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 implement a comprehensive gender-responsive Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Strategy to address barriers to the utilization of SRH/FP services in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.

 

The purpose of this consultancy is to:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive gender-responsive social and behavior change communication strategy for increased use of SRH/FP services.
• Localize/contextualize the comprehensive social and behavior change communication strategy (SBCC) using the Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach that will be used by 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 develop and implement SBCC interventions using the HCD approach and action plan and implement it in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral in KP.

Specifically, the consultant will work on the following deliverables.

• Share an inception report/methodology and plan to contextualize and rolling out the SBCC strategy in GB and Chitral.
• Conduct desk study of existing SBCC strategies, reports, documents, and material developed by UNFPA and other partners in the project context.
• Discuss possible approaches for localization and outline the SBCC strategy with staff in relevant government departments, with project staff and AKRSP management, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct field visits and discussions with the community, reproductive-age women, men, and adolescent groups, girls and boys exploring the needs, aspirations, and challenges in imparting and uptake of SRHR/FP services.
• Develop locally contextualized SBCC strategy reviewed through a gender lens.
• Test/Pilot the material at the community level (cascading sessions by champions, and mentors) with field staff and train key community facilitators, champions, and mentors on applying the material.
• Incorporate changes in the SBCC strategy based on testing/pilot results.
• Present the draft consolidated SBCC strategy (contents/topics, learning outcomes, delivery methods, language (content and delivery), duration/timeframe, and reference material) for feedback to AKRSP, UNFPA, and SMK partners.
• Incorporate changes and submit the final localized SBCC strategy to AKRSP.

Specific Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Register consultancy firm with relevant experience of 5 years.

Or

• University degree from a reputable institution in Education, Behavioral Science, Public Health, or any other relevant discipline. At least 5 -8 years of relevant experience required.

 

Experience and technical skills:

• Demonstrable technical know-how and experience in developing and localizing social and behavior change communication strategy, and training modules for projects related to youth, sexual and reproductive health, family planning, gender, and or soft skills training programs.
• Content knowledge and understanding of addressing barriers to access the SRHR/FP services by women, men, and adolescents in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral.
• Excellent computer and graphic skills with hands-on experience in layout, graphic design, editing, and publishing large documents as eBooks.
• 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.