Individual Consultant for Communication for Behavioural Impact (COMBI)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a global agency established to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Its mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on improving health outcomes for women and girls, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, HIV prevention, and holistic development for young people. The Mozambique office is actively involved in implementing programs that address the urgent health needs of women and adolescents, particularly in underserved regions like Niassa Province, which faces significant challenges in accessing essential health services. UNFPA has been operational in Mozambique for several years, working closely with local and international partners to enhance health service delivery and advocate for the rights of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop a Communication for Behavioural Impact (COMBI) plan to support the implementation of the Health Improvements for Mothers, Neonates, and Adolescents in Niassa Province (HIMNA) project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The project focuses on enhancing maternal, neonatal, and adolescent health outcomes through community engagement and improved healthcare services. The consultant will be responsible for identifying baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) within the target communities. This involves conducting qualitative and quantitative research to inform the development of effective communication strategies that address local needs and cultural factors. The consultant will also monitor and evaluate the impact of these interventions, ensuring that they are tailored to the specific challenges faced by the communities in Niassa Province.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Submitting an inception report detailing the methodology for the COMBI research, including questionnaire design and field visit plans.
• Coordinating with implementing partners to organize meetings and logistics for data collection in project districts.
• Conducting quantitative and qualitative data collection processes, including administering questionnaires, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs).
• Preparing site assessment reports that highlight cultural and religious factors influencing SRHR and GBV behaviors.
• Developing a comprehensive district-specific COMBI plan based on research findings.
• Submitting a final report with actionable recommendations for improving SRH and GBV outcomes.
• Mapping existing SRH/GBV service provision systems and identifying gaps in services.
• Assessing community attitudes towards SRH and GBV interventions and identifying barriers to accessing services.
• Engaging with community leaders and influencers to enhance service delivery and demand creation for SRH and GBV services.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess a Master's degree in social/behavioral science, communication, sociology, anthropology, psychology, or health education, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence. Additionally, the consultant should have at least two years of professional experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating communication strategies for social mobilization and behavioral change, particularly in vulnerable communities. Experience in training local teams and healthcare workers, as well as familiarity with UNFPA programs and policies, is highly desirable. The consultant should also have completed at least three similar projects in various countries, particularly in East and Southern Africa.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in relevant fields such as social/behavioral science, communication, sociology, anthropology, psychology, or health education is required. The focus should be on studies related to sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence, ensuring that the consultant has a strong theoretical foundation to inform their practical work in the field.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of two years of professional experience in the field of communication strategies related to social mobilization and behavioral change, particularly in contexts addressing sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence. Experience in consulting on strategic communication, advocacy, and public relations is essential, as well as a proven track record of training and capacity building within local communities. Familiarity with UNFPA programs and the ability to coordinate multi-sectoral projects in Mozambique will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Portuguese is mandatory, as the consultant will be required to communicate effectively with local stakeholders and produce reports in both languages. Knowledge of additional local languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will last for a period of 60 working days, with services to be delivered primarily from the Maputo office. The consultant will be responsible for all travel-related costs, including per diem, flight tickets, and terminal costs. The final report must be delivered in both Portuguese and English. The consultant will work under the supervision of the SRH Team Leader and the Deputy Representative, with regular monitoring and progress control by the UNFPA Mozambique office.