Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in over 120 countries. We save children’s lives. We fight for their rights. We help them fulfil their potential. Save the Children is working in Nigeria because one in five children in Nigeria dies before their fifth birthday. About 40% of children miss out on school and have to work to survive while nearly 2 million children have lost one or both parents to an AIDS-related disease.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: SBC Content Development Consultant - BOOST Project
Job Identification: 10433 Locations: Kano and Lagos
Job Schedule: Part time
Job Category: Programme Operations
Program Donor: GSK
Purpose: Development of communication content for BOOST Project in Lagos and Kano State
Timeframe of the Activity: November 2024
Number of Days: 8
Background
Despite efforts from various partners, Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest number of zero-dose and under-immunized children globally. As of 2021, about 2.2 million Nigerian children had never received a single dose of routine vaccines, making them vulnerable to preventable diseases (Leadership News) UNICEF). Among these, Kano and Lagos are significant contributors, with Local Government Areas like Alimosho in Lagos recording over 35,000 zero-dose children, the highest in the state (UNICEF).
Nigeria faces the urgent task of reducing child mortality, where nearly 10 million children under five die each year from preventable and treatable conditions like pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria, measles, and malnutrition (UNICEF). Many of these deaths could be prevented through timely vaccinations and proper health interventions.
To achieve Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3, Nigeria must save approximately 70,000 additional children by 2030 (Leadership News).
Improving immunization outcomes is a key part of this strategy, requiring a review and enhancement of existing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials used to mobilize households for immunization.
In Kano and Lagos states, two evidence-based interventions—Community Action Cycle (CAC) and Partnership Defined Quality Scorecard (PDQS)—will be combined into a unified approach.
To facilitate this, the project aimed to support communities in fostering transformative social and behavior change, with a focus on the demand for and uptake of routine immunization, particularly for zero-dose and under-immunized children by strengthening cadres of leaders (Chiefs, Emirs, Imams, Ward Development Committees (WDCs)/Ward Health Committees (WHC), Pastors, Landlords, Market Women leaders, Obas and other community resource groups), to identify and prioritize issues related to zero dose and under immunized children, take action, monitor, and evaluate the actions, so as to create transformative, social and behavior change for the demand and uptake of routine immunization with emphasis on zero dose and under immunized children in their respective communities. As part of the process the project has plan to engage a consultant to develop the communication content for different project audience.
Objectives of the Consultancy
The objectives of engaging the consultant will be:
To Co- Facilitate the SBC Content development workshop.
Develop IEC materials Contents for mediums of usage (Broadcast, radio, print).
Key Deliverables
The key deliverables of the engagement will be
Co- Facilitate a workshop with the project team and CO team States and NPHCDA representatives that would bring out the contents for the development of SBC messages targeting to address barriers of Zero dose and under Immunize Children in Lagos and Kano States. – 2 days
Develop contents for the development of SBC messages targeting to address barriers of Zero dose and under Immunize Children in Lagos and Kano States. – 4 days
Run post pre-test correction – 1 day
Write and Submit Report to the SBC Coordinator – 1 day
Roles and Responsibilities of Save the Children
In consultation with Save the Children, the consultant is expected to complete all activities listed in the Scope of Work section above.
The SBC Coordinator will be the main contact person for the consultant. It is expected that the consultant will work closely with the SBC Coordinator and keep him/her informed throughout each step of the process.
Technical input and support will also be provided by the Project Managers & Chief of Paty. Key stakeholders and partners will be consulted when appropriate.
Save the will facilitate and provide arrangements and support services/ facilities for the work of the consultant. These include:
Provision of background and reference documents.
Provision of working space within Save the Children Office in Lagos, Kano and Abuja.
Facilitating contacts and meetings with relevant stakeholders.
Skills and Competencies Required
Master's Degree in Public Health, Sociology, Communications, Social Science, or other related area
Expert knowledge and practical experience in Behavior Change Communication will be an added advantage.
At least 7 years of practical experience in communications using graphic design
Experience designing educational, training of trainers, and behavior change materials development for audiences with low levels of literacy
Experience of coordinating diverse teams and communicating with individuals/groups at all levels
Experience working in urban and rural communities, preferably in Lagos and Kano
Strong analytical, presentation and writing skills in English
Yoruba and Hausa language skills are essential
Demonstrates strong commitment to Save the Children’s Mission, Vision and Values, including Safeguarding of children.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, caste, nationality, age sensitivity.
Duration of consultancy:
This activity is expected to be completed within 8 working days. This is negotiable based on the exact scope of work agreed upon in the technical proposal once the review of project documents and materials is complete. Length of engagement is within the Month of November 2024.
Total Person Days: maximum of 8 days.
Application Closing Date
14th November, 2024, 04:14 PM