Itabuna, located in the state of Bahia, has been severely affected by recurring floods, which have exacerbated existing public health and sanitation challenges in the region. The floods have led to widespread displacement of communities, contamination of water sources, and increased risk of waterborne diseases. These emergency situations demand immediate and sustained interventions to ensure access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in affected areas.

This consultancy aims to implement the WASH FIT tool (the Water and Sanitation for Health Facility Improvement Tool) in health facilities in Itabuna, Bahia, focusing on emergency response to flood situations. The goal is to ensure that health facilities are equipped to handle the increased public health risks during and after floods, including the prevention of waterborne diseases, infection control, and promoting good hygiene practices. The project will also train community health workers (ACS – Agente Comunitário de Saúde) to respond to emergency health needs in flood-affected communities.

SCOPE OF WORK:

Under the general supervision of the Emergency Manager Head of the, and in close collaboration with the Chief of UNICEF Salvador, the consultant will be responsible for implementing the WASH FIT tool through a phased process. Each phase will correspond to a final product to be delivered, ensuring a structured and efficient approach. The consultant will be based in Itabuna for the duration of the contract and will work closely with the Municipal Health Department and UNICEF support teams.

DELIVERABLES

1. Phase 1: Team Formation and Initial Assessment

1.1. Formation of a multidisciplinary WASH FIT team.
1.2. Training the team on the WASH FIT tool and assessing the conditions of health facilities in Itabuna.
1.3. Preparation of an initial assessment report identifying critical areas.

Deadline: 30 days after contract signing.

Deliverable 1 : Assessment Report contains critical areas and issues

Estimated Budget: 15%

2. Phase 2: Setting Priorities and Developing the Action Plan

2.1. Defining intervention priorities in health facilities.
2.2. Creating a detailed action plan, with specific goals and activities to improve WASH conditions.

Deadline: 60 days after contract signing.

Deliverable: Action Plan elaborated and approved.
Estimated Budget: 20%

3. Phase 3: Initial Implementation and Health Agents Training

3.1. Beginning the implementation of priority actions in the health facilities.
3.2. Training community health workers (ACS) on WASH best practices and disease prevention.
3.3. Producing graphic materials and educational content to support the training.

Deadline: 90 days after contract signing.
Deliverable: 60 health workers (ACS) trained face-to-face in WASH best practices and disease prevention.

Estimated Budget: 20%

4. Phase 4: Monitoring and Adjusting the Action Plan

4.1. Monitoring the implemented actions and evaluating initial results.
4.2. Adjusting the action plan based on success indicators and team feedback.

Deadline: 120 days after contract signing.
Deliverable: Progressing Report contains main project´s indicators reviewed.

Estimated Budget: 20%

5. Phase 5: Final Review and Delivery of Results

6.1. Final review of the action plan, ensuring that all goals have been met.

6.2. Preparing recommendations to go to scale the initiative for municipalities located in that territory in Bahia with the same problems.

6.3. Mapping municipalities in the Bahia territory which the same challenges.
6.4. Preparation of a final report with the implementation results and lessons learned.

Deadline: 150 days after contract signing.
Deliverable: Final Report in Word and PPT format contains mapping of municipalities and recommendations.

Estimated Budget: 25%

DURATION OF CONTRACT: 5 months

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENT

• Bachelor’s Degree in health science, nursing, biology, Public Policy, sanitary engineer, environmental engineer or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of two years of experience in the fields of public health, child rights, WASH sector, and/or public policy analysis.
• Prior experience in conducting training.
• Prior work experience in the field of international cooperation will be an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Strong communication skills.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: Fluency in Portuguese