Closing date: 13 Feb 2019
Background
Large-scale epidemics and pandemics pose a serious threat not only to global health security but also to countries, communities and individuals in their efforts to achieve resilience. Epidemics and pandemics affect all sectors, impacting routine health services, economic and food security, trade, education, civil order, communication, transportation, and many other areas of life. The threat of emerging infectious diseases, including those of zoonotic origin, and the increasing prevalence of diseases previously controlled by antimicrobials and vaccination efforts, is a cause for concern to the global health community. Communities play an important role in prevention, early detection and early response with regard to this threat.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a new programme targeting community centric epidemic and pandemic preparedness utilising an all of society all hazard approach. This programme builds on existing tools and actions being taken by Red Cross members but also external partners. A number of projects will occur within the programme focused on three workstreams: Community Preparedness, National Society Preparedness and Private Sector and Key Stakeholders Engagement.
Objective of the consultancy
The objective of this consultancy is to support the IFRC and its partners to conduct the baseline knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) survey and participatory risk assessment in communities of the 8 CP3 countries.
Evidence generation is an important focus across the program and is imbedded through baseline, close monitoring, and evaluation. At the outset a detailed baseline study is being designed, including a KAP study. The study will employ a range of data collection methods, including a household questionnaire, interviews, as well as participatory risk assessment tools such as seasonal calendars and hot-spot mapping.
The CP3 KAP Consultant will work closely with the CP3 team and country RC/RC National Societies to adapt the KAP question guide for each context, establish field survey methodologies, create training materials and support community volunteers training, assist with field data collection by mobile phone platforms, contribute to data analysis.
The findings of the study will be used to inform programming and more specifically target community information, education and communication (IEC). There is scope for the consultant to contribute to the technical IEC aspects.
The consultant will support the study across the 8 countries working by-distance with the CP3 staff in Nairobi and in-country staff, with some travel to the program sites required.
Expected outcomes and deliverables
- Adapt the qualitative and quantitative data collection tools and survey methodology looking at community epidemic and pandemic disease prevention and preparedness variables;
a) Refine the KAP questionnaire and interview guides to suit each project context, in close collaboration with IFRC Advisors, in-country staff and communities.
b) Develop KAP survey methodology, including sampling methods, adhering to the best-practice research methods.
c) Assist with set up of mobile data collection platforms in each country.
- Develop a toolkit for training of in-country KAP survey teams;
a) Create training materials for the KAP survey (related to sampling and field data collection)
b) Develop training modules for team leaders to use when training survey teams
c) Create practical tasks for community volunteer training on field data collection and build in mechanisms for data quality control.
- Support field data collection and assist countries to operationalise the CP3 KAP training package;
a) Support field preparation of data collection tools and materials for efficient timeframes in data collection.
b) Assist with field volunteer training (in selected countries as prioritised and feasible)
c) Oversee quality control of early stages of field data collection, alongside IFRC Advisors (in selected countries as prioritised and feasible)
- Contribute to data analysis and reporting;
a) Create a central database for KAP data for all 8 countries – in order to compare baseline and endline results, and between countries
b) Assist with analysis of baseline data – qualitative and quantitative
c) Input to final reports on baseline KAP results
- Assist with IEC materials to effectively communicate with communities on topics of epidemic and pandemic disease prevention and preparedness;
a) Contribute to adaptation of IEC materials to more specifically target community knowledge gaps, needs, and communication preferences, based on the findings of the KAP study. (Contingent on timing and country needs)
Management of the consultant
The consultant will be managed by the IFRC CBS Advisor and IFRC CP3 Coordinator, from Nairobi.
Proposed time frame and location
The proposed time frame is a 6-month contract, with an initial maximum of 108 days of work, with potential for extension based on funding and candidate availability.
Start Date: 20 February 2018
Location: Remote home base. Selected travel to CP3 countries and Nairobi as required.
Essential Requirements
● Qualifications in health science, nursing, social science or public health
● Minimum 3 years of experience leading community health programs, overseeing volunteer activities
● Experience training community volunteers and leading community-level baseline surveys with field data collection using mobile phone platforms and participatory data collection methods
● Skills in creating training materials that are participatory, creative and practical for effective teaching to community-level capacities, for settings with limited resources.
● Understanding of community sensitivities and diversity with an ability to adapt survey questions to differing contexts.
● Familiarity with Red Cross/Red Crescent community health programs, such as CBHFA, with a focus on community awareness of disease prevention.
● Knowledge of the CBHFA and/or CEA assessment questionnaires and tools an advantage.
● Strong data analysis skills (Excel, transect walk/hot-spot map consolidation, thematic analysis of interview transcripts etc.)
● Effective communication skills and demonstrated competence working by-distance with technical advisors
● Fluency in English with effective teaching and presentation skills.
● High degree of patience, tact and sensitivity in dealing with internal and external clients and stakeholders at all levels
● Ability to work in an environment of diverse languages and cultures. Experience living and working in developing country contexts
● Prior experience with Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, IFRC and/or ICRC.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should send their CV, letter of interest, and daily consultancy rate in CHF to health.department@ifrc.org.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.