Consultant to Develop Contextualized Communication Campaigns and IEC Materials on DR-TB at MAL Consultancy

INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND

Our Client is a human rights NGO working to protect and promote health-related human rights in Kenya. They do this by providing legal services and support, training professionals on human rights, engaging in advocacy campaigns that promote awareness of human rights issues, conducting research and influencing policy that promotes evidence-based change. Our Client advocates for a holistic and rights-based system of service delivery in health and for the full enjoyment of the right to health by all, including the vulnerable, marginalized and excluded populations in four thematic areas.

Tuberculosis (TB) and in particular drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) remains one of the most persistent global health challenges with Kenya ranking among the 30 high-burden countries. While significant medical and scientific progress has been made including the introduction of shorter, safer DR-TB treatment regimens, uptake at community level remains limited due to stigma, misinformation, health illiteracy and lack of inspiring narratives of survival and recovery.

The Combat DR-TB project is a multi-country initiative aimed at transforming TB response through community driven strategies. One of the key objectives is to increase community and civil society capacity to advocate for and utilize optimal DRTB services. 

This consultancy focuses on developing contextualized community level awareness communication material to improve understanding of DRTB testing and treatment particularly the efficacy, safety and tolerability of WHO recommended regimens. The aim is to change public perception about DR-TB from one of fear and despair to one of possibility, dignity and recovery. This will be achieved through compelling, contextualized Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material and communication campaigns across various digital and community platforms, including social media, websites, printed products, info boards in health facilities and mobile applications such as the One Impact tool.

The Combat DR-TB project builds on a community-centered approach that integrates advocacy, communication, and social mobilization with treatment literacy, patient empowerment and storytelling. The project recognizes that beyond the drugs, people need trust, understanding and hope to complete DR-TB treatment successfully.

To achieve this, the project seeks a highly skilled consultant with experience in health storytelling, campaign strategy, visual content development and community engagement.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

The specific objectives of this consultancy are to;

1. Develop and execute a strategic, multi-platform communication campaign that humanizes DR-TB and inspires confidence in treatment, promoting community engagement in national TB programs and policy dialogues.
2. Collect, craft and disseminate DR-TB treatment success stories through context appropriate formats like videos, print, social media etc. To document through videos, print, social media short videos etc., and share evidence-based treatment success stories to influence policy, funding and social support for DR-TB programs.
3. Contribute to stigma reduction and health promotion by reinforcing positive, rights-based messaging about DR-TB treatment and recovery, by increasing knowledge and understanding of DRTB, including testing, treatment options and patient rights.
4. Promote positive behavior change that supports early diagnosis and adherence to treatment.

SCOPE OF WORK

The consultant will be responsible for;

Communications Strategy and Planning

1. Conduct a rapid situational analysis on public perceptions, barriers to information uptake and existing TB communication gaps
2. Develop a detailed communications strategy and campaign plan tailored to project objectives and Kenyan audience segments
3. Define tone, messaging pillars, visual branding and campaign phases.

Story Collection and Development

1. Identify and interview individuals with lived experiences of DR-TB who have completed treatment
2. Use ethical and participatory storytelling approaches that ensure dignity, informed consent and narrative control by survivors.

Content Creation and Adaptation

1. Develop and localize IEC materials and multimedia products, including;
2. Short-form video content (2–5 min clips for social media/website)
3. Testimonial posters and info boards for clinics and community spaces with a rights-based approach
4. Success story brochures (digital/print)
5. Social media kits with graphics, quotes, hashtags and captions.

Dissemination and Channel Integration

1. Create a dissemination and publishing plan aligning with the project’s broader communications calendar. Upload and manage content via

• Our Client’s and partner websites
• Social media platforms (Twitter/X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram)
• Health facility noticeboards
• The OneImpact mobile platform 
• Partner networks and WhatsApp based community groups.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

The key deliverables from this consultancy will include.

• Multimedia Story Package on DR-TB Treatment Success- A curated set of 10–15 survivor stories presented through short videos (2–5 minutes each, subtitled in English/Kiswahili), high quality photographs, ethically sourced and cleared with informed consent documentation.
• Set of Contextualized IEC Materials- Including 10 poster designs (for health facilities and community spaces), brochures/leaflets on DR-TB treatment success and rights-based messaging, Info-board layout for clinics, Digital flipbook/PDF compilation for online sharing.
• Social media and Digital Campaign Toolkit. This includes a ready-to-use toolkit like social media graphics and short captions (for Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram)
• Final Consultancy report and knowledge Products. This shall include a report detailing process, reach metrics, lessons learned and recommendations for sustainability. Annexes to include all produced materials, success stories, consent forms, analytics and high quality media files.

DESIRED COMPETENCIES 

• Advanced Degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Health, Social Marketing, or related discipline
• At least 5 years’ experience in strategic communication or campaign development, preferably in public health or rights-based programming
• Demonstrated experience producing high quality IEC materials (digital and print), particularly in resource limited settings
• Proficiency in multimedia storytelling tools (video editing, graphic design, layout software)
• Strong understanding of TB and or DR-TB, stigma dynamics and key population perspectives
• Experience working with civil society, patient advocates, and community based health programs
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili (verbal and written). Ability to work with local languages is a plus.

REPORTING AND SUPERVISION 

The consultant will report to the Program Manager HIV/TB and the Project Coordinator. Our client shall provide overall supervisory support for the assignment.

DURATION & LOCATION OF THE CONSULTANCY ASSIGNMENT

The consultancy will be conducted over a period of 65 working days, and will be delivered remotely, with travel to training and interview sites.