Development of a Communication Strategy for Clinical Management of Rape Taskforce

Background

Clinical Management of Rape (CMR) is a critical component of the comprehensive response to meet the needs of survivors of sexual violence. In Lebanon CMR services were launched in 2012 in response to the Syria crisis then in 2013, the CMR Taskforce (CMR TF) was established in coordination of the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and UNFPA in order to coordinate and advocate efforts at national level for increased access to quality and “empathetic” medical response for adult and child survivors in selected health facilities. Since its establishment, the CMR TF served as a forum to discuss challenges, gaps, solutions, as well as knowledge and good practices regarding CMR and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV); and it has coordinated its efforts with various health and protection sector agencies such as the GBV Taskforce and the Child Protection Working Group.  In view of the absence of CMR national accountability frameworks, a review of the practices for CMR Strategies and Guidelines was conducted by the CMR TF in 2016 which led to identification of concrete action points among which the development of a national strategy to institutionalize CMR and IPV services within MoPH health services network as per international standards; while outlining linkages with other ministries.

The MoPH, in partnership with UNICEF and UNFPA, has taken the leadership in developing the CMR strategy in close coordination with the CMR TF. The CMR Strategy revolves around six Key Strategic areas out of which Primary Protection that aims to strengthen the approach to prevention through behavioral and social change. This strategic area is entrusted to the CMRTF who will engage with the GBV TF and Health TF and coordinate MoPH PHC Department, for the development of a public awareness and communication strategy and prevention and safeguarding plan with related mechanisms associated with SV including rape. The communication strategy and safeguarding plan will focus on social and behavioral change and will be aligned with all relevant national strategies namely those noted in the CMR national strategy. Accordingly, UNFPA on behalf of the CMRTF is seeking to engage a firm for the development of an actionable communication strategy for the CMRTF.  

Objectives

The objective of this assignment is twofold:

-Develop a communication strategy for the CMRTF aimed to induce awareness and behavioral change for increase access to CMR services as needed

-Develop a one-year detailed work plan for implementation of the communication strategy.

Tasks

Under the supervision of UNFPA and guidance of the CMRTF 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:
• Review of the national CMR strategy document that outlines the CMR key stakeholders, objectives of the communication strategy and key interventions to be achieved
• Conducting interviews with key CMR stakeholders to identify their perceived needs, desired changes, used/preferred communication channels/vehicles, perceived needs,

perceived barriers for access to services etc from a communication perspective

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 CMR to increase awareness hence 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 CMRTF communication strategy
      4. Propose a coordination mechanism for development and dissemination of IEC material related to CMR
      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

Skills 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.

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 and protection sectors in Lebanon  
• Having a good understanding of SRH/ GBV issues in Lebanon is preferable.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver quality results with strict deadlines