Social Data Manager 282 views

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Terms of Reference

Title Social Science Data Manager – Ebola Viral Disease

Type of Contract Consultant

Supervision Chief, Communication for Development/C4D Ebola Coordinator

Location South Sudan – Juba, with a frequent travel to UNICEF field offices with at risk/affected counties

Duration Six (6) months

Start Date Immediate

Background/Rationale for the Assignment

Following the continuously Ebola outbreak in DRC and the significant risk of cross-border spread to neighboring countries, WHO prioritized 9 countries for Ebola preparedness and response in line with their proximity to the outbreak epicenter and health system capacity to cope with EVD. South Sudan, along with Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi, is categorized as the priority one.

The continuous risk of EVD spread from DR Congo has emphasized due to the fact that South Sudan has reported three indigenous outbreaks in the past. The outbreaks occurred in 1976, 1979, and 2005 and all the outbreaks occurred in the Western Equatoria state hub. The first two outbreaks occurred in Nzara and Maridi while the third outbreak occurred in Yambio alongside with a measles outbreak. These trends therefore suggest that even without the risk of EVD spread from the current outbreak in DR Congo, South Sudan harbors the reservoirs for EVD since the Greater Equatoria region shares the same ecological features with endemic locations in DR Congo.

As part of the prepared response, UNICEF is working in close coordination with Ministry of Health, WHO and other partners and actively engaged in the EVD preparedness contingency planning that aims to ensure alignment of preparedness and to be continued for readiness actions in the coming months. UNICEF’s C4D role as lead agency for risk communication includes: i) coordination; ii) capacity reinforcement and guidance; iii) facilitation of assessments; iv) production, pre-positioning and broadcast of mass media messages to raise public awareness and overcome resistance; v) outreach to and training of opinion leaders, military personnel, journalists, community-based workers and other field-level partners; and vi) door-to-door campaigning and interpersonal communication to deliver focused messages to households and service providers. In addition, UNICEF through the established Risk Communication Task Force at the national level will continue to provide support to the Ministry of Health at national and state level to ensure effective coordination.

Due to the key role UNICEF plays in coordinating Ebola Preparedness Response on Risk Communication, Social Mobilization and Community Engagement across the country with more focus on high risk states, UNICEF (C4D) is seeking to deploy a Social Science Research Expert/Anthropologist with solid expertise in data collection and analysis of prevailing socio-cultural practices.

Purpose & Expected Results

Under the guidance of the Communication for Development (C4D) Chief, and in close coordination with the UNICEF C4D Ebola Coordinator working on Risk Communication, Social Mobilization and Community Engagement, the Social Science Data Manager is responsible for the establishment of a responsive ‘near real time’ mechanism in South Sudan to track and analyze Ebola-related rumors, perceptions, and community opinions, for informing the design and implementation of effective socio-behavioral interventions that build, maintain, or restore community trust and confidence in EVD prevention and containment measures

Data collection and analysis of prevailing socio-cultural practices

Analyze the source of the growing resistance to the EVD preparedness response to understand what is driving it and make concrete evidence-based recommendations on how to reverse it, including new strategies that may be needed. Proactively address prevailing community concerns, including rumors that have a negative impact on the response strategies and propose strategies on how to address concerns/rumours and use community feedback to improve response strategies.

Reporting and feedback to response teams

Develop weekly briefs for action for risk communication, social mobilization and community engagement working group based on rapid analysis on topics mentioned above and other concerns that emerge as the response situation evolves. Participate in meetings of the RCSMCE TWGs.

Coordination of social science information with response pillars

Engage with relevant TWG stakeholders on a weekly basis and provide consolidated guidance to Risk Communication and Community Engagement teams and the broader Ebola coordination teams.

Provide evidence-based recommendations to facilitate the integration of sociocultural and other contextual issues within the risk communication, social mobilization and community engagement activities being implemented among religious and traditional groups, political leaders; youths, women and civil society groups and Ebola survivors among others in order to strengthen rapport and trust.

Suggested Data Collection/Research Approach

Compile and analyze existing socio-anthropological and communication data, including information generated by social scientists already deployed and results from KAP surveys and others. Organize, guide and suggest/tailor tools for data collection by other social scientist deployed by UNICEF in the areas of concern. Provide inputs to the design of upcoming surveys to be conducted by C4D teams, as well as for implementation reporting forms and templates.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Advanced university degree in statistics, behavioural and/or social sciences (cultural or medical anthropology, sociology, behavioural science, etc.)
• Understanding of current developments in the field of Risk Communication, Social Mobilization and Community Engagement as used in Disease Outbreak Response, including how strategic communication is used to address behaviours and social science dimensions towards stopping the outbreak is needed.
• At least 8 years of applied research experience, including experience in developing country context, preferably in Africa.
• At least 2-year experience of work in public health emergency contexts.
• Knowledge of and experience in research that takes into account social, political and economic environment of East, West and Central Africa;
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic or local languages is an asset.

Deliverables (SMART)

Deadline

Establish a national centralized RCSMCE data management system centralized in Juba in discussion with all stake holders that is responsive ‘near real time’ to track and analyze Ebola-related rumors, perceptions, and community opinions End January 2020

Develop bi-weekly data analytical report for the EVD states Jan – June 2020

Participate in weekly technical working group, national task force and other EVD stakeholders meeting and share the knowledge gathered from social science research (4 meetings in a month) Jan – June 2020

Train UNICEF C4D officers on data management – 2 workshops Feb and March 2020

Conduct 4 capacity building workshops for partners NGO/ programme staff on data collection, analysis and IM requirements in Juba, Yambio, Torit and Yei Monthly (Feb – June 2020)

Develop 2 visual analysis and info-graphs using the data extracted from the field monitoring system & the centralized database or any other related data source every month Jan – June

Conduct 1 programmatic visit very month to support data management in Juba, Yambio, Torit and Yei Monthly (Jan – June 2020)

Estimated Duration of the Contract

Six (6) months

Duty Station and Official Travel

South Sudan – Juba, with a frequent travel to UNICEF field offices with at risk/affected counties

Estimated Cost of the Consultancy

Detailed financial proposal should be submitted by the applicant based in the TOR.

Payment Schedule

Monthly basis on submission of monthly invoice

UNICEF Supervisor

Chief, Communication for Development

Travel Clause

• All UNICEF rules and regulations related to travel of Consultants/ Individual Contractors apply.
• All travels shall be undertaken only upon the prior written approval by UNICEF.
• The eligible maximum amount for travel is specified in the contract.
• The consultant is responsible for his/her for travel arrangements. The most economic and direct route is authorized.
• Travel costs will be reimbursed after the completion of mission. UNICEF will pay the applicable DSA rate and other travel related expenses upon submission of the invoice together with the supporting documentation.

Nature of Penalty Clause in Contract

If the final reports and documents are not submitted according to the deliverables stated in this TOR, the payments will be withheld. UNICEF reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/outputs is incomplete, not delivered or for failure to meet deadlines (fees reduced due to late submission: 20 days – 10%; 1 month -20%; 2 months -30%; more 2 months – payment withhold). All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNICEF and UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The functional competencies required for this post are…

View our competency framework at

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Advertised: 28 Nov 2019 E. Africa Standard Time

Applications close: 13 Dec 2019 11:55 PM E. Africa Standard Time