International/National Consultancy - SBC Data Consultant for Outbreak Response at UNICEF

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Background

• Kenya has confirmed recent Polio outbreak. Three genetically linked cVDPV2s were isolated from two acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) cases, with onset of paralysis on 26 and 27 May 2023, and one asymptomatic community contact, from Fafi district, Garissa County were detected. Genetic sequencing confirmed the isolated cVDPV2 are linked to cVDPV2 currently circulating in Banadir, Somalia. The cases and community contact are all from Hagadera refugee camp, associated with frequent population movement with neighboring Somalia. The Ministry of Health through the Division of Disease Surveillance and Response and the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre has activated a Technical Coordination Committee, to begin preparations for implementation of emergency outbreak response, as per internationally agreed outbreak response guidelines, including rapid implementation of large-scale supplementary immunization activities. Community engagement for Polio programming is being further strengthened, and subnational social and behavioral determinants levels are being analyzed to identify potential un- or under-immunized populations and/or areas.
• As a key partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), UNICEF has the mandate of providing technical assistance to ensure evidence-based, fast track and effective SBC response whenever a polio outbreak is confirmed, as well as the support to strengthen routine immunization. The organization relies on highly trained and experienced personnel of staff and consultants to meet this obligation.

Justification:

• Disease outbreaks require a rapid and time-intensive action by SBC professionals. It requires mobility to monitor the affected communities, local advocacy and inter-sectoral coordination at local and national level. Consultancy support is necessary to ensure continuous technical support and participation in the coordination meetings with partners including MOH, WHO, CDC, BMGF, without undermining the staff capacity necessary to attend to other priority issues as per the Country Programme Document.

Scope of Work

In close co-ordination with the UNICEF SBC Specialist/Officers at Nairobi and Zonal Offices, and Ministry of Health and the County Department of Health, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Support enhancement of data collection, analysis, triangulation, compile relevant information, ensuring their reliability and accuracy to inform strategic planning and decision-making for risk communication and community engagement.
• Verify data quality (completeness, timeliness), identify gaps in Polio SBC health information management, recommend corrective actions.
• Analysis of data that may include development of automated processes for Social Investigation, routine data analysis while developing dashboards for monitoring of SBC performance indicators, SBC indicators coverage, reporting, emergency preparedness and response and primary child health data management needs etc
• Prepare relevant documents to include in internal and external situation reports (SitReps), bulletins, health risk assessments, etc
• Compile and complete monthly SBC Polio data profiles and assessments.
• Respond to specific information requests from the technical teams and facilitate generation of intersectoral reports for dissemination and knowledge sharing with all partners and stakeholders
• Ensure that all data and information handled are properly warehoused for ease of maintenance, retrieval and security controls and backup done
• Knowledge transfer to enhance staff data management capacity.
• Participate in any other activity that may be required in connection with the data management and perform any other specific related duties, as required by the functional supervisor.
• Work closely with MOH ACSM/Data sub-committee/TWG members on the developing and implementing and monitoring a social media message, placement and monitoring of reach and effective with a plan to addressing misinformation, disinformation, and vaccine hesitancy if any arises.
• Submit final consultancy report with best practices, recommendations, gaps & challenges

Desired competencies, technical background, and experience:

Academic qualifications:

• Advanced university degree in Social & Behavioural Sciences, Communication for Development, psychology, Journalism & Mass Communication, and Public Health.
• A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least 4 years of professional work experience at national and county levels in health education & promotion, public/environmental health, health communication, immunization/Polio SBC and other relevant programs
• Proven expertise in information and data management particularly managing social data is desirable.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili required. Knowledge of local languages will be an asset.
• Experience in working in a public health emergency context is an asset
• Familiarity of the polio program and knowledge of UNICEF SBC efforts would be an additional asset

Competencies

•  Ability to work quickly and effectively in a multi-cultural environment. Experience working with Kenyan government preferred.
•  Familiarity and/or experience with UNICEF and the UN system is desired.
•  Excellent facilitation skills to plan, prepare and present technical concept to a wide range of stakeholder
•  Excellent oral and written communication, including facilitation, negotiation, and active listening.
•  Strong analytical skills using existing and new data.

Deadline: 05 Aug 2023 E. Africa Standard Time