Social Behavior Change Communication (BCC) Consultant–Angola

PURPOSE

The Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) consultant will collaborate to develop and finalize a social and behavior change strategy and appropriate IEC (information, education, and communication) materials and training guides for the national Guinea worm eradication program in Angola. This project is anticipated to start in the first half of 2024, and will be based in Angola. The development and endorsement of the strategy will be completed in consultation with the Angolan Ministry of Health, Carter Center, and Partners.

BACKGROUND

Since 1986, The Carter Center has led the international campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease (GWD), working closely with ministries of health and local communities, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and many other partners. At the time, approximately 3.5 million people had contracted GWD in 21 countries. As a result of focused work and collaboration by partners, the incidence of GWD has been reduced by more than 99.99 percent to only 13 human cases and 686 animal infections worldwide in 2022.

Angola was declared endemic for GWD in 2020, following three consecutive years of reporting confirmed Guinea worm cases: 2018 (1 human), 2019 (1 human and 1 dog infection), 2020 (1 human), and 2022 (7 dog infections). In 2023, Angola reported over 32 confirmed dog infections. All GW infections in Angola have been reported from Cunene province.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND WORK TO BE PERFORMED

1. Conduct a rapid desk review of existing SBCC strategies, and materials. This would include the existing strategies in currently endemic countries of: South Sudan, Ethiopia, Chad, and Mali.
2. Conduct formative research to inform the social and behavior change communication strategy, including but not limited to barrier analysis, identification of existing messaging materials, identifying priority and influencing groups, etc.
3. Develop and present the draft national (inclusive of provincial level) SBCC strategy for GW eradication in consultation with national stakeholders and with support from Carter Center, WHO-Angola, and other partners. Produce:
4. an advocacy strategy to sensitize national, provincial, and operational municipal/communal level policy- and decision-makers, key influencers towards building/ reinforcing an enabling environment for GW disease eradication.
5. a communication strategy for various target groups: populations at risk, inclusive of the domesticated and wild-life dynamic, encourage adoption of appropriate prevention, reporting, and containment interventions.
6. materials for different target audiences, most importantly communities at risk for Guinea worm disease- flipcharts, posters, information cards/IDs, recorded messages/songs, TV/ radio spots, illustrative leaflets, posters, and other materials, etc.
7. Implementation plans for national, and sub-national levels. This will include annual activities related to advocacy, communication, etc.
8. Facilitate a meeting for presenting the revised draft of the national SBCC strategy for the national SBCC strategy to stakeholder in preparation for its endorsement;
9. Finalize/Endorse the national SBCC strategy
10. Work in coordination with the Data/M&E team to put in place effective monitoring and evaluation indicators to evaluate the effectiveness SBCC strategies in behavior change.
11. Develop training guides and tools for the roll-out of the SBCC strategy.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIFIC REUIREMENTS

1. Advanced degree, Master or doctorate degree in Public Health, Health Communications, Psychology, Behavior/Social Change, or other relevant field;
2. A minimum of 5-10 years’ experience in health policy, strategy and/or managing community level SBC programs
3. The consultant must also possess substantial experience (minimum 3-5 years) in the implementation/management of behavioral change communication strategies
4. Demonstrated experience in successful management of large, community-based projects and in management of large inter-disciplinary teams.
5. Prior work-experience in Angola is an asset;
6. Experience working in NTDs;
7. Proven experience in leading consultative processes; ability to conduct/facilitate sessions related to the development of the consultation meetings.
8. Portuguese: Fluent (Speaking & Writing); English: Professional
9. Excellent written communication skills required, with a demonstrated ability to write reports in a clear, concise manner.
10. This consultancy is open to both international and national applicants and companies/organizations.