Overall objective:
The general objective of this consultancy assignment is to support the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) with strengthening the SBC component of ITN mass campaigns from macro and microplanning through to implementation, monitoring and evaluation, including for complex operating environment (COE) contexts, at the national and state levels.
Background:
Nigeria’s NMEP has led the successful distribution of over 175 million insecticide treated nets (ITNs) since 2009 through mass campaigns. Over time, the NMEP and implementing partners have developed expertise for different campaign processes, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of mass ITN distribution to achieve the WHO Global Technical Strategy (GTS) targets for universal access to malaria prevention. Despite increasing access to ITNs throughout the targeted campaign states, ITN use continues to lag behind access. SBC budgets for campaign implementation are typically time-bound to the campaign period, leaving a gap for sustained SBC post-distribution. Recent evidence has shown that the usable lifespan of an ITN can be extended by several months if care and repair behaviours are followed. Given the number of “old” nets in households and communities, the distribution of new ITN types, the need to increase uptake of ITNs through continuous distribution channels and the urgency to ensure that all ITNs available in households are used nightly by everyone who has access, it is important that innovative, effective and cost-efficient strategies and approaches for sustained SBC are identified, and a plan and budget developed to ensure that they are implemented.
Specific objectives:
The specific objectives of the consultancy are:
- To review the SBC planning and implementation for Global Fund-supported campaigns, available data (including end process data) and lessons learnt, and make clear recommendations how the strategy or activities for SBC should be adapted for greater efficiency and strengthening based on experiences to date (note that this will be part of the report at the end of the consultancy period)
- To review data utilisation and data collection needs for developing SBC plans; update end process questionnaires for SBC related activities and training materials for data analysis, to promote the development of SBC plans and activities that are cost effective and informed by data
- To strengthen the SBC approach to ITN use, care and repair through adapted and innovative strategies and channels for sustained effective and cost-efficient message dissemination, including data collection and monitoring for course corrections
- To update the SBC training component (including agendas and any supporting documents needed for participatory activities to address weaknesses identified) and develop a component for training of state and LGA level personnel which will help participants adapt SBC plans and activities for their state’s context
- To train federal and state-level SBC focal points to improve capacity for planning and implementation of tailored, effective SBC approaches relevant to the state context
- To develop a cost-efficient short-, medium- and long-term strategy with costed activities, tools and materials for sustained ITN access, use, care and repair and ensure that this is integrated as part of macro and microplans, as well as budgets, for post-distribution SBC
Expected outcome/deliverables:
The mission deliverables and a detailed report will cover the following areas:
· Review of current approaches, opportunities by state and consolidation of recommendations
· Finalization of updated SBC ITN training and training of master trainers
- SBC planning and implementation for Global Fund-supported campaigns reviewed and summarized in terms of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats based on available data and lessons learnt and clear recommendations for greater efficiency and strengthening provided
- Updated end process questionnaires and other data collection tools for SBC related activities and training materials for data analysis
- Strengthened, cost-efficient SBC approaches to ITN use, care and repair through adapted and innovative strategies and channels for sustained message dissemination available
- Federal and state-level SBC focal points trained to improve capacity for planning and implementation of tailored, effective SBC approaches relevant to the state context
- Cost-efficient short-, medium- and long-term strategy with costed activities, tools and materials for sustained ITN access, use, care and repair available for integration in macro and micro planning
- Final report detailing work undertaken and recommendations for next steps
Consultancy candidate requirements:
Educational qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree (e.g., public health, anthropology, sociology, psychology, design, marketing, behavioral science)**
Required experience and skills
At least seven years’ experience working on communication and SBC as part of health mass campaign, with a preference for experience in ITN distribution campaigns.
Experience supporting national malaria control program in elaborating SBC and communication material for distribution and post-distribution activities.
Documented experience of working in complex situations to achieve consensus and effectively manage change
Documented experience at national and international levels and working with multiple stakeholders
Proven track record of success in managing assignments independently and efficiently
Strong oral and written communication skills
Preferred experience and skills **
- Knowledge of malaria partners and stakeholders, particularly those involved in vector control
Time allocation for budget purposes
A total of 80 days is allocated to the work described. Compensation for distance and in-country support within the consultancy is based on a daily rate with 8 billable hours equalling one day for billing purposes.
Language requirement
Fluency in English is required for this consultancy.
How to apply:
To apply for this consultancy position, please send your CV and cover letter to health.department@ifrc.org by Friday 18th of March 2022. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.