Health or relevant field
• Work experience in the health sector will be an advantage
• Experience coordinating projects, communication activities such as campaigns, particularly in a health context
• Demonstrated good communication skills in Dhivehi and English
• Excellent written English and Dhivehi, and professional level writing skills
• Ability to organize, lead teams, plan and coordinate activities within an agreed timeframe. Proven ability to work in teams
• People with disabilities are encouraged to apply

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.

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

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.

Deadline for Application: 18th February 2020, 14:00hrs (Maldives Time)

Application Link:

https://secure.dc7.pageuppeople.com/apply/671/gateway/Default.aspx?c=apply&sJobIDs=529887&SourceTypeID=796&sLanguage=en-us 

Advert link:

http://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/529887?lApplicationSubSourceID=

Remarks:

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