Angola: BEHAVIOR CHANGE COMMUNICATION (BCC) CONSULTANT

Terms of Reference

BEHAVIOR CHANGE COMMUNICATION (BCC) CONSULTANT

Integrated Programming for Improved Nutrition(IPIN)and Neonatal m-health program: Messages that Save Women’s and Caretakers’ Lives

1. INTRODUCTION

The Czech NGO People in Need (PIN) provides humanitarian and development assistance in over 20 countries in the world. With a global turnover of 40 million USD and over 1000 employees, its food security, nutrition, WASH, education and other programs have assisted millions of poor people worldwide. PIN’s work is funded by the European Commission, UN agencies as well as private donors. PIN is a member of Alliance2015, a European NGO network.

PIN is a key NGO operating in Bié province, in Angola. Since 2006, PIN has been implementing a number of development projects in Angola in various sectors - education, agriculture, gender, nutrition, maternal health and water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH). The organization has also expanded its activities to 3 additional provinces – Kuito, Huila and Benguela or Huambo.

In order to maximize the outcomes of its projects in the areas of Nutrition,WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) and M-Health (Maternal Health) – funded by African Innovation Foundation and PIN private funding - the organization is currently looking for a consultant to provide technical assistance on conducting a formative surveys and – based on its findings - design effective Behavior Change Communication (BCC) Strategy. Each of the above mentioned thematic areas hopes to improve its capacities to change specific behaviors that have negative impact on health and living conditions of the projects´ beneficiaries as foreseen in the specific project documents.

Specifically, the consultancy will aim to analyze the determinants that induce the adoption of certain behaviors and the barriers that prevent change thereof. Based on such analysis, the design of ad-hoc BCC strategy (to be later applied to communication campaigns) will ensure a more successful and effective dissemination of key messages that may promote positive behavior changes among the target populations.

BACKGROUND OF THE PROJECTS:

• Integrated program on improved nutrition (IPIN) – WASH component - funded by PIN private funds

With a strong WASH component, this project is an integrated intervention which aims at improving nutrition for pregnant, lactating women (PLWs) and children under 2 years of age (U2) in the target communities. The project is structured along three main lines, 1) Improving infant and young child feeding (IYCF), as well as nutrition practices for PLWs, mothers, and new-born caretakers, particularly traditional birth attendants (TBAs); 2) supporting local health authorities in providing vaccination and micronutrient supplements; 3) Promoting appropriate practices to control the contamination path between children–domestic animal feces, either through the introduction of physical barriers to isolate animals or through the adoption of new behaviors that might prevent children from tampering with animal feces when unattended. As it is proven that environmental enteropathies are among the main causes of diarrhea (e.g. cholera, shigellosis, rotavirus, cryptosporidiosis, and campylobacter) which, over time, can greatly affect the intestinal villi’s capacity to absorb nutrients.

• Neonatal mHealth program: sending life-saving messages to mothers and caregivers– funded by African Innovation Foundation (AIF)

The aim of the M-Health project is to strengthen capacities of mothers, other caregivers and traditional birth attendants (TBAs), in neonatal care best practices in target provinces by 1. Sending pre-recorded information voice messages concerning neonatal care to mothers of new born babies, 2. Strengthening the capacities of TBAs in providing neonatal care.

The project is implemented in 3 provinces (Bié, Huila and Benguela).

Through the focus group meetings with TBAs, certain behaviors / care practices were identified as harmful for mothers and newborns. These practices have been particularly difficult to change as they are strongly rooted and related to cultural customs and supernatural beliefs. Furthermore the extremely low education level of participating TBAs (most of them being illiterate) increases the prevalence of harmful practices that could be eliminated if capacities and medical/health knowledge was stronger.

• Improved food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable population in Bié province – nutrition component –funded by African Innovation Foundation (AIF)

The nutrition component of the integrated agricultural-nutrition project focuses on people affected or endangered by malnutrition, particularly infants, school children and women in reproductive age. The project aims at improving their dietary habits and nutritional status through training courses and campaigns on key topics including preparing nutrient-rich food, importance of breast feeding and safe hygiene practices minimizing nutrient malabsorption. The key focus lays on encouraging positive and changing harmful nutrition-related behaviors.

According to the SMART surveys that were carried out in the beneficiary communities as part of PIN’s baseline studies, nearly 60% of children under five are stunted, and the GAM based on WfH z-scores reached 10%. These results show that while most children are suffering from lack of micro-and macronutrients necessary for development and growth, many of them do not lack necessary food intake. The dietary scores of children and PLW reflect that in many cases it is not the quantity of food consumption that leads to high levels of chronic malnutrition, but rather the quality and in many cases the prevalent of diarrhea.

2. TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Overall objective:

To assist project teams in the areas of M-Health, IPIN WaSH and Nutrition projects, by performing a thorough analysis of barriers impeding change of pre-selected behaviors considered to have a detrimental impact on the successful implementation of their projects, while also defining a strategy to effectively foster the adoption of more virtuous behaviors that can improve beneficiaries’ lives.

