Public Health Communication Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established to advocate for children's rights globally, operates in 190 countries and territories. The organization is dedicated to promoting and protecting the rights of every child, emphasizing a commitment to personal and professional development for its staff. UNICEF prides itself on fostering a culture that supports staff growth and offers an attractive compensation and benefits package, reflecting its mission to ensure every child has hope and opportunity.

Job Overview:
The Public Health Communication Consultant role at UNICEF Belize is pivotal in supporting the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) in finalizing the Belize Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction Plan and enhancing the uptake of rotavirus and measles vaccines. This position involves conducting a technical review of the draft plan, developing tailored Announcement Approach strategies, and producing training demonstration videos aimed at improving health worker communication with caregivers. The consultancy is home-based and is expected to span approximately 56 working days over three months, directly contributing to national efforts to strengthen vaccine confidence and protect children from preventable diseases. The consultant will play a crucial role in informing the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine into the national immunization schedule and improving measles vaccine coverage through effective communication strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's key responsibilities include conducting a comprehensive technical review and finalization of the Belize Rotavirus Vaccine Introduction Plan, designing tailored Announcement Approach strategies for both rotavirus and measles vaccines based on consultations and evidence-based practices, facilitating stakeholder engagement through focus groups, interviews, and desk reviews, developing clear and culturally appropriate messaging to address caregiver concerns and promote vaccine acceptance, and producing four instructional demonstration videos to illustrate effective communication techniques for healthcare workers. Additionally, the consultant must ensure that all deliverables align with national priorities and UNICEF’s equity and rights-based programming principles, thereby supporting health systems to deliver more effective communication and contributing to stronger public trust and improved health outcomes for children in Belize.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this consultancy, candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Health Communication, Behaviour Change Communication, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in developing and implementing public health or immunization communication strategies is required. Candidates should demonstrate experience in designing training materials and facilitating stakeholder engagement activities, including focus groups and interviews. Proven ability to produce clear, culturally sensitive messaging and multimedia content to address public health concerns, particularly vaccine hesitancy, is essential. Strong analytical and communication skills are necessary, with the ability to synthesize complex information and translate it for diverse audiences. Familiarity with health literacy principles, behavior change models, and approaches for strengthening vaccine confidence is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Health Communication, Behaviour Change Communication, or a related field. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of public health communication and the specific challenges associated with vaccine uptake and hesitancy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in developing and implementing public health or immunization communication strategies. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to design training materials and facilitate stakeholder engagement activities, which are crucial for the successful execution of the consultancy's objectives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as effective communication is essential for the role. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset, as it may enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is a home-based assignment expected to take approximately 56 working days over three months. It is important to note that individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered 'staff members' under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein, such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage. Selected candidates will be subject to rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Additionally, selected candidates may be required to provide additional information for background checks, and those with disabilities may need to submit supporting documentation confidentially. Selected candidates must also confirm their fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a WHO-endorsed vaccine, although this requirement does not apply to consultants working remotely.