Social and Behavior Change Consultant

The expected outcome of this consultancy is to create a comprehensive, evidence-based, and sustainable strategy that aligns with both national priorities and international standards. The revised strategy should incorporate best practices, innovative approaches, and address key hygiene challenges. By collaborating with UNICEF, the Ministry of Public Health, and other stakeholders, the consultant aims to enhance hygiene promotion efforts and contribute to improved public health outcomes in Afghanistan.

Review the existing National Hygiene Promotion Strategy, key relevant strategic and technical documents from MoPH and partners; and supportive relevant documents such as UNICEF MICS survey 2023, WASH Qualitative Study 2023, AWD KAP survey 2021, Nutrition and Health qualitative studies done by UNICEF in 2023, SBC integrated strategy, WASH programmatic data, SBC data to triangulate the existed information and data and understand the current situation of hygiene in Afghanistan context, drafted Sanitation Strategy for Afghanistan by involved ministries, challenges, and opportunities. Review the relevant legal frameworks to understand the policy guidelines and guiding principles to be considered in the hygiene promotion strategy.

• The consultant/s will work closely with the members of the WASH Cluster and National Hygiene Promotion Taskforce which will meet periodically and report to during the consultancy as well. An initial meeting of the Taskforce will be held after the Consultants’ presence to discuss the approach and expected outcomes/ deliverables of the consultancy and to agree on the way forward.
• Conduct a comprehensive desk review and analysis of existing practices and innovative approaches in hygiene promotion, drawing on Afghanistan context.
• Conduct field visits to gather field level information from the community, schools, health facilities and madrasas, consultation with field level involved staff and structures such as SBC extenders, WASH extenders, WASH TPM, community involved structures CBHC (CHW, CHS, FHAGs, CDC), religious based structure TAVOON, youths and female-based structures Grandmother groups.
• Consultation with key stakeholders and discussions, including MoPH including Health promotion department and ANPHI institute, MoE, MRRD, WASH cluster partners and other involved partners to gather input and feedback on the existing strategy and potential revisions.
• Revise National Hygiene Promotion Strategy that incorporates evidence-based interventions, addresses gaps in the current strategy, and emphasizes sustainability and community ownership.
• Identify priority areas for investment and intervention, considering the financial and technical support available from UNICEF.
• Present the revised strategy to UNICEF and hygiene promotion technical working group and relevant stakeholders for feedback and validation, incorporating their input as appropriate.
• Finalize the revised National Hygiene Promotion Strategy based on feedback received and submit the final document to UNICEF and the Ministry of Public Health.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Social Behavioral Science, Public Health, Anthropology, Psychology, and other relevant technical fields.
• At least 8 years of professional experience and advanced degree in the field of Social Behavior Sciences, particularly Sanitation & Hygiene Promotion in the developing countries, WASH, Public Health, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience in developing national-level hygiene promotion strategies in low-resource settings.
• Experience in working with governments and UN agencies providing support on equity-based SBC and WASH interventions.
• Familiarity with best practices in behavior change communication, community mobilization, AAP, and hygiene promotion interventions.
• Review of prior work product will be requested during the selection process.
• Knowledge of the context in Afghanistan desirable.
• Excellent command of English and solid report writing skill.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skill.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Dari or Pashto is desirable for national consultants.

Source: https://jobs.unicef.org/cw/en-us/job/571681