Specific objectives:

1. To conduct a formative survey identifying the most influential determinants of each of the pre-defined behaviors (2 per project)
2. To design a BCC strategy for each project, with proposals for activities, key messages, appropriate dissemination materials, etc.

It is recommended that the consultant follows the Designing for Behaviour Change Framework, including the use of Barrier Analysis (and other) data collection and analysis methods.

Preselected behaviors

Two specific behaviors were defined by each project team with the aim of tackling them through a barrier analysis and behavior change campaign. In order to be better able to design an effective behavior change campaign, strategic ways of tackling them are to be identified by this consultancy:

INTEGRATED PROGRAM ON IMPROVED NUTRITION (IPIN) – WASH COMPONENT

1. Children U5 are left in spaces free from dirt and animals’ faeces.

2. Domestic animals are not allowed to wander and defecate away from the dwellings.

Thus, the aim is to reduce the impact of fecal-transmitted infections and the consequent limited absorption of nutrients. This will precisely be the focus of the sanitation component of the barrier analysis and the objective of the sanitation BCC strategy to be designed.

NEONATAL MHEALTH PROGRAM: SENDING LIFE-SAVING MESSAGES TO MOTHERS AND CAREGIVERS

1. TBAs quickly refer mothers to nearby health facilities when delivery complications arise.

2. TBS discourage the use of traditional medicines for babies under 6 months which often worsen their health.

Thus, this consultancy should focus on developing a barrier analysis on the reasons that lead TBAs to behave in specific ways, and advice PIN on ways to reduce dangerous practices that place women’s and children’s lives at constant risk.

IMPROVED FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY FOR THE MOST VULNERABLE POPULATION

IN BIÉ PROVINCE – NUTRITION COMPONENT

1. Mothers exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months.

2. Mothers improve their protein, Vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables r intake during pregnancy.

Thus, the aim of the consultancy is to analyze the existing barriers that perpetuate malnutrition in cases where intake is not an issue, and to provide assistance in designing a campaign that leads to better habits. As, it is believed that by targeting caretakers’ vital behaviors, the nutritional status of many children can be greatly improved.

Methodology:

The consultant is expected to use both qualitative and quantitative methods and work with primary and secondary data sources.

Desk study, documents review:

• Analysis of available data sources such as baseline and needs assessment documents, progress reports, monitoring reports and any other materials that the evaluator considers useful for this evidence-based assessment
• Review of project documents, including project reports
• Review of policy documents and strategies

Field Research:

• Barrier Analysis for each of the targeted behaviours, using the standard sampling of 45 Doers and 45 Non-Doers
• Interviews with relevant key informants
• Interviews and focus group discussions with project beneficiaries and non-beneficiary population in target areas
• Observation

The detailed methodological approach will be designed by the consultant in the initial framework document. The consultant is expected to conduct research ensuring active and meaningful involvement of beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

PIN requires specific and by data supported answers to each of the agreed pre-selected behaviors.

List of participating institutions/stakeholders and target groups:

The stakeholders and target groups to be contacted and consulted in the study process are:

• Lead implementing agency – People In Need
• Local authorities: municipal administrations and provincial government (Bie and Huila)
• Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs)
• Local communities
• Women beneficiaries of IPIN and mHealth Projects
• Beneficiaries performing the identified harmful behavior(s)

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To carry out a desk review of the 3 projects, and to draw up a framework that encompasses a thorough analysis of the specific contexts, questions and issues, together with a methodology and PoA for field research (task to be performed before arriving to Angola. i.e. home-based, with PMs support)

• To review the material provided by project teams related to key behaviors. (task to be performed before arriving to Angola. i.e. home-based, with PMs support)

• To conduct field research including Barrier Analysis and generating inputs for designing BCC strategy. Consultant need to train data collectors and that build the capacities of the staff s/he will be working in with in terms of BCC.) (task to be performed in Angola in selected project sites with the assistance of project teams)

• To compile a Barrier Analysis report that summarizesthe findings of the field research - while dividing the findings field.(task to be performed either in Angola or in the country of residence of the consultant)

• To suggest forms of intervention (i.e. BCC strategy) to address harmful habits, practices, routines, behaviors as well as a set of guidelines for triggering positive changes in the target communities. It should also recommend activities that each project should/could engage in, in order to achieve its objectives. (task to be performed in Angola and presented to the team in order for the mission to develop a clear Action Plan)

These deliverables are to be:

• Prepared in English.
• Submitted to PIN electronically via e-mail (klara.jelinkova@peopleinneed.cz)

3. EXPERT PROFILE

Education:**

• An advanced university degree in Sociology, Communication, Anthropology, Psychology, Health, and/or Education is an advantage

• Expertise in conducting health nutrition-related formative surveys (familiarity with the Designing for Behavior Change (DBC) Framework is a strong advantage)

• Experience in strategic communication planning for development, communication in behavior development, social mobilization, and/or participatory communication, with quantitative or qualitative social sciences research skills.

• Expertise on C4D and/or behavior change communication is an asset.

Work Experience:**

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional work experience in development, planning and management of social development programs, including several years in developing countries.

