Individual Consultant for Costed SBCC Strategic Plan

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of addressing gender-based violence and harmful practices, and it aims to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) commitments. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 outlines its commitment to ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, while also addressing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's and girls' health and rights.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to develop a comprehensive, Costed Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) strategic plan that is evidence-based and culturally relevant, targeting adolescents and youth in Mongolia. The consultant will analyze existing gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH), mental health, substance use, bullying, and gender-based violence (GBV). The plan will focus on influencing behaviors and fostering positive social norms among target populations, ensuring that interventions are aligned with national policies and global priorities. The consultant will leverage innovative communication channels and empower youth participation in the design and implementation of the plan, ensuring financial sustainability and incorporating a monitoring and evaluation framework to measure effectiveness over time.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a desk review of relevant studies and national policies related to adolescent health and behavior.
• Engage in stakeholder consultations with government ministries, NGOs, and youth networks to gather insights on current SBCC initiatives.
• Develop a Costed SBCC strategic plan for 2025-2030, including clear objectives, segmented key messages, and a mix of communication channels.
• Create an implementation roadmap with detailed work plans, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Propose a monitoring and evaluation framework with measurable indicators and data collection methodologies.
• Build capacity through training and orientation for stakeholders involved in implementing SBCC activities.
• Present findings and the final strategic plan to UNFPA and relevant stakeholders, ensuring feedback is incorporated.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Communication, or Health Promotion.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in public health or health communication, with expertise in developing behavior change communication strategies.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing communication strategies aimed at promoting health behavior change, particularly in sexual and reproductive health and adolescent health.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills, with the ability to conduct training sessions and capacity-building initiatives.
• Ability to analyze data and synthesize insights to inform targeted communication strategies.
• Proven capacity to adapt messaging and communication tactics to diverse audiences and contexts.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Communication, or Health Promotion is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop effective communication strategies that promote health behavior change among adolescents and youth.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years’ experience in public health or health communication. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in developing behavior change communication strategies or campaigns, particularly in areas such as sexual and reproductive health, adolescent health, or broader health promotion initiatives. The consultant should have a strong understanding of integrating communication approaches into health service delivery and experience working with educational institutions, community organizations, and government agencies.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Mongolian and English is mandatory for this position. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in these languages are essential for developing effective communication strategies and engaging with diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy period is scheduled for 60 days from April 1 to May 30, 202

• The consultant will work closely with UNFPA Mongolia and government stakeholders, particularly the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education. The consultancy will be governed by an individual consultancy contract under standard UNFPA terms and conditions, with a consultancy fee negotiated based on the consultant's proposed daily rate. Payments will be made in installments based on the satisfactory completion of deliverables. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.