Consultant for National Social and Behavior Change Strategy for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading global organization that promotes the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. Established in 1969, UNFPA works in over 150 countries, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. The organization aims to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA is committed to addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations, including adolescents and youth, particularly in developing countries like Liberia.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this consultancy is to develop an evidence-based, gender-responsive, disability-inclusive, and culturally appropriate national Social and Behavior Change (SBCC) strategy for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) in Liberia. This strategy is crucial as it aligns with national health policies and international best practices, focusing on adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, with special attention to adolescent girls and other vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive desk review, engaging with stakeholders through interviews and focus group discussions, and applying an appropriate SBCC framework to ensure the strategy is participatory and inclusive. The consultant will also ensure that the strategy addresses priority ASRH behaviors and determinants linked to information, norms, service uptake, agency, and care-seeking, while also considering issues outside ASRH that are connected to ASRH outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks, including: conducting a comprehensive desk review of existing national ASRH policies and programs; analyzing relevant data and SBCC evidence; identifying key behaviors, audiences, and stakeholders; conducting consultations in selected counties, including Montserrado, Grand Gedeh, and Rivercess; facilitating workshops and focus group discussions; analyzing and synthesizing findings; developing a national SBCC strategy that includes a vision, mission, strategic pillars, audience segmentation, behavioral objectives, a theory of change, a messaging framework, communication channels, and an implementation plan; and creating a monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) framework. The consultant will also facilitate a validation workshop and revise the strategy based on feedback received.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Social and Behavior Change Communication, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating SBCC programs, preferably in the area of Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH), is required. The consultant should have experience in developing national strategies, strong knowledge of ASRH and SBCC approaches, excellent analytical and writing skills, and familiarity with the context of Liberia is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have an advanced degree in fields such as Public Health, Social and Behavior Change Communication, or other related disciplines. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop an effective SBCC strategy for ASRH in Liberia.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in the field of Social and Behavior Change Communication, particularly in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs related to Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health. This level of experience is crucial for the consultant to effectively navigate the complexities of developing a national strategy that addresses the unique challenges faced by adolescents in Liberia.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communications, reports, and consultations will be conducted in English. Proficiency in additional local languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will last for a total of 60 working days, with the consultant working remotely for 40 days and in Monrovia, Liberia, for 20 days, including travel to counties for consultations and validation. The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNFPA Liberia Country Office Deputy Representative and the Programme Specialist for Adolescents and Youth Empowerment, Leadership, and Participation. Payments will be made based on the completion and approval of specific deliverables, including an inception report, consultation report, draft strategy, and final strategy. UNFPA provides a supportive work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.