• Practical experience in the adaptation and application of communication planning processes to specific programs, BCC interventions in Health, Nutrition and WASH.

• Experience in providing support to barrier analysis and communication implementation of UN, government or INGO-driven large scale interventions/projects on maternal, newborn and child health across Africa.

Languages:

• Fluent English and conversational Portuguese.

4. EXPECTED PRODUCTS:

The following deliverables will be submitted by the consultant at three different stages of the consultancy:

1. Methodology based on background documents provided by WASH, Health and Nutrition Program managers, including, activities, time frame, and necessary resources for conducting field work.

2. Product submitted before the consultant’s arrival to the mission.

3. Barrier analysis report

4. Product to be turned in and discussed with PMs 5 days after the field research.

5. BCC strategies for the selected projects. The document will outline options to develop communication campaigns suitable for each thematic area that can be realistically tailored to the projects’ target groups. Proposed activities must be feasible within each project’s timeframe, resources and budget.

6. Product to be submitted no later than 10 days after conclusion of the field work.

5. REPORTING

Consultant is responsible for reporting to the Angola Desk Officer (DO) at the HQ, along with PIN’s Nutrition Security & Resilience Advisor

Quality of delivered products will be assessed by the above-mentioned. Consequently, payments will be authorized by the HoM with endorsement by HQ relevant management and program staff.

While his/her reporting line will be uniquely and directly to the HoM and DO, the consultant will plan and coordinate activities with the 3 Project Managers (PMs) responsible for WASH, Nutrition and Health.

6. DURATION AND LOCATIONS

Forty (40) days: The nature of the consultancy and the tasks to be accomplished require the consultant to be able to work partially home-based and partially in Angola.

• Four (4) days traveling to and from home
• Five (4) days to review background documents and design the study methodology. Conducting desk review, design of field activities, analysis, drafting and editing of final outputs will happen from home
• Five (5) days for PIN-staff training
• Ten (10) days to carry out field research (including the training of PIN’s data collectors) and to analyse the information gathered during the study; s/he will be required to travel to the PIN-Angola mission to visit different projects’ sites at Kuito, Lubango and Benguela or Huambo.
• Five (5) days to compile the draft products while still at the mission in order to receive comments from People in Need
• Twelve (12) days to present final recommendations and BCC strategy in order for support the mission in developing a clear Action Plan while still at the mission.

All costs of accommodation and travel to/from and within Angola will be provided PIN i.e. PIN own vehicles and drivers and PIN guesthouses and/or hotels when necessary or available.

Data collectors to support field research will be provided.

7. PAYMENT MODALITIES AND SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum budget available for evaluation is 12,000 USD

Milestones

20% - Following the signing of the Contract on Consultant Services

25% - After the 1st draft of the Barrier Analysis document has been submitted and approved by PIN

25% - After the 1st draft of the Behavior Change Strategy has been submitted and approved by PIN 30% - After the final version of the final strategy document has been submitted and approved by PIN

PIN reserves the right to deduct up to 0.5% of the total contract price for each day's delay in meeting the deliverables specified. This deduction shall be applied to the last payment of 50% of the contract price.

Justification of data unavailability must be communicated by the evaluator without delay as soon as it becomes apparent and approved by PIN. Failure to do so can result in decreasing the consultant’s remuneration.

8. APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants are requested to send their applications by email to klara.jelinkova@peopleinneed.cz, stating “BCC IPIN Consultant” in the subject field. The application deadline is August 15^th, 2016.

Only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.

8.1. Content of the application (only complete applications will be considered)

• Cover letter summarizing qualification and experience of the candidate to conduct above described evaluation
• Curriculum Vitae (indicating at least two reference persons, who can provide information on previous evaluation experience)
• Preliminary methodological proposal for the implementation of the evaluation
• One or two examples of previous relevant work outcomes (ideally barrier analysis report and related BCC or alternatively evaluation reports related to similar projects)
• Financial proposal (including fees and per diems, daily rates – separately for desk-based work and field research if different - as well as total sum to be provided)

In preparing the financial proposal, applicants should be aware that PIN shall provide the consultant with translator to/from local language, car, driver and fuel and accommodations to carry out the necessary work in Bié and Huila provinces. These expenses should not be included in the proposal.

8.2 Evaluation of applications

PIN applies a transparent selection process based on the following criteria:

• Relevant qualification and experience – criteria weight is 30%
• Daily fees in USD – criteria weight is 40%
• Quality of proposed methodology – criteria weight is 30%
• Each evaluation criteria will obtain between 0 and 10 point, 10 points being the maximum, 0 points the minimum and multiplied by criteria weight. For Price criterion formula will be as follow: PriceA/PriceB criteria weight (0,45) 10. Price A = most convenient price for PIN from all submitted offers; Price B = actual price offered by the tenderer. (PIN reserves the right to request additional info regarding the above mentioned documents via email/skype during the Tender evaluation phase.)

Applicants are requested to send their applications by email to klara.jelinkova@peopleinneed.cz, stating “BCC IPIN Consultant” in the subject field. The application deadline is August 15^th, 2016.

Kindly note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.

Thank you for understanding.