The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) is an institution of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) established by the Aga Khan Foundation in 1982. AKRSP has been working in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan with the overall goal of improving the quality of life of the people in the programme area.

The AKRSP is seeking a high calibre professional for the position of Consultancy to develop and design specific Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material based on Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) strategy to address barriers to the utilization of SRH/FP services in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

 

Purpose:

The purpose of this consultancy is to:

• Roll out/ broadcast specific SBCC media products and events through various media outlets such as airing messages on cable, talk shows on radio/TV, newspapers, and social media in local languages of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral (Balti, Shina, Wakhi, Burushaski, Khowar, Kalash) and Urdu and English.
• Localize/contextualize the social and behavior change communication strategy (SBCC) through key messages, animated videos, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) material related to SRHR/FP (flyers, posters, brochures) that will be used by local media outlets, community mobilizers, health workers, mentors, and champions in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral in KP.

Background:

Sihat Mand Khaandaan (SMK), meaning “Healthy Families” is a five-year accelerated partnership program funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and implemented by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Aga Khan Foundation Pakistan (AKFP). The aim is to help achieve universal access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) care services and Family Planning (FP). The project objectives are aligned closely with those of the Government of Pakistan in its commitments related to health outcomes, achieving gender equality, and empowering all women and girls.

AKRSP is responsible for demand creation and the specific outputs under the intermediate Outcome-3 in selected districts in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral in KP which relates to reduced gender and social barriers to utilization and uptake of SRH/FP services in the target areas by women, men, girls, and boys. Enhancing the ability of local community structures, institutions, and leaders to identify and respond to gender and social barriers to utilization of FP/RH services and uptake of practices is one priority.

Behavior Change Communication Strategy (SBCC):

The Behavior Change Communication Strategy (SBCC) provides a “road map” for changing behaviors and social norms. A good SBCC strategy also ensures that activities work together to achieve the program goal and objectives. SBCC strategies are essential in addressing important health issues. They allow for the harmonization of priorities, approaches, and messages among the relevant organizations and stakeholders.

Developing an effective SBCC strategy requires a systematic process to analyze the problem, define key barriers and motivators to change, and design effective messages and interventions. An SBCC strategy developed under the SMK project will provide guidelines for SRHR/FP campaigns and interventions for the intended audiences. The strategy will provide a comprehensive set of interventions to encourage and support positive behaviors of adolescent girls and boys, reproductive-age women, and men.

 

Scope of Work:

Under outcome 3 of the Sihat Mand Khandan (SMK) project, which relates to reducing gender and social barriers to utilization and uptake of SRH/FP services in the target area by women, men, boys, and girls, AKRSP will hire services of a consultant to review the relevant findings from the SBCC strategy related to GB and Chitral and from the AKU baseline study to contextualize the content locally. Besides, it will review other relevant studies online material on behavior change communication that may be available with UNFPA, FPAP, Government of GB and KP, and other partners related to reproductive health and women and girls' rights. Based on this, AKRSP will localize/contextualize the social and behavior change communication strategy (SBCC) through key messages, animated videos, Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material (flyers, posters, brochures) related to SRHR/FP through various media outlets such as airing messages on cable, talk shows on radio/TV, newspapers, and social media in local languages of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral (Balti, Shina, Wakhi, Burushaski, Khowar, Kalash) and Urdu and English to address the barrier to access SRHR/FP services by adolescent, women, and men in target districts of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

Specifically, the consultant will work on the following deliverables.

• Share an inception report/methodology and plan to contextualize and rolling out the SBCC strategy through various media outlets such as airing messages on cable, talk shows on radio/TV, newspapers, and social media in local languages of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral (Balti, Shina, Wakhi, Burushaski, Khowar, Domaki, Kalash) and in Urdu and English.
• Conduct study of existing SBCC strategies, reports, documents, and material developed by SBCC consultant, UNFPA, and other partners in the project context.
• Conduct field visits to develop audios and videos with community, reproductive-age women, men, and adolescent groups, girls and boys based on the SBCC material.
• Develop, and design animated videos, key messages, and talk show on radio and local cable networks based on SBCC strategy.  
• Develop, and design Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) material ((flyers, posters, brochures, pamphlets, booklets) based on SBCC strategy.
• Present the communication, and IEC material (flyers, posters, brochures, pamphlets, booklets, key messages, audio, and video messages, and animated videos) for feedback to AKRSP, UNFPA, and SMK partners.
• Incorporate changes and roll out the localize/contextualize IEC material based on SBCC strategy through various media outlets (cable, social media platforms, newspaper, radio). 

Specific Requirements:

Qualifications:

• University degree from a reputable institution in communications, film making, marketing, journalism, public relations, or any other most relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience required.

Experience and technical skills:

• Demonstrable technical know-how and experience in developing and localizing Information, Education, and Communication material related to youth, sexual and reproductive health, family planning, gender, and or soft skills training programs to address barriers to access SRHR/FP services.
• Excellent computer and graphic skills with hands-on experience in layout, graphic design, editing, and publishing large documents.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout, and design, professional printing/publishing skills are essential, including the ability to present concepts verbally.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media.
• Attention to detail, patience, flexibility, and ability to work in multi-cultural environments and traveling to difficult mountain areas by road.

Place of Assignment:

AKRSP core Office Gilgit / Home-based and zoom/skype/team meetings (subject to covid protocols).

Travel:

The Consultant is expected to travel to Chitral, and GB, and Islamabad as may be feasible due to the covid-19 pandemic and project requirements. All approved travels, boarding/lodgings will be borne by the organization.

NOTE: AKRSP offers competitive remuneration package and conducive working environment. We are equal opportunity employer - Women candidates are preferred without compromising the set criteria. Our recruitment and selection policy and procedures reflect our commitment to the safeguarding of children and adults in accordance with safeguarding policy. Only online applications submitted through this website before the deadline will be considered for further process. Only short listed profile will be contacted.