Consultant for Research on Breastfeeding and Vaccine Promotion

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization focuses on various areas including health, education, and protection of children. UNICEF employs thousands of staff worldwide and collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other partners to implement programs that benefit children and families. The agency is committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and grow in a safe and nurturing environment.

Job Overview:
The consultant will provide support in the development of research tools, data collection, and analysis regarding the factors influencing breastfeeding and vaccine promotion behaviors among health workers in maternity wards and breastfeeding counselors in Montenegro. The role is critical as Montenegro faces challenges in childhood vaccination rates and breastfeeding practices, which are among the lowest globally. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF's regional office and local teams to understand the barriers and enablers affecting health workers' engagement in promoting breastfeeding and vaccinations. This position requires a comprehensive approach to data collection and analysis, ensuring that the findings contribute to actionable recommendations for improving health outcomes for children.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for revising the project’s inception report and data collection methodology, providing inputs based on their experience in Montenegro. They will engage in capacity-building sessions with the regional consultant, support the development of research protocols, and obtain ethical clearance for data collection activities. The consultant will coordinate and carry out data collection activities, including interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys, ensuring ethical engagement with participants. They will also lead participant recruitment and manage field logistics, ensuring that data is collected accurately and respectfully. The final deliverables will include a comprehensive report summarizing the identified barriers and enablers, along with a PowerPoint presentation for debriefing stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least a master’s degree in social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public health, or a relevant technical field. They should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and implementing data collection tools for mixed-methods research, particularly in health-related behaviors. Proven experience in writing reports with actionable recommendations, conducting desk reviews, and performing key informant interviews is essential. Previous work with UN/UNICEF or other international organizations is preferred, highlighting the need for familiarity with the organization's standards and practices.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in a relevant field such as social and behavioral science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, or public health is required. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health behaviors and the social factors influencing them, particularly in the context of breastfeeding and vaccination.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in designing and implementing data collection tools for mixed-methods research. Candidates should have a strong background in identifying barriers to health-related behaviors, such as vaccine uptake and breastfeeding. Experience in writing research reports and conducting key informant interviews is also necessary, along with a proven track record of analytical skills and familiarity with working in international contexts, particularly with organizations like UNICEF.

Languages:
Fluency in Montenegrin and/or other official languages in Montenegro (Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Croatian) is mandatory, along with proficiency in English. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and for conducting interviews and focus groups during the research process.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be compensated based on the successful completion of deliverables, with a payment schedule that includes 70% upon receiving the inception report and draft report, and 30% upon submission of final deliverables. The position may require the completion of mandatory e-learning courses related to ethics and integrity, as well as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security awareness, prior to contract signing. UNICEF emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages candidates from various backgrounds to apply. The organization also offers reasonable accommodations for consultants with disabilities and adheres to strict child safeguarding principles.