Local Consultant: Social and Behavior Change (Zamboanga del Norte - 10 Months) Re-Opened - Previous applicants need not apply

This consultancy being requested will support the planning and implementation of UNICEF’s technical support on nutrition social and behavior change at the sub-national level. Under the overall guidance of the H&N Social and Behavior Change (SBC) Specialist, the consultant is expected to work closely with nutrition focal points and health/nutrition education and promotion officers at the sub-national levels on day-to-day activities related to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of SBC sub-national plans, including technical support to and coordination with implementing partners, service providers, and government counterparts to facilitate the delivery of UNICEF’s technical support.

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, a fair chance

UNICEF has been an active partner of the Government of the Philippines and civil society in realizing the rights of every Filipino child, in line with priorities to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. UNICEF efforts have been focused on the most vulnerable regions identified by the Government of the Philippines Development Plan, particularly in the regions of Visayas and Mindanao. To ensure that interventions are sustainable and scaled up, UNICEF will support primarily local government units (LGUs) as the main instruments of delivering services and building systems. The level of engagement with government institutions will take into account capacities, economies of scale and sector issues.

It has a field office in Cotabato City, the second largest city in Mindanao, southern Philippines, with some 300,000 population. The city is the regional administrative centre of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and over 80 percent of the population is Muslim. Mindanao is both conflict-affected and prone to frequent earthquakes and typhoon storms.

Visit this link for more information on Philippine Country Office: https://www.unicef.org/philippines/

How can you make a difference?  

Scope of Work:

To continue and sustain the above initial efforts, there is a need to provide strong on-site technical support on SBC through the engagement of a consultant. This will ensure that LGU partners will have access to technical guidance in the implementation of their SBC plans and support in their day-to-day activities, as indicated in their plans. This will also help ensure that the plans are implemented according to SBC principles and standards and responding to the local situation and needs. With this proposed consultancy, UNICEF will have a better grasp of the local context, which will help in identifying more realistic and relevant interventions as well as creative and innovative approaches to facilitate the adoption of positive nutrition behaviors. This consultancy will also reinforce UNICEF’s presence on the ground and stronger coordination with government and non-government partners. Especially with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the unpredictability of the situation, having a consultant at the local level will help ensure continuity of technical support.

1. Assess the status of planning and implementation of local SBCC plans of UNICEF partner municipalities/cities to support strategic planning and implementation/delivery of UNICEF’s SBC technical support on nutrition at the sub-national level.
2. Support partner LGUs in the formation of local SBC sub-committees including drafting of local issuances and terms of reference.
3. Support partner LGUs in the conduct or cascading of interpersonal communication training for nutrition with community nutrition workers. Coach trainers, co-facilitate sessions, and serve as resource person/speaker for specific topics.
4. Support partner LGUs in mobilizing adolescent and youth groups, women’s groups, and/or other community-based organizations, promoting participatory planning and co-creation of local strategies/interventions 
5. Conduct regular field visits in UNICEF-supported areas to monitor the implementation of LGU SBC plans, and provide on-site coaching and corrective actions, as needed.
6. Document good practices and stories of change linked with the SBC support provided by UNICEF to partner municipalities/cities.
7. Provide technical support to counterparts at the provincial level on the planning and implementation of province-wide SBC strategies and activities for nutrition, help build their capacity to support municipalities and cities on SBCC, and institutionalize budgeting, capacity building, coordination mechanisms, and community engagement for nutrition.
8. Provide inputs in the preparation of internal and/or external updates and donor reports on UNICEF’s SBC support for nutrition. Coordinate with and collect data and information from partners for inclusion in reports and presentations.

Other Tasks:
- Perform other related tasks as may be required, including other SBC activities related to the promotion of other essential services and positive H&N behaviors, in both regular programming and humanitarian contexts.
- Ensure coordination with UNICEF area coordinators, consultants, service providers, and/or implementing partners assigned in the area to ensure integration of efforts and ensure that SBC plans are integrated in the Local Nutrition Action Plan with budget for implementation.

Deliverables:

- Inception report with a situation analysis and specific recommendations, if any, on technical support to be provided at sub-national level to support implementation of nutrition programmes.
- Monthly progress report indicating support provided in the implementation/delivery of UNICEF support to government, with key issues and recommendations, if any.
- Progress report/s:
* with evidence of advocacy dialogues with LGU nutrition focal points/sub-committees/other decision makers; at least 5 LGUs with policy issuances in support of the formation of SBCC sub-committees
* with evidence of support to capacity building activities in at least 50% of partner municipalities/cities, as a resource person/speaker and/or co-facilitator.
* with evidence of support to the engagement of adolescent and youth groups, parent groups, and other community-based organizations to promote local nutrition programmmes.
* on specific technical support provided and trip reports, with specific recommendations, shared with UNICEF and provincial government counterparts; visits must be twice a month

- Documentation of good practices, innovations and 4 human interest stories/stories of change (with photos) linked with UNICEF’s SBC support, for submission to UNICEF Communications Section
- Progress report indicating specific technical support provided at the provincial level in support of province-wide SBC nutrition activities on any of the following:
1) Development/adaption of nutrition communication materials in support of province-wide nutrition programmes or campaigns
2) Facilitating co-creation and other participatory activities with specific stakeholders especially children, adolescents, and youth; parents/caregivers of young children
3) Monitoring and evaluation of local SBCC nutrition strategies; and documentation of good practices
4) Updating of SBCC plans and budgeting
5) Advocacy dialogues with local officials
6) Mobilization of community leaders and community-based organizations

- Progress report indicating technical inputs provided in internal and/or external reports.

Qualifications and Competencies of Successful Consultant

• Bachelor’s degree in development communication, mass communication, or related fields.

Work Experience:

• • Demonstrated understanding of the application of development communication theory and principles in public health communication. Specific background in communication for immunization is an advantage.
  • At least 3 years of experience related to the following:
  - Strategic communication planning process, social and behavioral data analysis, research and evaluation of communication interventions, documentation
  - Development and production of knowledge products including the preparation of creative briefs, content development and editing, and pre-testing
  - Field level experience including working with local government units, local and community leaders, and community-based organizations; and use of local communication and networking channels to promote behaviors
  - Advocacy and social mobilization skills

  • Knowledge of local government mandates and planning and budgeting processes is an advantage.
  • Experience working with UN or UNICEF, directly or indirectly, on nutrition or health, an advantage.
  • Strong analytical and written and oral communication skills; people and leadership skills.

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Filipino languages required.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified candidates are requested to complete an online candidate profile in http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/ by 14 February 2023.  Only applications sent through the e-recruitment portal under Job Number: 559072 will be considered.

All candidates are requested to submit a COVER LETTER, and the duly filled P11 Form which can be downloaded from our website at P11 Form.docx (sharepoint.com) indicating three (3) previous supervisors. Please indicate your area of assignment, ability, availability and daily/monthly rate to undertake the terms of reference above.  Applications submitted without a daily/monthly rate will not be considered.

Only shortlisted consultants will be contacted.

Remarks:

Terms of reference may be shared upon request.

By applying through our Talent Management System (TMS) you agree to our privacy statement which is in line with the Philippines Data Privacy Act. You are strongly advised to read carefully through the privacy statement before submitting your application.

"UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, 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."