Development of a Communication Strategy for the Sexual Reproductive Health Sub Working Group

Background

Access to sexual reproductive health (SRH) services and information is a fundamental human right. To exercise this right, populations in general and those vulnerable in particular must have access to comprehensive RH information and services to make free and informed choices. Quality SRH services must be based on the needs of the population.  They must respect the religious beliefs, ethical values and cultural backgrounds of the community and individuals, while conforming to universally recognised international human rights standards. Research have demonstrated a positive impact of awareness and health promotion on attitudes and beliefs of people which can lead to improvements in health outcomes through adopting healthy behaviors and practices. Access to SRH services can be hindered due to many factors including but not exclusive to socio-cultural barriers, poorly informed persons, service providers’ attitudes, absence of relevant services, unaffordability to pay for the services, lack of information about the services. For years, health promotion interventions depended to a great extent on a mix of various Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) approaches and tools. Acknowledging the importance of IEC to reinforce knowledge and education on particular topics, the latter cannot achieve change as a stand-alone intervention, but usually should be part of a comprehensive behavioral change and communication (BCC) strategy that includes multiple interventions, approaches, channels and tools. 

In Lebanon, the Reproductive Health Sub-Working Group (RHSWG) has been operational since 2013 under the Health Working Group and within the coordination mechanism established in support of the Humanitarian Response to the Syria crisis. The RHSWG is chaired by UNFPA and is a platform for enhanced coordination, knowledge sharing, addressing urgent needs and priorities, and strategizing for joint programming. 

With this in mind, and to reinforce the efficiency of the RHSWG, an action oriented RH communication strategy is essential for guiding the RHSWG and other stakeholders in designing programs and interventions that positively influence attitudes and practices and increase health seeking behaviors. 

Accordingly, UNFPA on behalf of the RHSWG is seeking to engage a firm for the development of an actionable RH communication strategy. 

Objectives

The objective of this assignment is twofold:

1. 1. 1. Develop an RH communication strategy aimed to induce a behavioral change for increase access to SRH services
      2. Develop a one-year detailed work plan for implementation of the RH communication strategy.

Tasks

Under the supervision of UNFPA and guidance of the RHSWG and in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, the specific tasks of this assignment include:

• 1. 1. Conduct a baseline assessment to inform development of the communication strategy. This will include:
• Defining the key stakeholders and entities engaged / that can be involved in SRH (Ministries, I/NGOs, media, donors, coalition groups, local community structures, service providers, etc)
• Conducting interviews with key SRH stakeholders to identify their perceived needs, desired changes, benefits etc from a communication perspective
• Conducting focus group discussion with selected beneficiaries to identify the used/preferred communication channels/vehicles, perceived needs, perceived barriers for access to services etc

1. 1. 1. Conduct SWOT (Strength, weakness, opportunities, threats) analysis for each category of stakeholders  from a communication perspective to define how each category needs to be provided with information on SRH to increase access to services
      2. Specify appropriate communication channels and dissemination methods for each category of stakeholders that allows effective communication of key messages (i.e. policy briefs, media, video, printing material, web/online media, social media, open dialogue, community campaigns, national campaigns, etc)
      3. Develop a monitoring and evaluation framework related to the implementation of the SRH communication
      4. Propose a coordination mechanism for development and dissemination of RH IEC/BCC material
      5. Develop a work plan over one year for the communication strategy including the annual activities related to advocacy and communication including key activities, indicators, responsible parties, measurement of achievement, etc.

Duration

This consultancy will extend over a period of 8 weeks starting October 25 till December 25 2021

Skilled and experience required

The time period for the evaluation is limited therefore a consultancy firm is requested to fulfill this task whereby consultation with key stakeholders need to be implemented simultaneously and with other key tasks and a team must be readily available, fully dedicated to this exercise and equipped to undertake requested multiple tasks.  

The consultancy firm must have relevant experience in developing communication strategies, experience in strategic communication and public advocacy, knowledge in the field of health, and experience and in-depth knowledge of the Lebanese context and cultural sensitivities.

Qualifications

The consultancy firm must offer the following demonstrated expertise, and competencies:

• At least five years’ experience in developing communication and advocacy strategies
• Good understanding and experience of the different communications channels in Lebanon
• Relevant experience in working with government and/or international organizations on consultancy assignments, especially in strategic communications planning
• Experience and knowledge in the health sectors in Lebanon  
• Having a good understanding of SRH issues in Lebanon is preferable.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver quality results with strict deadline